Bette Davis once said, “Old age is no place for sissies”. With aging come changes that affect every aspect of life: an empty nest from children leaving home; sorrow from the death of loved ones; and physical changes that create dependency. But aging is not a disease. It is the normal evolution of life; a progressive irreversible process natural to all living things.

 

There are two options in life: grow old or die young, and the current trend is towards growing old. The population of people age 65 and over is expected to double to nearly 70 million by the year 2030 – with the most rapidly growing portion over the age of 85.

 

The most common health problems include hearing and visual impairments, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and cancer. Women still outlive men but the gap is closing fast.

 

The good news!

Disability rates for older adults have declined by almost 15%. Baby Boomers on a whole are healthier and smarter at accessing health care than their parent’s generation: they seek earlier diagnosis, treatment, and prevention; have improved eating habits; and are more inclined to exercise. Medical science and technology continue to grow producing better understanding of disease processes, more sophisticated diagnostic tools, and more preventive and treatment strategies. The majority of people age gracefully and enjoy their elder years.

 

The bad news!

Obesity is an epidemic in this county. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, overweight and obesity are chronic conditions caused by several factors. Environmental and genetic factors increase the risk but poor eating habits and physical inactivity are major culprits.

 

So what is the secret to healthy aging?

 

Have a practical plan for disease prevention and a positive attitude to enjoy life to the end. Maintain physical health by eating a balanced diet heavy on fruits and vegetables. Exercise at least 30-minutes each day. Get 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Maintain emotional wellness with a healthy balance between work and play. And maintain spiritual health through prayerful thoughts, forgiveness, and connecting with nature.

 

Blessings ~ Mary