It has been proven that we can, indeed, age gracefully. Let’s look at some of the personal characteristics of healthy people
approaching 100 years of age. We all have one thing in common; we grow older every day. Although there is not one specific thing we can do to stop the process, it might be possible to slow down our natural aging and eliminate some age related disorders.
Physically, healthy people are thin. This is achieved by leading a lifestyle that includes a nutritional diet and daily exercise. Consuming low-calorie, nutrient rich foods that consist of lean proteins, plentiful fruits and vegetables gives them a well-rounded diet. Diets of physically healthy people are also typically low in fat, sugars and sodium. In addition, physically healthy people are non-smokers; use only moderate amounts of alcohol; and sleep well. They are rarely ill, use preventative health services, and have a positive outlook about their health. The National Institute On Aging provides a wealth of information on smart aging.
Intellectually, the healthiest people retired in their seventies and kept active both before and after retirement. They were interested in learning something new every day, had a passion for reading and discussing current events, and often reflected on the good things in life. Regardless of whether their continued education and acquiring of new skills was intentional or not; they benefited greatly from keeping their mind sharp.
Emotionally, those with the longest lifespan were optimistic. They were pleased with their lives, were rarely hostile to others, and adapted well to change in their lives. Having an outlet for relaxation and recreation were also important to them.
Relationships were very important. Most had successful marriages or had always been single. They maintained a large social network, attending social functions whenever possible.
Finally, spiritually, they had many things in their life that provided purpose and meaning for the appreciation of beauty in nature to prayer and meditation each day.
It is never too late to set in motion positive changes in our lives. We are not guaranteed a certain amount of time on earth, but we can surely enhance the quality of the time we are here. It only makes sense to enjoy the company of other people, to learn something new every day, to tell funny stories, and enjoy a good laugh. Cultivating a personal passion after retirement and helping those less fortunate than ourselves will add life to our years.
Source:
50+ Live Better: Longer, retrieved from, http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/tc/healthy-aging-topic-overview?page=2.
Written by: Kathy Green, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Butler County, green.1405@osu.edu.
Reviewer: Carmen Irving, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Union County, irving.31@osu.edu.
