By Eli Follick
As I celebrate my 80th birthday this month, I’m thinking about how much has changed over the decades, including in my mind and body. Geriatric conditions are so different from scraped knees that come from sliding into second base. As we age, so many things change from head to toe. Yet, as time goes by, how do we know when are we “old”?
There is no defining age that signals “older.” Many of us know people who are in their 40s or 50s who look or act old. There are others in their 80s who lift weights regularly in the gym.
However, as we age, muscularity, immunity, cognitive capabilities, stability, balance, vision, hearing, and taste all may decrease, according to the National Institutes of Health. Some arteries and organs don’t work as well as they did when we were younger.
Is it possible to manage these changes so that we can function, be independent, and fully enjoy our later years? The answer is yes, with intention and effort. The NIH suggests the following:
Take care of your physical health: Stay active – don’t just fold up. Make smart and healthful food choices. Participate in sports and stay active.
Get restful sleep: Sleeping through the night allows the body to recover, rebuild, and get the rest that feeds into your next day’s activities. Not getting enough sleep works against your ability to function well and limits your ability to enjoy the next day.
Quit smoking: Doing so can lower your risk of some diseases and may add years to your life.
Limit alcohol: Reducing or eliminating alcohol may lessen the harm that overuse can cause.
See your doctor annually for preventive care: Regular health examinations can delay or eliminate some health problems that may be progressing unbeknownst to us. Catching these issues early may make a huge difference in longevity.
Take care of your mental health: This is one of the most important things a person can do. Learning and/or doing something new is like feeding the brain. Find a new hobby and attend social events. The onset of dementias like Alzheimer’s may be delayed with mental activity.
Avoid social isolation: As we get older, inevitably losing family members, friends, and neighbors, we may find ourselves alone. It’s more difficult to get out and attend activities at night. It’s not as easy to go to the store and do your shopping. Travel may seem less exciting. The NIH says to stay connected. Keep in touch with family and friends over the phone if you can’t travel to them. Join and take part in Senior Center activities. Tune in the daily news to keep up-to-date.
Making even a few changes to daily life may result in adding years to it. Set out goals and create a realistic plan to reach them. Make a commitment to yourself: “I will be healthy. I’ve paid my dues to society, now it’s my turn to enjoy each day.”
For more information about aging healthfully, visit the National Institute on Aging Information Resource Center, [email protected], or call 800-222-2225. Some books I recommend include The Merck Manual of Health and Aging, Dr. Bob Arnot’s Guide to Turning Back the Clock, and Healthy Aging by Dr. Andrew Weil.
