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Health and Fitness

"Don’t try to think less of yourself, but try to think of yourself less.”

—George Vaillant, Aging Well

John Rowe and Robert Kahn, authors of the MacArthur Foundation’s study called Successful Aging published in 1999, found that lifestyle accounts for 75% of healthy aging. Healthy aging is diminished by risk factors such as blood pressure, weight, and diabetes and reinforced by friendships.

Two books that describe the elements of lifestyle that are most important to healthy aging are:

Aging Well, by George Vaillant, is the report from a 60-year study of the lifelong development of students from the Harvard classes of 1941 to 1944. The report describes six factors that have consistently separated the “happy-well” from the “sad-sick” men in this group: a stable marriage, a mature coping style, no smoking, restricted use of alcohol, regular exercise, and maintenance of normal weight.

Ed Creagan, chair of the Department of Oncology at the Mayo Clinic, has published the second book called Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging. Dr. Creagan asks, “Can you reverse the aging process?” His answer is, “Absolutely!” The aging process is modifiable, and lifestyle dictates the rate of aging. You will find the fountain of youth in exercising, both physically and mentally; accepting challenges; and keeping connected to friends and family.

Both healthier lifestyles and advancements in medical technology have contributed to a reduced rate of chronic disability among elderly Americans. Over three-quarters of seniors are still in relatively good health at age 80.

But good health does not just happen. You have to work at it.

Page Author: Jan Hively

This section includes the following pages:

• Longevity & Health Trends - Information about trends in health and aging and about the health-related behaviors that foster vital aging and add to your longevity.
• Talking with your Doctor - The National Institute on Aging provides helpful hints and practical steps for communicating more effectively with your doctors.
• Options for Exercise - Fitness gives you the ability to perform daily tasks vigorously and alertly, with energy left over for enjoying leisure time. Staying physically fit may be the fountain of youth that delays the onset of age-related disabilities.
• Good Nutrition for Older Adults - As you age, your body demands that you make adjustments in your dietary habits to maintain optimal health.
• Mental Health - Today, more then ever, you need to be flexible to meet your needs and those of your family. Having a sense of humor can help you cope with stress.
• Sexual Health - New breakthroughs in treating impotency and new healthy attitudes toward sexuality in older adults are making sexuality a lifelong experience.
• Alternative Therapies - Alternative therapies and complementary therapies can be helpful additions to traditional medical treatment.
• Chronic Illness - More than 125 million Americans experience at least one chronic condition, such as diabetes, cancer, glaucoma, or heart disease. Nearly half of them have more than one chronic condition.
• Essay: Benefits of Owning a Pet - Jeannine Moga, MSW, LGSW, writes that connecting with a critter goes a long way toward making you happy and healthy.
• Essay: Acting Happy - Dr. Dale Andersen makes the point that happiness is an infectious state that can definitely have an impact on your health.
• Essay: Taking Charge of Your Health - The biggest factor affecting your well being is you. There are many ways to take charge of your health and improve both your physical condition and longevity.