Even before Ponce de Leon’s search for the mythical Fountain of Youth in the 16th century, people longed for a way to reverse the aging process. Today, anti-wrinkle creams and plastic surgery might help the way you look, but they do nothing to improve your physical stamina. And none of them help you live a minute longer.
Is There a Way to Add Years to Your Life?
“We’ve come a very long way since 1900 when life expectancy was just 45 years,” said Dr. Jeffrey Koplan, former director of The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Americans saw a life-expectancy gain of more than 25 years over the last century. Various factors – including immunizations, high-tech medical equipment, and increased knowledge of healthy lifestyle practices – contributed to the longevity.
Census statistics confirm that the U.S. population – on average – is getting older. By the year 2030, approximately 70 million people will be over age 65. Eight million of those will be 85 years old or older. Certainly, living past 100 is no longer uncommon. Individuals living 120 years have been documented. Some scientists believe it’s possible for people to live 150 years or more.
But if you go to any retirement community, you’ll notice immediately that not all people “age” at the same rate.
There’s More to Life than Years
Researchers in recent years have focused considerable attention on trying to identify reasons for the differences in aging. Why do some people live to be 100 and others barely make it past age 60? Why can 79-year-old Aunt Matilda enthusiastically hike across rugged terrain, yet 71-year-old neighbor Bill struggles to walk around the block? And why is your face more wrinkled than your mother's?
While heredity plays an important role, many aspects of the aging process are determined by lifestyle factors.
A Regular Physical Exercise and Activity Program
Research within the last decade shows that physically active people outlive those who are inactive. Regular physical activity helps maintain the functional independence of older adults and enhances the quality of life for people of all ages.
Regular physical activity improves muscle function, cardiovascular function, and physical performance. It helps regulate blood glucose levels, lowers blood pressure, increases bone mineral density, and contributes to lower weight.
The role of exercise in the prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD) is especially significant, since CHD is the leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Physically inactive people are nearly twice as likely to develop CHD as are those who have a regular physical activity program.
A Balanced Nutrition Program
A study of healthy Italian senior citizens found a significant number had low levels of selenium, zinc, vitamins B6, A, E and B12, as well as folate. Each of these nutrients contributes to good health and a healthy immune system. Another study, based in Baltimore, Maryland, found that vitamin D deficiency is common for older disabled women. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with bone loss and bone fractures. Additionally, research found that age-related hearing loss may be related to nutritional status – specifically, lower levels of vitamin B12 and folate.
Activities to Enhance Mental Health and Manage Stress
Physical activity can have significant psychological impact. Regular exercise decreases depression, improves cognitive performance, and promotes self-esteem.
Avoidance of All Substance Abuse (including misuse or overuse of alcohol, nicotine, and prescription drugs, as well as illegal substances)
Researchers compared 34 sets of identical twins to determine the role of lifestyle in the aging process. While wrinkle patterns were the same, the severity and depth of the wrinkles varied in direct relation to lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, smoking, stress, alcohol intake, diet, exercise, medication use and general health.
If you want to waltz the night away after retirement, start dancing now. Physical activity, healthy eating, and other health-wise choices can’t give you eternal youth, but they can extend your years – and help you enjoy those years to the fullest! |
