Old thinking took a pessimistic view, with descriptors
like depression, degeneration, loss and withdrawal. New
thinking, which is fast eclipsing old stereotypes, uses
a vastly different vocabulary: active, mentally nimble,
physically fit, connected and still learning. The optimistic
view, while not denying the lessening of certain strengths
and resources, challenges the meaning of "retirement,"
a period that can amount to one-fourth of our potential
lifetime.
We know that life expectancy figures continue to hit
new highs. By 2050 we may have 834,000 centenarians (people
who reach 100) among us. The U.S. Census Bureau admits
that is a prediction that could well climb into the millions.
We are walking on new ground, and need to shift our thinking
from that of how to medically prolong life to making sure
that a longer life is worth living. Ponce de Leon, in
his search for the fountain of youth, never dreamed that
nearly five centuries later so many would be experiencing
the longevity he never found. Longevity is one thing,
quality of life is another.
In his book Successful Aging, John Rowe puts forth strategies
for avoiding disease and disability in old age and for
maintaining physical and mental health and engagement
in life. It is stunning that he, with many other scientists
and gerontologists, concludes that exercise can be the
biggest factor in maintaining health and overall function.
"Physical activity is at the crux of successful aging,"
says Rowe. Experts support Rowe's belief in exercise's
role in improving and maintaining muscular, skeletal,
cardiovascular and brain function.
Dr. Marian Diamond, a world expert on brain research,
lists five brain-related factors important for successful
aging: DIET, EXERCISE, CHALLENGE, NEWNESS and HUMAN LOVE.
Diamond, who believes we should change the word "retire"
to "redirect," emphasizes the importance of
dietary protein for healthy brain maintenance. Exercise
brings oxygen to all parts of the body, but especially
the brain, where memory function resides. She also asserts
that in successful aging it's not enough to continue the
same activities we've mastered, year after year. The brain
needs new challenges and we must push ourselves one step
beyond what we think we can do---even if it's attacking
a more difficult level of crossword puzzle or learning
a completely new hobby or dance step.
As for human love, Diamond echoes what many researchers
tell us---that love, nurturing and social connection are
the psychological components of successful aging. The
link between social support and health cannot be overestimated.
Those who have close relationships and are connected to
others tend to eat better, exercise more and manage stressful
events with greater ease.
Successful aging, hard to scientifically define but easy
to describe as "adding life to years, " combines
longevity, health and life satisfaction. Think how you
can incorporate activity, connectedness and joy into your
own life and balance those things with smart choices about
your physical, spiritual, and financial health. We can
do better than just living longer, we can live better,
with health and independence, and get more out of life
while contributing to it. Continue to exercise, eat a
healthy diet, stimulate your brain by learning new things
and challenge and surprise yourself by altering habitual
activities. And always keep love in your life.
RESOURCES
- Your local library can provide books and online resources
about successful aging.
- Join your library's book discussion group for social
and intellectual stimulation.
- Senior Help-Line links seniors with physical activities,
classes and social opportunities (800-642-5119).
- www.elderhostel.org
(877-426-8056) offers learning experiences all over
the world for adults over 55.
