Aging is not homogenous. Basically, we will all not age the same way. It is also a known fact that different categories of people display different patterns of aging.
At about the age of 45 we start to dip health wise. Most people with cardiovascular diseases take that sudden quick dip at 60 and in most people with usual aging, that sudden quick dip is at age 70. People with what is now known as ‘successful aging’ only take that dip at age 80. It is possible to prolong the age at which one takes that sudden dip and that is what this article is about. Have you noticed how some at 80 year olds still look good, are not dependent on anyone and still think clearly too?
This is called Successful Aging. Successful Aging is the physical, mental and social well-being in older age.
There are 2 models of aging. The Mandatory Cellular (that we have no control over) and the Facultative Cellular (that we have control over). Emphasis is on the Facultative Cellular model.
Successful Aging tends to be dependent more on one’s behavior and positive attitude to life as well as on the environment than on hereditary traits. Research has concluded that people with a positive disposition to life tend to age well.
Other strategies to enhance successful aging are as follows:
- Control amount of food you eat – reduce caloric intake
- Exercise now– your mental health, bone mass, body mass and health in old age depends on it
- Don’t smoke– This is associated to many cancers, loss of bone mass, taste sensation, lung diseases
- Don’t do illicit drugs.
- Go for regular medical checkups. See your doctor for yearly preventative medicals.
- Healthy eating habits. Avoid junk/fast food, drink lots of water, eat veggies and fruits.
- Ensure Psychological wellness, get assessed for mental health illnesses like anxiety and depression.Make conscious efforts to reduce the level of stress you are exposed to.
- Social Engagement. Make an effort to have a good social life. Meet with friends and family regularly. Do not go solo, play, travel and interact with others. This helps one to have a good life view and life satisfaction.
- Have a positive attitude to life, make a conscious effort to see the glass as half full than half empty. The aim now is to have a rectangular graph of aging instead of a linear curve with respect to decline. We can push the decline to 80 and above and then embrace death without the liabilities that come with bad aging. Good luck!
