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 People in the U.S. are living longer than ever before. Many seniors live active and healthy lives. But there's no getting around one thing: as we age, our bodies and minds change.
There are things you can do to stay healthy and active as you age. Eating a balanced diet, keeping mind and body active, not smoking, getting regular checkups, and practicing safety habits at home and in the car will help you make the most of life.
Myths about aging (from Helpguide.org)
(For the full text of this article, please see the Healthy Lifestyles page for Seniors at Helpguide.org)
A comprehensive study on aging, conducted by the John D. and Catherine T. McArthur Foundation, illustrates that lifestyle choices are the key to healthy aging. The results of the study debunk some of the common myths of aging. In their book, Successful Aging, John W. Rowe, M.D. and Robert L. Kahn, Ph.D discuss the results of the MacArthur Foundation study -- results which debunk some of the common myths of aging. Below are the myths (in their words), as well as some interesting facts from the study:
- To Be Old is to Be Sick – The notion that old age brings disease and disability is not the case at all. The study found older people to be in remarkably good health, with fewer disabilities and infirmities, and in most cases, living on their own, rather than in nursing homes. "In fact, relatively few elderly people live in nursing homes, 5.2% which is down from 6.3% in 1982. Of those ages 65 to 74, fully 89% report no disability whatsoever."
 You Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks – If you think old age means that you can't learn new things, think again. "Research shows that older people can, and do, learn new things. Three key factors predict strong mental function in old age: (1) regular physical activity; (2) a strong social support system; (3) belief in one's ability to handle what life has to offer." This myth also relates to the mistaken notion that seniors are set in their ways and won't willingly move out of their comfort zone. Many seniors today
are keeping up in a number of ways, evidenced by the fact that 13 percent of total online users are 55 and over. Attitude plays a key role here; seniors who believe in themselves and their abilities don't find it so hard to learn new things, adapt to life's changes, make new friends (young and old) and enjoy life. - The Horse is Out of the Barn – Are you convinced that the bad habits of your youth are irreversible? That the damage has already been done, and that it is too late to do anything about it? Wrong again. The study found that new habits of healthy eating, regular exercise, mental activity and a strong social life are remarkably effective in combating the byproducts of yesteryear's bad habits and unhealthy living. So, it is important to start changing your ways now.
- The Secret to Successful Aging is to Choose Your Parents Wisely – These days, much has been made about the influence of genes. Contrary to popular belief, heredity isn't everything when it comes to aging. In fact, one of the most important findings of the study by the MacArthur Foundation was that lifestyle habits are almost more important indicators of successful and healthy aging than heredity is.
- The Lights May Be on, But the Voltage is Low – Many people assume that mental and physical abilities decline with age. While this is true to a certain extent, the study found that everyone's experience is different and that mental acuity and physical ability are greatly affected by attitude and lifestyle habits.
 The Elderly Don't Pull Their Own Weight – This myth is tied to a couple of incorrect assumptions. One is that most seniors are unemployed and that non-working people don't share the burden and the expense of society. The other is that older people are useless, that they have nothing to offer society. The study debunks these ideas and demonstrates the productivity of the older population. "One third work for pay, another third as volunteers in churches, hospitals or charities and another as providing
informal aid to family members, friends and neighbors." Seniors play some of the most important roles in society both in formal positions within the community, and, more importantly in their informal roles as parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors.
Quotes are from Go60.com. For full explanations and information about the book Successful Aging, visit the site.]
The most important idea to take away from any discussion on aging is that lifestyle and attitude matter. You can improve your chances of enjoying your later years by paying attention to your behavior and changing habits which might have been keeping you from enjoying life and being healthy.
Senior Wellness Month in West Boylston
In honor of National Senior Health Awareness Month, the West Boylston Council on Aging presents Senior Wellness Month in September. We will have a series of programs on health, fitness, nutrition and well-being.
All programs are to be held at the Senior Center. Please contact the Senior Center at 508-835-6916 to register or if you have any questions.
September 6: Senior Fitness - a senior fitness class focusing on improving balance, heart and circulation health, yoga and strong flexible muscles - all with a smile! Held every Tuesday and Thurday morning at 10:00 a.m.
September 7: Tai Chi - a new session of Tai Chi starts on the 7th. The class is held every Wednesday morning at 9:45 a.m. and runs for 1 hour.
September 9: Senior Forum - join the Town Administrator, Senior Center Director and the Council on Aging in a focus group exercise about the services and programs provided by the Senior Center and help to plan for the future. The forum will be held at the DCR headquarters at 180 Beaman Street from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The exercise is open to all citizens of the town as well as users of the programs or services of the community. Please contact the Town Administrator’s office at 508-835-3490 to confirm your attendance in the exercise. If you have any special needs or accommodations, please let us know.
September 19: Senior Walking Club - at our first meeting of the fall, our personal trainer will evaluate our current status, help us set goals and start walking! The Walking Club meets once every month at 9:30 a.m.
September 27: Downsizing your Home - talk with Kim McCarthy about how to sort through the contents of your home and plan for a smooth transition to a smaller space. 1:00 p.m. |
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