Health for Life

Health for Life

With an average life expectancy of 77 years, Americans are living longer. Still, a long life doesn’t automatically equal a better or healthier one. Arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, heart disease and strokes are just a few of the health risks and conditions that people face as they get older.

Even so, aging without illness or disability is possible for many people, but requires commitment, says Mathy Mezey of Ardsley, N.Y. (pop. 4,269), director of the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing in New York, N.Y.

"You’ve heard the joke, ‘If I’d known I was going to live this long I’d have taken better care of myself,’" Mezey says. "It’s true—taking care of yourself and being intellectually stimulated can improve the quality of your life as you age."

While genetics play a role in aging, staying involved, eating well and getting regular medical care are vital to a healthful lifestyle, and remaining physically active is crucial.

"We know people in their 80s benefit from exercise," says Dr. Harvey Cohen, an internist and geriatrician at Duke University’s Center for Aging in Durham, N.C. The connection between prevention and healthy aging is clear, he says, but "there’s no magic bullet for a long, healthy life. Healthy aging is the sum of the choices you make over your lifetime."

To enhance your chances of enjoying good health as you age:

Don’t smoke—Tobacco contributes to heart and lung diseases, cancer, stroke and hypertension.

Eat well—Building your meals around lean meat and low-fat dairy products, vegetables, fruits and whole grains fuels a healthy body.

Watch your weight—Being overweight increases the risk for hypertension, diabetes and heart disease.

Limit alcohol consumption—Abusing alcohol can contribute to liver damage, heart attack and debilitating injuries caused by falls.

Stay fit—Being physically active several times a week lifts the spirits and keeps the body resilient.

Exercise your mind—Doing puzzles, taking classes, teaching others, reading and writing, talking about current events and playing cards stimulate the mind and memory.

Get health screenings—Have regular cancer, vision and depression screenings and blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and bone density checks. Knowing the results of these tests allows you to make early, needed lifestyle changes or receive treatment to prevent debilitating stroke, heart attack, osteoporosis, diabetes and depression.

Maintain a support network—Interaction with others is important for a healthful, meaningful life, whether its family, as a volunteer, in your neighborhood, at church or on the job.

Mardy Fones is a freelance writer in Nashville, Tenn.

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