Robin Porter - Better With Age: Your Blueprint for Staying Smart, Strong, and Happy for Life

Copyright 2014 Spry Publishing LLC

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eBook ISBN: 978-1-938170-50-8

Disclaimer: Spry Publishing LLC does not assume responsibility for the contents or opinions expressed herein. Although every precaution is taken to ensure that information is accurate as of the date of publication, differences of opinion exist. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. The information contained in this book is not intended to replace professional advisement of an individuals doctor prior to beginning or changing an individuals course of treatment.

Contents

The Search Continues

For centuries, humans have been seeking it. Weve sailed across oceans, trekked long distances to remote villages, and scaled mountains to find it. Weve consulted shamans, priests, and yogis trying to uncover its secrets. Weve tried herbs, potions, and miracle foods in hopes of obtaining it. What is this elusive thing we seem so desperate to find? Some might call it the fountain of youth or a cure for old age, but what were really searching for is a way to stay young and prolong our lives.

The interest in extending longevity is as old as humankind itself. The subject was explored in Greek mythology and pondered by ancient philosophers. For nearly 5,000 years, traditional Chinese medicine has prescribed meditation, yoga, and herbal remedies to promote health and lengthen lifepractices that continue to be used today. In 1550, one of the first known books on longevity, entitled The Art of Living Long, was written by Luigi Cornaro, who suggested that life could be extended through moderation. Many would agree this is still good advice. Since then, scientists, demographers, gerontologists, and other experts have been working tirelessly to uncover the secrets to a longer life.

Today we have an entire industry devoted to antiagingone that is growing rapidly. Research from Global Industry Analysts projects that the U.S. market for antiaging products and treatments will expand from $80 billion in 2013 to more than $114 billion by the year 2015, fueled by our desire to slow, stop, or even reverse the effects of aging. From wrinkle creams and cosmetic surgery, to dietary supplements and hormone therapy, there are many who are eager to capitalize on our obsession with youth. In fact, there have been so many products and treatments promising antiaging miracles over the years, it prompted the National Institute on Aging (NIA) to issue a warning to consumers to be skeptical of exaggerated claims. According to the NIA, the best advice for living longer goes like this: eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and dont smoke.

Despite our modern medical marvels and the emergence of a variety of antiaging specialists, including biogerontologists whose goal is to extend a healthy life span, it seems there is still no miracle cure for aging. Indeed, there is widespread disagreement within the medical establishment as to whether such a cure exists. But the search continues.

Taking Control

In the meantime, we can take matters into our own hands. Aging may be inevitable, but how we age is largely up to us. In fact, there is a great deal we can do to improve this phase of our life. While scientists work to discover the role that genes play in aging, we know that only about 20 to 30 percent of how long we live, as well as our health during those years, is dictated by genetics. The other 70 to 80 percent is determined by lifestyle and environmental factors, including diet, exercise, education, healthcare, interaction with others, and even attitude.

For instance, the number one killer of both men and women in the United States is heart disease, the majority of which is preventable. Chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, which shorten lives and decrease the quality of life in older adults, are also largely avoidable and can be controlled with proper treatment. Though the scientific community may disagree on how to prevent the effects of aging, most would agree that we can significantly influence how well we age.

In addition to health considerations, planning for your senior years can also improve the quality of those years. Saving for retirement, downsizing, choosing the best place to live, maintaining social connections, putting your estate in order, and making end-of-life decisions are important factors in the aging process. In other words, aging well doesnt just happenit requires planning and thoughtful decision making. Yet, all too often, these decisions are made after a health crisis or accident occurs, when we are least able to make well-researched, careful choices.

The goal of this book is to help you prepare for your senior years, considering some of the plans and actions you should be taking in your 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond. The information contained within these pages is not meant to reveal the mysteries of human longevity, but rather empower you to live an active, engaged life; to make your senior years the healthiest, happiest possible. To that end, weve gathered expert advice from many fields, including financial planning, elder law, healthcare, nutrition, and physical therapy. Youll also find stories from people in different stages of life to help educate and inspire. And, of course, who better to guide our journey than those who are living a long life while maintaining their vitalityso look for Words of Wisdom sprinkled throughout.

Lessons Learned

Speaking of folks who have lived a long life, in 2008, the National Geographic Society published a book entitled The Blue Zones that profiled four distinct areas of the world with high concentrations of some of the longest-lived people. These people are unique not only because they reached the age of 100 or more, but they also exhibited amazing vigor, remaining healthy and active into their advanced years. Whats their secret?

This study of the worlds healthiest long-lived people teaches us there is not one secret, but rather many factors that contribute to aging well. While one woman credits her health and longevity to a strict vegetarian diet and yoga, a man attributes his vitality to hard work and a daily Scotch; still another person believes strong faith and family ties are key. There are, of course, some common denominators among these remarkable people, who have not only managed to live long lives, but fulfilling, purposeful lives.

In the end, our life span is determined by a combination of factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle choices. But is longevity really the most important issue? As Steven N. Austad, Ph.D., author of Why We Age: What Science Is Discovering About the Human Bodys Journey Through Life states: The question isand heres where I think the best health practices are really importantif you live to be 100 years old, what sort of 100-year-old are you going to be? Aging and many of its effects are unavoidable, but how we plan for and handle these changes are up to each of us.