The History of Aging

Historically, aging has always seemed to be painted as bleak with aging being a downhill battle: with increasing loss of skills, functions, and quality of life. This image is changing in society with aging adults looking at ways to learn how to slow down the aging process.

Around 2000 research started identifying strengths that go with aging. One way to find out what helps people live long healthy lives is to study those who have succeeded. Research has shown that 30% of longevity is genetic while 70% is lifestyle and the choices people make. Ironically, those people with traits such as optimism and humour, were less likely to develop chronic illness.

In many societies peope are afraid to "admit" their age because they fear being considered irrelevant and treated with condescension. Even that word "admit" suggests getting older is a crime!
Often, we understand that the prejudice against aging can make it hard to stay positive about it.

Statistics of Life Expectancy
As an example, in North America alone life expectancy jumped from 47 in 1900 to 77 in 2007. This is attributed to many factors, such as:
* preventing and curing diseases
* medical and pharmaceutical treatment advances
* increased affluence, giving people more money to take care of themselves
* better education to better understand how to take care of themselves
* better sanitation and hygiene
* safer, healthier working conditions

Nutrition & Health
Nutrition has also been at the forefront and health. This includes exercise, relaxation skills, managing stress, emotional intimacy, and lifestyles. Some experts believe that there should be a focus on being healthy and fit enough to emphasize a balanced approach to aging:

(i) Live Longer
>People with four healthy lifestyle behaviours - not smoking, physical activity, moderate alcohol consumption, and eating five servings of fruit or vegetables a day - live an average of 14 years longer than people with none of these behaviours.

(ii) Maintaining Positive Attitudes
>Attitudes improve when you understand fully your physcial and mental strengths and weaknesses
>Attitudes improve when you have confidence in your caregivers
>Attitudes improve when you face medical conditions intelligently
>Attitudes improve when you exercise safely
>Attitudes improve when you live in a community that is right for you