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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 individual’s doctor prior to beginning or changing an individual’s course of treatment.
Contents
Chapter 1 Choosing to Age Well
Chapter 2 Laying the Foundation: Your 50s
Chapter 3 Building on Experience: Your 60s
Chapter 4 Making Some Renovations: Your 70s
Chapter 5 Adding On: Your 80s and Beyond
Acknowledgments & Contributors
Index
The Search Continues
For centuries, humans have been seeking it. We’ve sailed across oceans, trekked long distances to remote villages, and scaled mountains to find it. We’ve consulted shamans, priests, and yogis trying to uncover its secrets. We’ve 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 we’re 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 life—practices 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 antiaging—one 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 don’t 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 doesn’t just happen—it 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, we’ve gathered expert advice from many fields, including financial planning, elder law, healthcare, nutrition, and physical therapy. You’ll 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 vitality—so 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
