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Have you noticed
that the numbers in the
phone book seem to be getting smaller?
Do you find it harder to get down on your
knees to look under the bed—and to get
up again?
There’s no question that age brings
changes to our lives. And yes, some of
them we’d prefer to avoid.
Physically, for example, stiffening
joints can make it harder to get around.
And many people find that their short-
term memory just isn’t what it used to
be. Often, difficult personal situations,
such as the death of a spouse, can add to
the negative changes.
But age can bring positive changes too.
One survey found that many older people
say they have less stress and more time for
family, interests and hobbies than they used
to. In fact, the vast majority of older people
report they are satisfied with their lives.
To a great extent, what older age will
be like for you depends on how you live
now and how you cope with the changes
that come your way. You may not be able
to turn back time, but you can move in
a direction that may make getting older
easier and more pleasant.
AGING
Simple things help
make healthy aging possible
Here are a
few pointers
»
»
Decide to have an
active mind and body.
Remember the adage
“Use it or lose it.”
»
»
Opt to be involved.
Isolation can contribute
to depression and
other health problems.
So keep connected to
family and friends.
Social connections
can help ensure that
you have physical and
emotional support for
what comes your way.
»
»
Choose a healthy
lifestyle.
The advice
you heard when you
were younger still
applies: Eat well,
maintain a healthy
weight, get enough
rest, don’t smoke,
do what you can to
stay safe and see your
doctor regularly.
»
»
Relish your leisure
time.
Do things you
enjoy, and allow yourself
some downtime.
Too much stress can
contribute to a host of
health problems.
»
»
Practice healthy
ways to cope.
Believe in yourself,
and remember: You
can handle whatever
comes your way.
Sources: AGS Foundation for Health in
Aging; Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention; Mental Health America;
Pew Research Center