Is Age Really Just a State of Mind?
Recent studies suggest many of us are going to be around longer than our parents were, but will those latter years be worth living?
Statistically, worldwide we’re likely to be living longer than our parents. The 116th birthday celebration of Besse Cooper of Monroe, Ga. on Sunday bears testament to that. This, of course varies from country to country, but according to infoplease.com, it has gone from an average joint lifespan for men and woman in 1960 of 69.7 to 78.7 by 2010. That’s an increase of almost 10 years in just half a century. The big question, however, is will we be able to make those extra 10 years worth living?
According to Patch bloggers Sheri and Bill Eppright, yes – and baby boomers are leading the way. A featured Patch photo of 70-year-old Bud Stacy surfing behind the wake of a boat on Lake Sinclair suggests that some even before the baby boomer age have it figured out.
Our question today is, now that we’re going to be living 10 years longer than our parents, are we going to be able to make those years worth living? And if so, what is the best way to do so?
Sheri & Bill Eppright
9:41 am on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Thanks for mentioning us, Sharon! Your article is right up our ally, and we would love to chime in with a comment on our favorite topic! As Boomers, Public Speakers and Ambassadors of healthy aging, our presentations offer tips on living an Active Positive Lifestyle. The path? Eat your fruits and veggies and plenty of H2O; reward your body with exercise; stimulate your mind--do something productive that you love; and surround yourself with active positive people to help keep that smile on your face! Positively yours, Sheri and Bill
C Hobbs
9:43 am on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
My husband and I are both 57 and we love to wake surf behind our boat on Lake Hartwell. It not only helps keep us in shape physically, but it keeps those endorphins going strong. We have had many good laughs, and best of all it doesn't hurt to fall! Congrats to Bud Stacy! We hope we will be doing this at 70, just like you! Exercise and eating right is the right start to longevity...then find something you really enjoy and stick with it.
Sharon Swanepoel
10:29 am on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
One of the things that struck me when I first moved to the U.S. almost 25 years ago was the fact that people worked to retire, so they could really start living. When I was in SA, it seemed to me that people worked to retire so they could sit back and wait for the end of their life - this way worked so much better for me. But I agree, you have to work toward it - you have to plan ahead for those latter years, financially and physically, so you can really start living then.
Ann Anderson - mustbeamiracle
12:26 pm on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
My spirited 84 year old grandma is moving in with me this weekend and I am going to value the time together. I know she'd agree its a state of mind! To keep the mind following the body and vise versa here's my 2 cents worth. If you're dealing with any addiction or have a loved one that battles them, what decade in your life are you going to stop letting it lead you? Don't let it for one more day. Get help and remember if it ruffles feathers it probably means you are doing the RIGHT thing. Cross your arms in front of you and squeeze - you've been hugged!
Linda M
9:42 am on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Personally, I don't want to live to be 80 years old; I am 61 and feel my mind and body are already falling apart!
Elizabeth
4:20 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Linda, I am not trying to prescribe for you, but I am watching Dr. Oz right now, and he cites a lack of B-12 in a diet as a concern. Talk to your physician about how you feel. You may need supplements to your diet, more exercise, or brain stimulation such as reading or working crossword puzzles. If you are able, get out and about. My mother is 87, and just started "working out" with an exercise class for her age group. I need to take a clue from her and do that, too!!
Jack McClure
10:23 am on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
I'm 31. it's so hard for me to imagine what my life will be like in 5 years, much less 50. At this point, I really want to be helping people and building a community, so as long as I'm doing that, I think I'll be old and happy.
Elizabeth
4:29 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Jack, helping people is like a tonic - it gives one a boost. Building a community will bless people long after you are gone, and will leave a good mark that you were here.
John Macak
1:04 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
I am 59 years old with health problems, It really sucks knowing that I will be lucky if I live another 11 years. So I try not to think about it and just keep on truckin !!!!
Harriet
2:18 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Hang in there John. If Obama has it his way, you'll never have to suffer another 11 years. He'll find you a pill to take or something.
Elizabeth
4:32 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
John, I truly believe our mental attitude can affect our physical condition. Keep on keepin' on!!
bobby black
2:01 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Sometimes the quality of life reaches a point where you wonder if it is worth keeping on keeping on.
Elizabeth
4:31 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
That is true Bobby. That is when I pray for God's will, whatever that might be, to be done in the life of my loved one or a casual acquaintance.
Kimberly Gorgoglione
5:01 pm on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Maybe there's something you can do to change the quality.
Racer X
7:42 am on Tuesday, October 30, 2012
You are only as old as the woman you feel. If you want to stay young, always marry a younger woman.