by Petra Newman

Created on: August 10, 2007   Last Updated: September 12, 2009

"Like as the waves make towards the pebbled shore so do our minutes hasten to their end." (William Shakespeare, (1564-1616)

William Shakespeare wrote that verse over four-hundred years ago to illustrate how fleeting our lives are. He died at just fifty-two years of age.

Today the minutes of our lives procrastinate and hesitate, delaying its journey to the end. Thanks to medical research and technology combined with a healthy life style, hygiene and nutrition; people are living much longer. Seniors are healthier both physically and mentally and still enjoy a productive life in the community.

This is good news indeed especially for those who have already passed the half century mark. But is there also a down side to living to a ripe old age?

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates 69,000 - 81,000 centenarians live in the United States in 2000. John R. Wilmot of the University of California states that "With the current population trends in the developed countries, the number of Centenarians will double every ten years." By 2060, researchers estimate there will be 2.5 million people 100 years old and older living in the United States alone.

With 76 million Baby Boomer's turning 50 at the rate of 10,000 per day for the next ten years, serious issues will have to be addressed.

a) Will there be enough Geriatric health care professionals to care for the aging community?

b) Will there be enough long-term care facilities?

c) Will the social policies be sufficient to accommodate the aging population?

Unfortunately old age presents a number of issues.

a) Clinical depression (often misdiagnosed)

b) Living alone. More than 33 percent of the elderly that live alone are women.

c) Five percent of elderly live in long-term facilities.

d) Almost 25% of elderly living in America live within the Federal poverty level. They live on $1,000 a month on Social Security and other sources. Even with Medicare, the elderly still have to pay out-of-pocket for their drugs and eyeglasses, etc. Many times the trade-off is food and shelter.

We can't stop the years but we can slow the aging process and enjoy our golden years with good health, vitality and happiness.

1) Do moderate exercise three or four times a week.

2) Eat nutritious foods and restrict caloric intake

3) Have regular check-up by your doctor.

4) Watch your cholesterol and keep blood pressure at normal range

5) Don't smoke.

6) Don't consume large amounts of alcohol, only 1-2 oz. a day

7) Socialize, visit with friends, play games, laugh and enjoy life.

8) Don't give up on your dreams. You're never too old to learn something new.

9) Have a positive attitude, keep busy and plan something special that you like to do every day. Take up a hobby, do volunteer work. You have all the time in the world to do what you always wanted to do. Indulge yourself.

We might not all reach 100+. but it is within our reach. We have to take care of ourselves, plan for the future, be happy and stay healthy to enjoy the full benefits of our golden years. Mr. Dawson of Dallas, Texas, at age 98 decided to go to school to learn to read and write. at 102 he published a book entitled "Life Is So Good!"

I agree, life is good.

Remember to always consult your doctor when changing your diet and exercise routine.

Source; - http://www.hcoa.org/aging/social_psych.htm
http:www.sciencenews.org/scrips/printthis.asp?clip=% 2Farticles%2F20010310%2Fclip%...

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