For more information, visit the Ohio Department of Aging web site at:
http://www.state.oh.us/age/
and Ohio State University Extension’s “Aging in Ohio” web site at:
http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~seniors/
We all have one attribute in common; we grow older every day. Although there is nothing specific we can do to stop this process, it might be possible to slow down our natural aging and eliminate some of the age-related disorders. It has been proven that we can, indeed, age gracefully. Let’s look at some of the personal characteristics of healthy people approaching 100 years of age!
Thin, daily exercisers, consuming low-calorie, high-fruit and vegetable diets, non-smokers, moderate alcohol intake, sleeps well, infrequently ill, use of preventive health services, have a positive outlook about their health.
Kept minds active before and after retirement which occurred in their 70s, learned something new each day, a passion for reading and discussing current events, often reflecting on the good things in life.
Optimistic, pleased with their lives, anger is short-lived, rarely hostile to others, cope well with stress, have a good sense of humor, many outlets for relaxation and recreation.
Frequently helping others, have successful marriages or have always been single, have many friends younger than themselves, feel support from a large social network, often attend social functions.
Have multiple spiritual commitments that provide a sense of purpose and meaning to their lives, appreciate the beauty of nature, pray and/or meditate daily.
It is never too late to set in motion positive changes in our lives. We are not guaranteed a certain amount of time on Earth, but we can surely enhance the quality of the time we are here. It only makes sense to enjoy the company of other people, to learn something new every day, to tell funny stories and enjoy a good laugh. Cultivating a personal passion after retirement and helping those less fortunate than ourselves will also add life to our years!
Malarkey, William B., M.D., Take Control of Your Aging, The Wooster Book Company. Wooster, Ohio 1999.
Author: Lisa Marie Gibson, Ohio State University Extension, Franklin County.
Click here for the PDF version of this fact sheet.
All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.
Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.
TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868