Joseph Pilates once said, "You're only as old as your spine is flexible. If you're inflexible at 30, you're old. If you're flexible at 60, you're young." There's some truth to that. Nothing makes you feel that age is catching up with you as much as that moment of coming to terms with physical limitations.
With the number of Americans ages 65 and older anticipated to more than double by 2060,* healthy aging will be more important than ever.
There is no single path to healthy aging. Healthy aging can be a result of a variety of factors. First, there is often a genetic connection to vitality and longevity. But there is so much we can do proactively to strive for healthy golden years. There are many resources available to us now, more now than ever. Here are some of the keys to healthy aging, according to the National Institute on Aging.
So, okay Boomers! It's up to you. Stay focused on all you can do to promote your own healthy aging process. Here is one article on starting Pilates at age 60 from "Sixty and Me."
View Aging with Grace: Three Paths to Healthy Aging..
Read about a strong and healthy 90-year-old and how she stays fit..
Resources on healthy aging: sixtyandme.com/starting-pilates-60-safe-exercise/
* Source: PRB analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
With the number of Americans ages 65 and older anticipated to more than double by 2060,* healthy aging will be more important than ever.
There is no single path to healthy aging. Healthy aging can be a result of a variety of factors. First, there is often a genetic connection to vitality and longevity. But there is so much we can do proactively to strive for healthy golden years. There are many resources available to us now, more now than ever. Here are some of the keys to healthy aging, according to the National Institute on Aging.
- Exercise and physical activity are key. Keep moving and do it in a way that works best for your body. Listen to your body and know what the appropriate level and type of exercise is best for you. Always consult with your doctor before embarking on a new fitness regimen.
- Our outlook about aging has a lot to do with how we age. Try to spend time around people who are positive and supportive. Cultivate new friendships or stay invested in relationships with your family and friends. Look for activities you enjoy. Stay engaged in activities that stimulate you intellectually.
- Stress and anxiety can also be barriers to optimum physical health. If you experience problems with your mental health, seek the services of a professional counselor and talk to your physician about your state of mind.
- Nutrition is always important but even more so as we age. Eat a clean diet of primarily unprocessed foods and a diet that is well-balanced in terms of lean protein, fruits and vegetables. The Mediterranean diet has gained popularity over the years; some clinical research points to positive results of this diet. Data published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience, Aug. 21, 2019, suggested that people with a higher intake of foods associated with Mediterranean-style eating - including fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, whole grains, nuts, and olive oil - experienced lower rates of cognitive decline over a five-year period.
- Keep alcohol consumption to a modest level. There has been controversy in recent years about the value of one or two glasses of wine a day and whether resveratrol is helpful to reduce stress and improve cardiovascular health. But most physicians will agree that chronic overuse or abuse of alcohol diminishes our chances of aging well. So stay aware of how often and how much you are drinking. Check in with yourself about the impact of alcohol on your overall health.
So, okay Boomers! It's up to you. Stay focused on all you can do to promote your own healthy aging process. Here is one article on starting Pilates at age 60 from "Sixty and Me."
View Aging with Grace: Three Paths to Healthy Aging..
Read about a strong and healthy 90-year-old and how she stays fit..
Resources on healthy aging: sixtyandme.com/starting-pilates-60-safe-exercise/
* Source: PRB analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau.