Aging well is on the minds of seniors everywhere. Or, at least, one would think so. Perhaps it is that some are far more proactive about it. So a new book may be of interest to many.
Aging expert Debra Whitman has a new book, "The Second Fifty.”
As Chief Public Policy Officer for AARP, Debra leads a team of 150 experts in all aspects of policy development, analysis, research, and global thought leadership to produce policy and research insights and solutions that help communities, lawmakers, and the private sector improve our lives as we age.
Read the book if you like, but for those who will not read it, here is the kernel of what it says.
Take these five good habits to the bank and enjoy a longer, healthier and happier life.
The first is exercising regularly, the second is eating a healthy diet, third is maintaining a healthy weight, and fourth and fifth are no smoking and little or no alcohol.
Even if you do just one healthy habit, it extends your life expectancy by two years.
If you keep those five healthy habits, your life expectancy is increased by 14 years for women and 12 years for men. Those healthy habits also help our brain health, too. Adopting even a few healthy behaviors could help lower your risk for dementia by up to one third.
Never mind that many Americans are living longer — the US population aged 100 and over will quadruple in the next 30 years, rising from approximately 101,000 in 2024 to around 422,000 by 2054, according to the Pew Research Center.
By our 70s, we appreciate what we have. We have better emotional regulation and a better outlook on where we are. Even if we do have some health issues, most people still consider themselves to be healthy, even in their 80s and 90s.
The biggest fear most people have about aging is cognitive decline and dementia.
About half of Americans think they’re going to get dementia, but only 15% do — even those in their late 70s and 80s — have even mild cognitive impairment.
Being positive and optimistic translates to additional years of life and happiness. Life is good!
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