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Lakewood, NJ--- Americans have always led the search for the elusive ‘fountain of youth.’ While most of us eventually realize that growing older is a natural inevitable part of life, our views on how we age have changed dramatically as life spans have increased.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in 1970 the average life expectancy was 70.8 years; in 2000 that rose to 77.9 years; and by 2030 is it estimated that our country’s population of those 85 and older could grow to 10 million strong.
In addition to living longer, more and more people are recognizing that the key to enjoying our added longevity is living healthier! More and more, doctors are helping their older patients celebrate the positive aspects of aging and inspire adults of all ages to improve their health and overall quality of life.
“Successful, healthy aging has more to do with our actions than about being blessed with good genes,” says Shahida Abbas, M.D., a Brick-based Internal Medicine physician on staff at Kimball Medical Center. Dr. Abbas cares for patients of all ages, but maintains a special interest in the needs of older adults. “Staying active and making healthy lifestyle choices as we age, goes a long way toward helping us enjoy a long and vital life,” she says.
Aging can have a profound effect on both our physical and emotional well being, but Dr. Abbas notes that it no longer coincides with physical decline and illness. “Pain, disability and the loss of independence that often follows are not inevitable consequences of aging,” she states. In fact, according to the NIH, in the last two decades, the rate of disability among older people has dramatically declined.
“Finding a lifestyle strategy that makes it possible to stay healthy and fit at every age and stage of our lives can make all the difference,” she says. “And it’s never too late to start!” Key to that strategy, according to Dr. Abbas, is understanding the changes that occur as part of the natural process of aging, learning about our risk factors and diseases we can control or forestall, and making behavioral changes to promote better health.
“Adopting a healthy lifestyle can go a long way toward helping older adults stave off the decline we traditionally associate with aging,” she says. In fact, research shows that being physically active, eating a healthy low-fat, low-salt diet, and not smoking are perhaps more significant factors in helping maintain good health than our genetic background.
“Exercise reduces your chances of getting a host of illnesses, keeps bones strong and healthy, improves your mood, mental functioning and keeps you vital,” says Dr. Abbas. Regular exercise can also improve balance and mobility, reducing the risk of falls – the most common injury among older adults that often leads to a loss of independence. Dr. Abbas recommends incorporating at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. “Whether you go for a walk, do yoga, spend time gardening or work out at the gym, it’s important to incorporate some form of activity into your day. Always check with your doctor first before you begin an exercise program,” she adds.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is also key to feeling great at every age. “Drink plenty of water. Avoid salty foods and foods with a lot of fat in them, such as fried foods,” she says. “If you smoke, try to quit and limit your consumption of alcohol,” she adds.
Regular medical exams, preventive screenings and ensuring that immunizations for diseases like influenza and pneumonia are up-to-date can go a long way toward maintaining good health as we age, according to Dr. Abbas. “If your family members have diseases or chronic health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes, you could be at a greater risk and should be particularly vigilant about seeing your doctor for regular screenings,” she adds.
In addition to physical health, maintaining a healthy mind and spirit is equally important to healthy aging notes Dr. Abbas. “We’ve all heard of the adage ‘Use it or lose it’,” she says. “Just like it’s important for our bodies to remain active it’s important to keep our minds engaged. You can protect or improve your memory and mental sharpness by keeping your brain active,” she adds. Whether you read, do crossword puzzles, learn to play an instrument or take up a new hobby, Dr. Abbas says finding something that interests you is good for the mind and the spirit. “Depression can be a serious problem for older adults, but often staying active – mentally and physically can help,” she notes. If you think you or a loved one may be depressed, she recommends talking to your doctor. “There are a variety of treatments including medicines and counseling that can help,” she adds.
It’s also key to maintain strong bonds with family and friends for social support. “You can protect or improve your emotional health by staying in touch with friends, family, and the community. People who feel connected to others are more likely to thrive than those who are more isolated. And try to keep stress at a minimum,” she adds. In addition to getting regular exercise, Dr. Abbas says you can take charge of how stress affects you by taking 20 minutes a day to just relax.
Kimball Medical Center’s Center for Healthy Living, located at 198 Prospect Street in Lakewood, offers health, wellness and support programs to help people stay healthy and active at every age. The Center provides exercise, health monitoring and disease-specific support programs designed especially for senior adults. Getting older is a natural part of life. Taking steps today to live healthier – no matter what your age – may add not only years to your life, but also life to your years!
For information about the Center for Healthy Living, or to contact Dr. Shahida Abbas or another Internal Medicine physician on staff at Kimball Medical Center for information or an appointment, please call the Barnabas Health Care Link at 1-888-724-7123.
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director of Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@barnabashealth.org
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