How To Benefit From Aging Statistics

According to the Administration of Aging (there’s an admin for everything), in 1900 there were 3.1 million people over the age of 65. People were living longer by the beginning of the new century, and general health was improving. By 2000,  there were 35 million people 65 and over. By 2020, it is estimated to be 56 million. That is a lot of people living past 65. How are they doing? Not so well.

Looking around today can give you an indication of what’s to come. Disease, disability, and dementia are all on the rise. According to the Rand Corp, in 1995, almost 45% of the population had a chronic disease condition. 35 years later, by 2030, almost 50% will have a chronic condition. If it isn’t you with the condition, the chances are that it’s someone you know, are related to, even married to. The icky, chronic diseases that are increasing are cardiovascular, diabetes, respiratory, and the ever expanding obesity. These are depressing, frightening, rising statistics. More importantly, what can we do about it?

Imagine this: you becoming proactive, not reactive, to aging. This is your life; you are ultimately responsible. Oh sure, doctor visits, medication, blood work testing all help. It comes down to how well we focus, define and train for our own wellness, what we are willing to do to help ourselves.

Even with disease and pre-dispositions to disease, we can be proactive about the benefits of eating less fried foods and more vegetables. It’s summer, stock up at a Farmer’s Market. Track your eating, exercise, and sleeping habits. How social are you? How often are you around people you enjoy? All of it contributes to slowing or speeding the aging process. 

Think of yourself as active, vibrant, successful at aging instead of whatever nonsense you are harboring about age. Participate in your own wellness, and expect stellar results. Once your brain realizes that you are serious about aging well (and not just giving the aging thing lip service), you will find yourself moving more, eating more vegetables and other nutritious foods, and sleeping longer and more restfully. You are using brain power to delay aging.

And that’s Aging Intelligently.