Karen’s Korner,
Senior adults in America can expect to live much longer today. Due to breakthroughs in science, medicine, technology, and research, our lives can and will be prolonged.
“Once you make it to 65, the data suggest that you can live another 19.3 years, on average, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For many, then, senior living includes carefully managing chronic conditions in order to stay healthy.”
After reading an article last week, I found that making healthy lifestyle choices, like quitting smoking, losing weight, exercising, and eating a balanced diet, can help you avoid senior health risks, and encourage longevity!
“Seniors also need to be physically active and eat a ‘healthy’ diet,” explains Jeanne Wei, MD, PhD, executive director of the Reynolds Institute on Aging at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. Including a geriatrician, a doctor who specializes in the health concerns of aging, on your senior healthcare team can help you learn how to live better with any chronic diseases.
Being aware of those chronic diseases, and understanding their effects definitely help us to battle them. As my college professor said, “The more you know about a subject or a problem, the better you can deal with it.” A little education, and a little research can help you prolong your life. It is merely up to you. It is definitely a choice. “Self-preservation” is the key.
If you have questions, contact a medical professional for information about your health concerns, they are always willing to help. For other questions, call us here at the Council on Aging, Inc. at 318-371-3056, and we will try and steer you in the right direction.