The Seven Habits of Highly Successful Agers
Posted by activerxpt on January 28, 2010
Successful Second Fifties!
In their landmark book “Successful Aging”, renowned aging researchers Dr’s John Rowe and Robert Kahn summarize the conclusions of the decades long MacArthur Foundation Study on Aging, which investigated the differences between those who were ‘good for their age’ (Successful Aging) and those who weren’t (Usual Aging). The authors identified 3 overarching conditions which ‘Successful Agers’ demonstrated in comparison to ‘Usual Agers’.
In everyday terms seniors can achieve these highly positive conditions by adopting some or all of these 7 ‘lifestyle habits’
1. Stay strong and physically active: Walking is currently the most frequent exercise choice for seniors who are active. However research has clearly shown that strength training (or ‘resistance training’) is essential for maintaining and improving your independence and quality of life. At ActiveRx we can significantly improve your strength in as little as 15 minutes of specially designed exercises twice per week
2. Maintain normal weight: Eat a judicious combination of physical activity, strength and a balanced diet which would include fruits and vegetables and lots of water.
3. Adopt good sleep habits: Good sleep is associated with greater attention and focus. Strength training and moderate physical activity has been shown to be improve sleep habits. See our post “Catching some zzz’s”.
4. Maintain social contacts: Keep in touch with friends and family, initiate and maintain meaningful relationships, be part of a community, own a pet, give and receive hugs!
5. Keep an alert and curious mind: Use it and improve it! Participate in classes, conversations, keep up with the news, have an opinion.
6. Be self vigilant: Regularly self check your overall condition – how do you feel? Establish a good relationship with your doctor.
7. Engage with your ‘environment’: In many ways this last habit encompasses all of the others and can provide meaning and relevance in your life. Look for ways to ‘contribute’ – volunteer in church, civic, or intergenerational groups, be part of a social or community network. Be a provider as well as a receiver of support.
At ActiveRx we partner with our patients so that they are best able to incorporate these Successful Aging habits into their lifestyle
