SUCCESSFUL AGING PAPER

Successful Aging Paper

Successful Aging Paper

Successful aging requires much more than financial security. Physical and functional health is the most vital factors of successful aging. Without these? other factors? such as high cognitive functioning and active involvement in society? are more difficult to achieve and maintain. These are the combination of factors used to define successful aging. (Hooyman? Kiyak).

According to Dr. Teresa Seeman Professor? UCLA Schools of Medicine and Public Health? the factors that most strongly affect our lives as we age are not financial at all. They are high level of engagement with life? low risk of disease? high physical and cognitive function levels. Dr. Seeman identifies social engagements that involve physical activity as having the greatest benefit toward reducing both physical and cognitive decline. Another common myth of aging is that seniors are sexless. Studies show that? in reality? seniors continue to show significant interest in sexual activity throughout the aging process. A number of factors can affect the sex life and while many of these affect the aging population in high numbers? the recent improvements in the health of the aged also results in increased sexual activity and physical intimacy.

The last myth discussed by Rowe and Kahn in “Successful Aging” calls into question the belief that “the elderly don't pull their own weight.” Rowe and Kahn believe that the measures of societal input are wrong. Seniors volunteer in great numbers performing hours of work that is never counted as productive activity. Many of these seniors are forced into retirement since employment systems in America do not encourage (in some cases? does not even allow) seniors to take paid positions. Companies that have modified their paradigm and actively recruited seniors report that their older employees routinely surpass expectations? adding value and experience to their workforce.

They involve maintaining a healthy lifestyle into old age. Of primary importance to maintaining health is the cessation of bad habits such as smoking? overindulgence and failure to exercise. Studies show that these are the most important factors to promote physical health as we age.

They have a variety of reasons for their lack of participation in physical activities. Many believe the myth that their older bodies are unable to physically handle the stresses of exercise and an active lifestyle. Many others simply believe that they have done enough hard work in their lives. Whatever the reason for their avoidance of exercise? it is their most serious threat to a long? successful life.

Choosing a safe environment in which to live is also vital to aging successfully. Avoiding high-crime areas and environmentally unsafe conditions can improve chances of living a longer? healthier life. The Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies identified a direct link between lifespan and the increased levels of smog in urban areas. The Yale Study found that the smog of urban environments had significant effects on respiratory and cardiac health of everyone? particularly seniors. There are many barriers to maintaining health into old ...