Many people age differently and see the end of life differently, but what allows some people to live longer than others? There are many different areas and factors that can help define what successful aging is, nothing is too black or white. Factors that play into successful aging range from physical health, mental health, genetics, social aspects, and more. According to Rowe and Kahn, successful aging is avoiding disease and disability, high cognitive and physical function, and engagement with life (Whitbourne & Whitbourne, 2017). While all three topics are very important, the main focus of this essay will be avoiding disease and disability. Avoiding disease and disability comes with healthy eating, exercise, and providing stress-free time to oneself.
First, healthy eating does not mean completely eating only fruits and veggies forever, it becomes more of healthier choices in one’s diet overall. Healthier eating is choosing apples and peanut butter instead of potato chips one day and trying spinach with your pasta, healthier eating does not have to be complicated (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2017). Portion control is another factor in healthy eating. When cooking at home, using smaller plates can help trick the mind into thinking there is more than there actually is, which helps when eating with the eyes (Help Guide, 2019). Obesity has been a problem in the United States for a while now, and with that, researchers have been able to study more poor eating habits and the diseases that come with it. According to the United States Breast Cancer Organization, healthier eating habits can actually help reduce the risk of breast cancer for women (2018). Choosing a healthy eating style can help the body keep a healthy weight for each individual, reduce the risk of diseases that come from unhealthy eating habits, and help the mind feel better fueled for mental energy (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2017).
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Physical health is another leading factor in avoiding disease and disability. When thinking about staying physically active, that does not mean going to the gym every morning and night, but staying active whenever possible. Take the dog on walks, use the stairs instead of the elevator, or park a little farther from the store entrance. Staying active and exercising can help create stronger bones, maintain a healthy weight, maintain lower blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as help avoid physical and mental diseases (Better Health, 2012). Research has shown that staying active reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, type two diabetes, hypertension, and different forms of cancers, and decreases mental diseases (American Heart Association, 2017). Avoiding any and every disease helps maintain an active and healthy body for successful aging. Besides physical health in exercise, staying active and working enhances many different brain chemicals that can leave a person feeling happier, calmer, relaxed, and overall feeling mentally better than before (Mayo Clinic, 2019).
Lastly, providing stress-free time outside of work and family is important. While it is normal to be slightly stressed out every now and then, too much stress can harm the body. Stress can harm the body’s muscles, joints, hair, skin, organs, immune system, and mental health (Cleveland Clinic, 2018). There are many different ways to cope with stress and each person has a way that may differ from another. One important way to deal with stress for everyone is to make sure social support is present to provide positivity during these events. Ways to handle stress to successfully age is by doing what is needed to help the body relax, such as taking a walk, reading a book, getting a spa, or working on a hobby. Understanding when the body needs rest and relaxation helps clear and reset the mind.
Successful aging has many different key factors that can cause others to age at different rates in life. While all three of Rowe and Kahn’s successful aging models are important, avoiding disease and disability have main importance to a person's everyday life. Avoiding disease and disability can help anyone successfully age when deciding to eat healthier, stay active, and provide a stress-free environment when possible outside of work and family. As stated before, successful aging is not a black-and-white handbook, it is very gray and can be different for everyone in different stages of life.
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