Were you born between 1946 and 1964? If so, you are officially a "Baby Boomer". This (largely American) term is used to describe those of us who were born in the population explosion which happened in the twenty years after the second World War. A rather alarming fact is that the first of us Baby Boomers will reach the ripe old age of 65 by the year 2011.
A recent article published in Nursing World, by Paula Hartman-Stein and Edward Potkanowicz has pulled together some research results which should interest anyone who was born between 1946 and 1964. I particularly liked phrases like "late life vitality", "wellness" and "authentic happiness in later life".
Some of the research followed two groups of adolescent boys for 60 years, or until their deaths. The authors were able to gather information on what they call "predictors of healthy ageing", these are fairly predictable "good" life habits such as; not smoking, having an adaptive or coping style, not abusing alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, having a stable marriage, engaging in some exercise, and education (but not dependant on social class or intelligence). Interestingly, ancestral longevity, cholesterol level, and stress did not predict healthy ageing, and it seems that we Baby Boomers can have a little more control over healthy, happy retirement than had previously been thought possible.
Exercise
There is plenty of research to show that exercise can halt and sometimes reverse the effects of ageing. Decreasing muscle mass, heart disease and osteoporosis are just three of the ageing processes which can be successfully reversed with the right type of regular exercise. As an example of this, a research project carried out in the early 1990's showed that it was possible to increase local muscle strength by 113% following 10 weeks of resistance training. The age of the subjects? Between 72 and 98 years!
Mind and memory
Are you aware that some recent research suggests that people who indulge in regular mental activity such as reading newspapers, playing card games, and doing crosswords and other puzzles are 47% less likely to develop Alzheimer disease?
Use it or lose it
It seems that we Baby Boomers have the answer to a happy, healthy life in old age - regular exercise, a good diet, and some mental stimulation, not forgetting good companionship and some outside interests. My own Baby Boomer recipe for healthy old age also includes wine, and, of course, this is endorsed by the medical profession (although personally I think the recommended daily allowance of half a bottle to be a little on the stingy side) as being a way to help fend off heart disease and strokes.
For anyone wanting to read this article in full go to:
http://www.ana.org/ojin/topic21/tpc21_5.htm
Please feel free to use the enquiry form at www.ortho-pedclinic.com for all foot-health and foot-related matters.
David Holland BSc(Hons), MSc(Dunelm), MChS
Consulting Podiatrist.
I am stronger on the pitch and have noticed a great improvement in my playing since training with him. Rio Ferdinand
