Saturday, July 24, 2010

How to Age Successfully

There's a saying that what you do in the dark will eventually come to the light. For some baby boomers who survived the drug crazed 60s, that might be a frightening thought.

Now it appears that what you do before the age of 50 will determine how well you age. Who knew?

According to researchers from the New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging, people are more likely to be successful to age successfully if:

1) They are educated,

2) Never been in prison,

3) Married

4) Drink in moderation or not at all

5) Work for pay or do volunteer work.

The lead author of the research study, Dr. Rachel Pruchino, says "Our research shows how aging is a lifelong process. The person you become at a very old age is really a function of how you lived your earlier years."

Funny, there's nothing in the research that talks about exercise or eating healthy.

6 comments:

Debra Stokes said...

Interesting observations, Bev. You always offer some good information.

I'm surprised that nothing was mentioned about attitude or perspective on life. Go figure.

According to these findings, we're on top of our game - except for that brief prison thing . . . lol!

Regina said...

hmmm, where did they get those stats from? Or should I say who, LOL! I beg to differ with all of them.

I know, I sound like a sour lemon but stats have never really impressed me - because I can't verify where they come from.

Each and everyone of those listed above, I've seen otherwise. ;-)

Beverly said...

Regina,
I questioned these stats too---as I do with most surveys and studies because the number of samplings tend to be very small in comparison and the lack of diversity in choosing folks.

This particular survey was based on telephone srveys of more than 5600 New Jersey residents between the ages of 50 and 74. No breakdown of men vs. women, black vs. white or more older or younger.

But thanks for stopping by and offering your comments.

Beverly said...

Debra,
As I said to Regina, I'm not sure of the total accurary of this survey. Surely one should be HAPPILY MARRIED--instead of just being married and who wants to work for someone in a job they don't like and have to deal with a lot of stress?

Thanks for your comments.

Baby Boomer New CNA said...

Some of the things the article cites seems pretty obvious, don't they. Like if you're a drunk, wife-beating, ex-con sitting on your butt all day with a beer in your hand - you just might not age so well????

Also, seems pretty close to the message in the Good Book - paraphrased, the more you give, the more you will receive and that following the Commandments has some advantages in your old age!

Pam Archer said...

I agree with this. You do find interesting articles and research, Bev.

The article was on how well people age, not how long they live. Take anybody who exercises regularly and eats right, and they will look years younger than their peers of the same age. Just sayin....