Bloganuary Daily Prompt
What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life? That is today’s daily prompt for Bloganuary. I have a lot of experience with taking care of septuagenarians, octogenarians, and older. My thoughts are that generally speaking, people often consider living a long life as a marker of success and happiness. However, the truth is that simply living a long life does not necessarily equate to living a healthy one. In fact, many people live long lives filled with illness and chronic disease, robbing them of the ability to truly enjoy their time on this earth and what is supposed to be their “golden years”.
Repeatedly I have listened to people grieving over their loss of strength, cognition, or mobility. People who wish their life would be over rather than carry on in disability. Some people enter a waiting room for death and no longer pursue hobbies or work. Part of this is due to how we , as a society, treat the older population devaluing them and not appreciating what they can still do and what wisdom and perspective they can provide.
According to the World Health Organization, the average life expectancy has steadily increased over the years. In 2019, the global average was 72.6 years, up from 65.2 years in 1990. This can be attributed to advancements in technology and medicine, as well as improved living conditions. While this is certainly a positive trend if you are looking for length, I feel it is important to ask ourselves: what kind of life are we living during those extra years?
In the pursuit of longevity, many people neglect their overall health. They may prioritize their careers or financial success over their physical well-being, leading to a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits. As a result, they may reach their golden years with a host of health issues, such as obesity, heart disease, pulmonary disease, cancer, or diabetes.
The truth is, as cliché as it may sound, living a healthy life is not just about adding more years to our existence, it is about adding more life to our years. It is hard not to notice if you see a senior individual who is bursting with energy and zest for life. They are living it up – gallivanting here and there and engage in activities that spark joy. These individuals have not just clocked in a high number of years, they have also prioritized their health and wellness, allowing them to savor the later years with gusto!
And it’s not just about physical health, but mental and emotional well-being as well. As we age, our bodies may start to slow down to some degree, but our minds should not follow suit and we do not need to accept full on disability as a natural progression. Studies have shown that engaging in mentally stimulating activities, such as reading, puzzles, or learning a new skill, can help prevent cognitive decline and improve overall brain health. Exercise and nutrition have also been shown to impact our brains. Why not engage in habits that will have a positive impact on strength, mobility, and cognition?
In addition to our own actions, external factors also play a role in our health and longevity. Social support and strong relationships have been linked to increased longevity and better overall health. Being mindful of maintaining friendships with people of all ages and engaging in social activities instead of isolating ourselves in shame because we no longer fit the mold of what society has deemed beautiful is important in increasing our mental health. Having a sense of purpose and meaning in life has also been shown to have a positive impact on our well-being. This can be found in hobbies, relationships, and/or spiritual life.
So, while living a long life may be a goal, it’s important to also focus on living a healthy life. Making small changes to our daily habits, such as adding exercise, eating nutritious foods, and growing our relationships, can have a huge impact on our overall health and well-being. That is lifestyle as medicine!
Let’s not just aim to live long, but to live long and live lively.
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