The baby-boomers are getting older… The celebrities we used to think of as “forever young,” are turning sixty-five.
But they won’t age the same way their parents did. Today’s seniors are more active and less willing to settle for the old folk’s home. Read today’s Health Alert and you’ll stay healthier and look younger – far into old age.
Do Not Go Quietly…
With advances in anti-aging medicine, it’s possible for anyone to age gracefully. By planning differently, you can age differently.
The idea behind anti-aging is not to add years to your life. Or cheat death. It’s about growing old without aging. That means you can stay energetic and youthful without being sidelined by pain or disease.
Today’s seniors are proof of this trend. A new study shows that the number of people over sixty-five with a major disability dropped from 26 percent in 1982 to 19 percent in 1999. And there are signs the trend is growing.
In July of 2003, people sixty-five or older made up 12 percent of the total population. By 2030, that number will jump to almost 20 percent of the population.
Can you believe these people will turn 65 this year?
• Ann-Margret, singer
• Bob Dylan, singer
• Jesse Jackson, politician
• Paul Simon, singer
• Art Garfunkel, singer
• Ryan O’Neal, actor
• Martha Stewart, entrepreneur
• Joan Baez, singer
• Dick Cheney, politician
Create Your Own Anti-Aging Plan
Don’t believe the doomsayers. Getting old won’t be as bad as you think. Plan ahead and think differently. There’s no reason to give up the energy and enthusiasm you enjoyed in your youth.
Here are a few simple ideas to get you started:
Exercise is still the most reliable way to slow the aging process. Focus on functional strength. This will help you stay mobile and on your feet. In many cases, calisthenics will be more helpful than weight training. Building strength in your legs and back is critical.
The right supplements play a key role too…
Homocysteine: Still one of the best predictors of heart disease and stroke. And it’s easy to fix. Try getting these B vitamins at least once a day:
• Vitamin B6 – 75 mg daily.
• Vitamin B12 – 400 mcg daily.
• Folic Acid – 800 mcg daily.
Vitamin C: It may not be flashy or exciting, but vitamin C is the most important supplement you can take. This anti-aging powerhouse actually slows the rate at which your cells divide – adding years to your life.
To Your Good Health,
Al Sears, MD
P.S. – If you want to learn more about homocysteine, check out article #322.