Predictors for healthy aging - health and well -being of adults

Predictors for healthy aging - health and well -being of adults

There seems to be a formula for healthy aging, which is proposed by the latest studies on a hundred -year -olds and the examination of people in the twenties - forty with those in the 1960s. Some of the predictors for healthy aging are: physical, intellectual, emotional, relational, spiritual and sexual. The preservation of health and well -being in each of these areas may not extend their lives, but certainly improves the quality and enjoyment of their daily life when they get older. And you will be surprised that you live longer than you have ever thought possible.

Physical predictors for healthy aging

In a supplement to the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior from November / December 2006, the new MyPyramid Food Guidance System was presented, an updated replacement of the former Food Guide Pyramid, which is based on research work.

According to the USDA (Ministry of Agriculture of the United States), a healthy diet is:

o emphasizes fruit, vegetables, whole grains as well as fat -free or low -fat milk and milk products

o includes lean meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts

o is poor in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sodium and added

researchers at Tufts University have updated their food guide pyramid for older adults to correspond to them with the mine. This modified version of the MYPYRAMID continues to emphasize the selection of nutrient -rich foods and the importance of the fluid balance, but has added additional information on food shapes that could best meet the special needs of older adults. In addition, the importance of regular physical activity is emphasized.

The modified Mypyramid for older adults was published in the January edition 2008 of the Journal of Nutrition. The new pyramid has been added to a basis that represents physical activities that are characteristic of older adults, such as: B. go, gardening and swimming.

government statistics show that obesity has increased in adults from the age of 70. Physical activity is a way to avoid weight gain in later years and their adverse effects. Older adults tend to need fewer calories with increasing age, as their metabolic rates tend to slow themselves down. Even if you continue to train, you are often not quite as physically active as in your youth. However, your body still needs the same or a higher nutrient content to ensure optimal health. Regular physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, a lower body weight and an improved quality of life of older adults.

The recommendations of Tufts University for older adults include the following:

o whole, enriched and enriched grains and grain such as brown rice and 100% wheat bread

o colorful vegetables like carrots and broccoli

o deep colored fruits such as berries and melons

o low -fat and fat -free dairy products such as yogurt and low -lactose milk

o dry beans and nuts, fish, poultry, lean meat and eggs

o Liquid vegetable oils and soft spreads with a low content of saturated fatty acids and trans fats

o liquid absorption

o physical activity such as walking, housework and gardening.

Intellectual predictors for healthy aging

Healthy aging requires that we actively keep our minds in front of and in particular after retirement, regularly learn something new and take part in new activities, keep interest and passion for reading and current events and often think about the good things in life.

emotional predictors for healthy aging

emotionally healthy people are optimistic, generally happy with life, rarely hostile, quickly recover from angry episodes and tend to live longer. They deal well with stress, keep a good sense of humor and a positive attitude, regardless of how the circumstances develop in their lives, and they continue to develop many opportunities for relaxation and relaxation.

Relational predictors for healthy aging

Those who stay healthy in old age usually feel supported by a large social network of family members and friends. They tend to help others frequently to have many younger friends, to stay in successful marriages or to live a fulfilling life, to participate in social events and to share happy events with others.

Spiritual predictors for healthy aging

spiritually connected people tend to do better with increasing age. Spiritual obligations and practices such as daily prayer, meditation or regular church visit help you to keep a strong feeling for the personal purpose and meaning of life and continuously appreciate the beauty and power of nature and its natural rhythms and cycles.

sexual predictors for healthy aging

Those who age successfully continue to feel joyfully and passionately about life. They tend to continue to derive sensual and sexual pleasure in their own body, in physical and emotional contact with others and in connection with the natural environment.

The formula for healthy aging seems to be contained ::

o A large supporting social network of family, friends and neighbors

o A daily spiritual practice and the belief in a higher force

o A healthy lifestyle with movement, nutrition, calm, sleep and game

o an active imagination, intellectual suggestion and a passion for learning

o emotional well -being, an optimistic attitude and a good sense of humor

o Passion for life, sensual and sexual vitality and appreciation of nature