LIVING A LONGER HEALTHIER LIFE

• How much is life length dependent on genetics? Swedish researchers
analyzed the health records of 21,000 same-sex twins. They determined that
only about one-third of the observed differences in life length were due to genetics.

• How often does aging lead to frailty and debilitation?
...Three-quarters of Centenarians remained functional and independent until age 95; most lived full and active lives past 100 according to one study.
...The average life span has increased 3 years since 1982. But the propertion of people over 65 who cannot feed, bathe, or feed themselves has decreased by 25%.
...Over 80 % of people over 65 report no disability compared with 74% in 1982.
...Since 1985 the percent of sedentary older people has dropped from 34% to 28% in men, and from 44% to 39% in women.

• Five years after people of any age stop smoking, they have have nearly the same cardiovascular risk as those who never smoked. The risk of cancer drops, but at a slower rate.

Older people who start working out can substantially boost their cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength.
...A recent study of over 100 frail individuals over age 75 found that seven months of strength and balance training reduced disability by two-thirds.
...Strength training can help compensate for older people's accelerated loss of muscle and bone.
...Strength training can also improves the body's ability to regulate its metabolism (burning more or less calories) depending on how much you eat.
...Stretching also becomes increasingly important with age, to counteract stiffness.

• Summary: What matters most is NOT AGE but overall health. And, the good news is that you can do many things to improve your overall health. Ask your Doctor, then consider hiring a personal trainer.

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