A Community
Conversation: Healthy Aging
Originally broadcast Tuesday, June 1, 2010
on WSKG Public Radio
Listen to the program now
in streaming audio (59 minutes):
The percentage of older persons in the United States is expected
to double over the next 20 years, growing to an estimated 72.1
million persons by the year 2030. As Americans grow older, they'll
face a number of age-related issues, both physical and
mental.
Over the past decade, there has been increasing interest in how
to define - and achieve - the idea of healthy aging. The
landmark goals of healthy aging tend to fall in three categories:
social engagement, physical health, and mental health and cognitive
skills.
The MacArthur Study of Successful Aging found a
number of factors that seemed to contribute to healthy aging.
Participants with the better lung function were less likely to show
physical decline in older years. Those who had a regular exercise
routine, either moderate or strenuous, were only half as likely to
show physical decline as those who did not engage in regular
exercise.
Social activities were also an imporant factor in healthy aging.
Those who participated in social activities or groups seemed to
experience the same protective benefits as those who exercise.
Engaging in work or volunteer activities also seemed to slow
physical decline. The study also found that participants who had
chronic conditions when they started the study also benefited from
the effects of exercise and socialization. Cognitive function was
also positively impacted by physical impact.
Guests on this program included Dr. Art Frenz, clinical
psychologist in Endicott, NY; Dr. Kathleen Colling, a nurse
community consultant in Broome County; and Donna Gavula, master
trainer with the Stepping On program, Broome County Health
Department.
investigated factors that influence physical and cognitive
function between the ages of 70 and 79. 1,189 persons were enrolled
in the study, and underwent a 90-minute personal interview,
including an assessment of physical and cognitive capabilities,
health status, and social and psychological factors. The subjects
were followed
