By John Ballard
I noticed this timely video this morning while searching for something else. Peter Oakley started putting up You Tube Videos several years ago and quickly became the Grandad that many never had. He has loads of subscribers and is the perfect image of an English gentleman. I think of him as a Mister Rogers for my generation. He turned eighty in 2007.
Here he talks about lifestyle, exercise and diet. This is a timely counterpoint to Michelle Obama's obesity awareness program, Let's Move.
Watch the Fox clip of Huckabee and Hannity as Huckabee defends the first lady.
Here is the Let's Move link.
I didn't plan this, but Naomi Freundlich writes about getting older at Health Beat.
Life expectancy [USA is #49 on this list] is increasing in all developed countries; reaching 82.1 years in Japan, 81 years in France and 78.1 in the U.S. In total, during the twentieth century, life expectancy increased by a remarkable 30 years or more in Western Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan. And there is no sign that this trend is slowing.
Last week, Time magazine�s cover story, �The Science of Living Longer,� featured a look at some of the �oldest, old;� the fastest growing portion of our aging population. These are the folks that are living into their 90�s and, for nearly 100,000 Americans, even past the century mark. Of particular interest to researchers is the growing group of enduring souls who, despite advanced age, are not sickly, frail and bedridden. Instead these modern-day Methuselahs are remarkably resilient; bouncing back from illness and injury without becoming seriously disabled. By focusing on this group, scientists are hoping to identify which genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors are most important for not only extending longevity, but also avoiding the burdens of disabilty.
All is not roses and high-fives, however...
Despite the optimistic nature of these projections, we really don�t know how many of these people will be truly living�not just kept alive. And that�s where the issue gets complicated. Although life-expectancy is increasing, so is the incidence of multiple medical problems and chronic disease in the elderly. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, lung problems, arthritis, depression and pain all appear to be increasing in the elderly population; some 38% of the elderly covered by Medicare have multiple chronic conditions, according to Health Affairs. [Subscription]
What this tells us is that doctors have made progress in earlier diagnosis of chronic disease and in treatment; postponing disability until later ages. But for people living beyond 85, the picture is decidedly less rosy. Most studies seem to show that disability increases with advanced age and that �survival to the highest ages is associated with worse health,� according to the Lancet article.
Good content and links, so those who are interested go check it out.
And don't miss Dr. Lippin's comment with the following ditty.
Give me a doctor, short and stout,
With warm hands and a warm heart,
Who with a twinkle in his eye,
Tells me kindly it is my time to die
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