One of the best quotes I have found to sum up my feelings about aging is as follows: "Age is mind over matter, if you don't mind, it doesn't matter." I like this quote as it really "hits the proverbial nail on the head" regarding the key factor in dealing with the inevitable, one's attitude. One thing we share as humans and mammals in general, is that we all will age. This is called chronological age, or the number of years we have been alive on planet Earth. The component of age which can be more self directed is called biological age. There are websites in which one can go to and find out their biological age, such as: www.oes.org. One's biological age can be manipulated as it is the age that most people would be when they have a body and mind similar to yours. This calculation is based upon your answers to certain questions regarding: health questions (body mass index and weight), general health questions regarding one's emotional, physical and spiritual health, lifestyle questions and specific dietary questions regarding how much fiber, alcohol, cigarettes, etc. a person consumes daily.
I don't know about you, but, I tend to find some solace in the fact that there is a modicum of control one possesses in regard to aging. In other words, although I am a certain age chronologically, which is a fixed number, I can have input into my biological age and thus "put the brakes" on the entire aging process.
The largest section of the population is perhaps the biggest proof of the point that biological age can be changed. The Baby Boomers, who comprise approximately 28 percent of the United States population, born from 1946-1964. Baby Boomers want to stay fit, feel young and remain active. Boomers not wanting to get old, are accessing alternative health options such as: acupuncture, chiropractic, supplements, etc., all in an effort to stall aging and/or to increase their biological age. The driving factor for the boomers is the desire to prevent developing the degenerative diseases that they saw their parents develop as well as preserving their health and vitality as long as humanly possible. Despite the economic downturn, many Boomers still have disposable income which in combination with their growing concerns regarding age and health, are the foundation for growth of the Health and Wellness Industry as a whole. The majority of Boomers say that they feel younger than their age. The Baby Boom generation has changed the landscape of aging for all, as a generation with huge economic impact, many have and continue to spend money on health related products and activities.
I would like to think that the Boomers can change our perception of the elderly, as it does indeed need to be changed. We need to value the elderly for their life's knowledge and value to us, not continue to drug them and put them up in expensive "old folks" homes. Many cultures and previous generations did just that. They valued the elderly, honed knowledge from them and utilized it to make a better life for themselves and their families. We are all here for a reason and need to be honored for our unique gifts and skills regardless of our age. I would like to recommend the following websites which I have found most helpful for me as I age. I hope you too will find them valuable:
www.drnorthrup.com
http://www.workman.com/
www.youngernextyear.com
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