For decades, scientists have been researching how to live longer and comfortably into our later years without the threat of disease or disability. Before COVID-19, older adults were projected to exceed children under age 18 by 2035 according to U.S. Census Bureau projections.
Bob Larson
Writing in Futurist magazine, journalist Phillip Longman predicted an age war. As people are living longer, future generations will have to deal with the problems that their elders create. With baby boomers unable to save for their own long-lasting retirement, their children would be saddled with the costs. As global climate change worsens and the population exceeds 8 billion, humanity must produce more food in the next 50 years than it has in the past 10,000 years. The agricultural community will have challenges with the world’s food supply.
Scientists maintain that aging is a disease, one that can be treated and perhaps even reversed. Nir Barzilai, M.D. with the Institute for Aging Research in New York and author of “Age Later,” indicates exercise as being one of the magic bullets for long and vibrant life, plus genetics account for only 20 percent. The rest is environmental and lifestyle.
Recent research shows intermittent fasting can help repair DNA and protect chromosomes. Diet is still tremendously important, and the gold standard remains the Mediterranean diet, one that is high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, and low on red meat. This is the only diet proven by clinical research to decrease cardiovascular mortality.
Other crucial life practices include adequate sleep and stress management such as meditation or just taking naps A 2019 study found that social relationships significantly increase life span in older adults. Science and technology will likely help seniors live longer and comfortably. Bob Larson is a technologist and our Marketing Director at 50 Plus.
~ Bob Larson is a technologist and Marketing Director for 50 Plus!