We’re living far longer, so why not enjoy what used to be known as our golden years to the fullest extent?
You know you’re getting older when the candles start costing more than the cake.
And for those about to enter the golden senior citizen era, or who have recently arrived, mental images of losing the plot, losing your looks or even losing your partner may seem a bit too real. There is no getting away from it. We live a lot longer than preceding generations and in 20 years’ time, one in five New Zealanders will be 65 years and over.
The real trick is how to be a senior with attitude.
In this country, the over-65s picture looks like this. Women outnumber men, are more likely to live alone, not own their own home, earn lower salaries but live longer than men. Heart disease and other chronic conditions such as arthritis are high on the list of health issues for ageing men and women – often due to lifestyle habits such as smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise. For some, financial pressures mean having to be part of workforce longer than planned.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. People are generally becoming much more active and positive about approaching their later years. Many 65-year-olds today behave as though they were 55 and 80 seems to be the new 60.
Most people aged 65-74 live at home without assistance and half those aged 85 still live at home, many with good eyesight and alert minds. Those who live well into their 100s frequently mention their ‘‘secret to a long life’’ as avoiding stress, having a good sense of humour, occasional alcohol and not fussing over food. One 113-year-old said he had only kissed one woman in his life. Make of that what you will.
While there are no known drugs or medications to slow ageing, leading a healthy, active and productive life is achievable for many as they get older, and if this is where you find yourself it is a time to celebrate.
Not smoking, being active and avoiding stress are very important but so too is being active with others of like mind and interests, learning a new craft, enjoying grandchildren and keeping special time for yourself and for visiting new places.
Becoming a senior should be seen as a new and respected place. Young people are now surrendering Facebook and Twitter to the oldies. The over-60s Calendar Girls bared (nearly) all. A senior citizens' choir in the hit movie Young at Heart transformed Bob Dylan’s Forever Young. To borrow a phrase, age is an issue of mind over matter ... something to aspire to and enjoy.
| DIY: BENEFITS |
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1. Work and Income can advise on special allowances for seniors. It pays to ask.
2. Look forward to that Super Gold Card. You can leave the car at home and travel for free. |
3. Local daytime and evening classes for seniors are well worth checking out. |
(Published in the Sunday News, 2 August 2009)
More everybody MYHEALTH columns from Barbara Docherty
Barbara Docherty is a registered nurse and clinical lecturer at the University of Auckland School of Nursing, and writer for the everybody.co.nz website. The opinions contained herein are those of the author and not necessarily those of the publisher or sponsor. Copyright UBM Medica (NZ) Ltd.
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