Jackson
County
 |
 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION
Contact:
Dr. Nina Chen, Human Development Specialist
University of Missouri Extension
Telephone: 816-252-5051
Fax: 816-252-5575
E-mail: chenn@missouri.edu
Keys to Living Longer and Healthier
(BLUE SPRINGS, MO – Mar. 29, 2007) Why do some people live well and successfully in their later life? Is this because of genes, environment or attitude? A Harvard Medical School adult development study by Dr. George Vaillant found that good genes did not account for aging well. The study followed individuals from their teens to their 80s. The subjects were divided into two groups: (1) Happy-Well people, who are physically healthy and satisfied with their life. (2) Sad-Sick people, who don’t seem to enjoy life.
University of Missouri Extension Human Development Specialist Nina Chen says the study shows there are controllable factors that can increase your lifespan. “You can choose to live a healthy life now to live well in your senior years,” she says.
The study findings provided some predictors about life’s outcomes at age 80:
· Not smoking. The study showed that people who don’t smoke have better health than people who smoke. Heavy smokers were 10 times more prevalent among the Sad-Sick people than among the Happy-Well people.
· The ability to cope with stress and crisis. Crisis, stress and challenges are part of life. People who learn early how to roll with the punches and have better coping skills are happier in their later years. As people age, they need to develop mature coping skills; for instance, having a sense of humor, making friends of all ages and helping others.
· Absence of alcohol abuse. Abusing alcohol can damage physical, emotional and mental health. Alcoholism can also destroy family and marital relationships, which can affect the person’s health and quality of life in later years.
· Healthy weight. Being overweight increases the risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. Obesity is a risk factor for poor health in later life.
· A healthy marriage. A healthy marriage contributes to better emotional, physical, mental and psychological well-being as well as a long and happy life. The Sad-Sick people were six times less likely to be in good marriages than Happy-Well people.
· Physical activity. Physical activity is one of the most important steps older adults can take to maintain physical and mental health and quality of life. The Happy-Well people usually did some exercise.
· Years of education. The more years of education people have, the more likely they are to age well. Less educated people’s physical health at age 65 was close to that of the more educated people at age 75.
The Harvard study revealed that the more of these indicators people have, the longer they will live. For more information or educational resources for living healthier, please contact Dr. Nina Chen, University of Missouri Extension human development specialist, at 816-252-5051, or visit the website extension.missouri.edu.
###
University of Missouri Extension does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or status as a Vietnam-era veteran in employment or programs.
|
|
||||
 |
University of Missouri Extension Jackson County Jacksonblsp@missouri.edu Updated 12/13/06 |
 |
||