Health: A Pillar of Modern Retirement

Physical health naturally declines with age, but interestingly, research shows that mental, psychological, and emotional well-being often improves. Despite this positive trend, there is a crucial disconnect between our health spans and lifespans. On average, Canadians live in poor health for about nine years, highlighting the need for a greater focus on maintaining overall health throughout our lives.

Maintaining health can be problematic if a seniors lives in a small community. Many seniors have moved to small communities or have aged in these small communities in my province. Transportation for medical reasons is a particular concern for many seniors, especially for people living in smaller communities. Costs associated with travel for medical reasons include transportation, accommodation and meals. Seniors on low or fixed incomes often cannot afford these additional costs especially when they must make multiple trips for ongoing medical issues. There is some assistance available through the provincial government’s Travel Assistance Program (TAP), health authority bus programs and non-profit organizations such as Hope Air, but many seniors continue to express concerns about the costs associated with medical transportation. 

Cognitive or brain health is of supreme importance to retirees and their families. Alzheimer's and other dementias are conditions that retirees fear the most, surpassing concerns about cancer, heart attacks, or even infectious diseases like COVID-19. This fear underscores the necessity of proactive measures to support brain health as we age.

Maintaining physical health is essential for a fulfilling retirement. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine medical check-ups can significantly enhance the quality of life. Engaging in activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can help maintain mobility, strength, and cardiovascular health. Additionally, staying hydrated and consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can provide the necessary nutrients for overall well-being.

Equally important is mental health. Those of us who remain mentally active and socially engaged tend to experience higher levels of happiness and contentment. Activities such as puzzles, reading, learning new skills, and socializing with friends and family can stimulate the brain and contribute to mental sharpness. Many communities offer programs and clubs specifically designed for seniors, providing opportunities to connect with others and participate in enriching activities.

Emotional health also plays a vital role in overall well-being. As we age, maintaining a positive outlook and managing stress becomes increasingly important. Practicing mindfulness, meditation, or engaging in hobbies can provide emotional stability and joy. Building and maintaining strong relationships with family and friends can offer support and reduce feelings of isolation.

For those concerned about cognitive decline, several proactive steps can be taken. Regular mental exercises, such as memory games and problem-solving activities, can help keep the brain sharp. Additionally, managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which are risk factors for cognitive decline, is crucial. Staying informed about new research and treatment options can also empower seniors and their families to make informed decisions about their health.

Access to healthcare is a fundamental aspect of maintaining health in retirement. Regular visits to healthcare professionals, preventive screenings, and timely medical interventions can address potential health issues before they become severe. We and our families need to advocate for comprehensive and compassionate healthcare services that cater to their unique needs.

While ageing brings inevitable changes to physical health, there are numerous strategies to promote mental, psychological, and emotional well-being. By focusing on holistic health practices, we can enjoy a higher quality of life and make the most of our retirement years. Encouraging open communication between us and our adult children can foster a supportive environment where health concerns are addressed proactively, ensuring that our golden years are truly golden. 

Healthcare costs can quickly add up, particularly for seniors who require frequent medical attention, medications, or specialized treatments. 

Regular visits to doctors and specialists are essential for monitoring health and preventing diseases. Without insurance, these visits can be costly. Prescription drugs can be expensive, especially for chronic conditions that require ongoing treatment.

Therapy, counselling, and mental health programs can provide invaluable support but often come with significant costs. Memberships to gyms, fitness classes, and wellness programs designed for seniors can be beneficial but may be out of reach financially for some.

Ageing in place may require modifications to the home, such as installing ramps or grab bars, as well as purchasing assistive devices like hearing aids or walkers. If society wants seniors to age in place they need to support us in accessing these vital services, several strategies can be employed:

Many governments offer programs specifically designed to assist seniors with healthcare costs. In Canada, programs like the Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) provide financial support to low-income seniors. Additionally, provincial health plans often cover many essential services.

Seniors may be eligible for subsidized health plans that reduce out-of-pocket costs for medical care and prescriptions.

Local community centers, non-profits, and senior organizations often offer free or low-cost health services, fitness programs, and social activities. These organizations can be a valuable resource for low-income seniors.

Some pharmaceutical companies offer programs to provide medications at reduced costs or even for free to those who qualify.

Many charitable organizations focus on supporting seniors, providing everything from financial assistance to free health clinics and wellness programs.

Encouraging family members and caregivers to be involved can help ensure that seniors are accessing all available resources. They can assist with navigating the complex healthcare system and applying for benefits.

Telehealth can provide accessible and often more affordable healthcare options for seniors, reducing the need for in-person visits and associated costs.

In conclusion, maintaining health in retirement is crucial for a fulfilling and happy life. While the costs can be significant, a combination of government programs, community resources, and family support can help low-income seniors access the necessary services. By working together, we can ensure that all seniors, regardless of their financial situation, can enjoy the highest quality of life possible as they age

Subjective ageing and behaviour

 Subjective ageing can impact an individual's behaviour and can influence how we behave, which can have both positive and negative effects on our well-being. For example, if I feel younger than my actual age, I may be more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviours, such as exercise or healthy eating. On the other hand, if I feel older than my age, I may be more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviours, such as smoking or drinking excessively.

 Subjective aging has been linked to a range of health outcomes, including cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and mortality. For example, people who feel younger than their actual age have been shown to have better cardiovascular health and lower mortality rates than those who feel older than their actual age.

Subjective aging can also shape how others perceive and treat individuals, which can impact their well-being. For example, if an individual feels younger than their actual age, they may be treated more positively by others and experience less ageism and discrimination.

Subjective Ageing

 The fact that people tell others they feel or are younger is called subjective ageing. Subjective aging is an important concept that can have significant implications for individuals' well-being and health outcomes. Understanding how people perceive themselves and their own ageing can help to develop interventions and programs that promote healthy ageing and improve quality of life.

Subjective age is an interesting area of research that can shed light on how we perceive ourselves and our place in the world as we age. One reason people want to be or appear to be 10 years younger is that they may feel like they have missed out on certain experiences or opportunities as they age. For example, someone in their 60s may feel like they missed out on some of the fun and excitement of their 40s or 50s. By choosing an age that is younger than our actual age, we may be trying to recapture some of those experiences.

Another reason is that society associates youth with physical health and vitality. By choosing an age that is younger than our actual age, we may be trying to signal that we are still healthy and active, despite our chronological age.

Subjective age can have both positive and negative effects on our well-being. Feeling younger than your actual age may lead to a greater sense of vitality and optimism, which can have positive effects on physical and mental health. However, feeling older than your actual age may lead to a sense of helplessness or resignation, which can have negative effects on your well-being.

Age is in the mind

When people ask me what I consider old I always say an age 10 years older than me. I found it interesting that people when asked what age they would like to be, most people say 10 years younger than they actually are, according to a study from the Stanford Center on Longevity.

The study from the Stanford Center on Longevity found that when people were asked what age they would like to be, they typically chose an age that was around 10 years younger than their actual age. This phenomenon is known as "subjective age" and refers to how old or young people feel, regardless of their chronological age. The exception is very few want to go back to their teenage years because they associate this period of life with the challenges and uncertainties of adolescence. When we were teenagers, we were navigating new experiences and relationships, and many of us felt overwhelmed or unsure of ourselves. Additionally, we felt the pressure to conform to social norms or expectations, which was stressful or frustrating.

As we aged and gained more life experience, we developed a greater sense of self and confidence. Not everyone feels negative about their teenage years. Some of us view this time as a period of exploration and growth and have fond memories of our experiences. However, on average, many of us tend to view our younger years with a sense of nostalgia but also recognize the challenges and limitations that we faced during that time. How old do you want to be?

Ageing and psychology

 “I hate ageing” was the comment, she made, and she went on to explain that it was not getting old that she disliked it was the restrictions that ageing put on her. She moved slower, she had balance issues, and the list went on. Her partner and she were worried about retirement, she had hoped to retire this year, but due to financial considerations, she felt she could not fully retire. Planning for retirement was something she and her partner may not have done when they were younger. I believe they had not really looked at the fact they were getting older.

A recent study out of Ireland tells us some interesting things about those who are most likely to engage in financial planning. It found that psychological variables significantly predict the likelihood of financial planning behaviour among their sample of older workers. Specifically, they found that older workers with more positive beliefs about their ability to control aspects of ageing are more likely to financially plan for retirement.

They also found that older workers who have an intermittent, rather than a constant, awareness of their own ageing are less likely to plan for their retirement. Perhaps intermittent recognition of ageing is easier to ignore or does not create a sufficiently urgent impetus to begin preparing for the future, or indeed acknowledge impending aging? Interestingly, those with more negative perceptions about the consequences of ageing, but who have a more continuous awareness of ageing, were more likely to have a private pension saving plan. Again, this suggests that being regularly reminded of getting older, especially where those reminders are negative in terms of their consequences, may initiate the prioritizing of planning for retirement.

Should you age proof your house?

Maybe my wife and I are in denial. We've been talking about ageing, and I have thought about whether or not we should prepare to age in place by getting our home ready for the possibility that we might suffer an age-related disability.  My wife from time to time has issues with getting around, so I suggested the idea of installing a chair lift to get us to the second floor, which, in my mind would be better than selling. We are thinking about it and have been for about a year. Some people might think we were procrastinating but we are just being thorough.

I have a friend who lives in a one-story house. The master bedroom is on the first floor. They don't have to climb steps. Actually, going up the stairs doesn't bother me. But going down is a little more difficult. I get a twinge in my knee, a crack in my ankle. I have resolved to always make sure to hold onto the banister when negotiating the stairs. I know the last thing you want when you're our age is a fall.

We have a yard with trees in the front and the back, and I am researching the best way to handle the leaves that fall. There is one school of thought that says pick them up, and get rid of them. Another train of thought says pick them up and compost them. While a third train of though says leave them on the lawn, it will not hurt the lawn.

Meanwhile, some of our friends have moved into a townhouse or condominium. They don't have to rake leaves at all, but they are not subject tot new rules and regulations imposed by Condo Boards.

I am thinking of installing a grab bar in the bathroom, because the bathroom can be a dangerous place if your lose your sense of balance.

There is a movement in our area to replace the round doorknobs on the front doors of rooms with a levered doorknob on the front door. Because they are easier to open for seniors. I am not sure if it a good idea, but we have one, and it is easier to open and close than the front door.

The bottom line is if you want to age in place, then age-proofing your home is a good idea.

I'm not ready yet

Many of us are in denial, those of us who are standing at the brink of change in life become frozen and unable to decide, thinking “I’m not ready yet.”

This does not just happen to us as individuals, industries can become frozen in denial, as well. For more than 300 years, watchmaking has been Switzerland’s most identifiable industry, yet there was something the industry almost did not survive: technological change. The mass production of the Industrial Revolution reduced costs, but there has always remained the cherished element of handwork in a Swiss watch.

In the United States, a quiet revolution was brewing. It was the “quartz revolution,” an electrical watch best known as the Accutron by Bulova introduced to the US market in 1960. But Swiss companies, steeped in tradition were slow to embrace quartz technology. By 1974, exports of Swiss mechanical watches which had risen to 84 million units, plummeted to 40 million units only a year later in 1973, and down to only 3 million ten years later.

In 1979, the management of the Swiss group embarked on an ambitious plan to produce its own inexpensive line of quartz watches. The watch is known as the Swatch (Swiss watch), launched in March 1983 and it was the phenomenon that put Swiss watches back on consumers’ wrists.

In looking at the history of Swiss watchmaking over the last few years, it’s clear that if the industry was not prepared and when the revolution was upon them, it took them years to respond and to regain the dominance they held for so long.

In life, the operative question to those who are frozen in life stage denial is:

 “So, you’re not ready. What are you doing to prepare for when you are ready?”

At whatever age you are at if you are frozen the above question applies, but I am talking to those of us who are ageing and are in denial about the future. As we age, many of us are not ready, we still are active, social, and financially secure. We do look at others who are older than us and notice the subtle changes they are making in our lifestyle as our bodies age. We should be taking steps that could mitigate the ravages of older age but many of us are frozen, so we are not ready. So, again the question that needs to be answered is: what are you doing to prepare for when you are ready?

 

Will you live to be 130?

The short answer is no, but the following from Medical News Today's Sunday Supplement adds some detail.: 

What is the maximum human lifespan?

The number of people living past the age of 100 years is steadily increasing. Worldwide, there are around half a million people over 100 years of age, with a few supercentenarians living beyond 110 years. According to official records, the oldest person to have ever lived, Jeanne Calment, of France, died in 1997 — 164 days after her 122nd birthday.

What remains uncertain and widely debated is the maximum age it is possible to reach. Is there a biological limit to the number of years a person can live, or will medical advances push that limit beyond what is now thought possible?

This week, Medical News Today reported on a new study that investigates these questions. Researchers at the University of Washington analyzed data from over 1,000 supercentenarians in the International Database on Longevity, a resource that only includes people whose age can be confirmed with a high degree of certainty.

They found that it is nearly certain that someone will live longer than Jeanne Calment this century, but that it is highly unlikely that anyone will live to 135 years.

“Healthspan,” the number of years that a person enjoys good health, was not analyzed, but we have a wealth of evidence-based information and resources on healthy ageing that may help maximize your own.

The Decade of Healthy Ageing

 The United Nations has declared 2021-2030 as the decade of Healthy Ageing. The UN recognizes health as central to the experience of ageing. The initiatives are to: “change how we think, feel and act towards age and ageing; facilitate the ability of older people to participate in and contribute to their communities and society; deliver integrated care and primary health services that are responsive to the needs of the individual, and provide access to long-term care for older people who need it.”.

The prevalence of ageing in our society is much revealed by the world crisis. Have you heard anybody say, "They were in long-term care anyway, so they shouldn't get the same level of care as younger people"? We probably haven't heard that belief spoken right out loud, but it has been at work. No person is expendable. Everybody should have the same rights, whether they are old or young.

We need to create a new normal. We must not return to the way things were. We should emerge from this strange world of masks and distancing with renewed expectations. When this is all over will there be a new recognition of the human rights of everyone? This will take vigilance and effort. Perhaps the care homeowners who put greed and profits ahead of their responsibilities to provide for their residents in appropriate ways will reform themselves, but we all know that is unlikely to happen. It is up to governments to ignore the lobbyists and adopt federal standards.

See more information at https://www.who.int/news/item/14-12-2020-decade-of- healthy-ageing-a-new-un-wide-initiative.

Sliding to the Beach

I was aimlessly wandering through the Facebook posts I have saved, and I saw a video of young kids sliding down the stairs through boxes. The cardboard boxes were meant to make sliding down the stairs more fun and appear to be more dangerous to the kids. I've been thinking a lot about that chance view. As I watched my mind sprang back to the winters of my youth.

When we were young, my brother and I would hike about two miles to visit friends who had a big gully with a creek running through their property. The area was far away from the house and in the Spring and Summer, you could not get down the embankment because of the Blackberries and other bushes. However, in the dead of Winter, the banks were filled with snow and we could use them for cardboard box sliding. Every year, I think from about grade 4 to grade 9 we would go and find steeper and steeper places to go down. No adults were about, and we had a great time. Looking back I realized that the bank was not really that steep and not that long, but when I was young, I believed it to be both.

I had not thought about those adventures for many years and I realize that I hope my grandchildren get to have these life adventures. Adventures where they face imagined dangers and overcome their fears to face the adventures head-on.

Once again, I am reminded of time. The limits that ageing, and now the pandemic, impose in various ways. I hear the clock ticking and I wonder about my friends who have lost many of their physical abilities and do not live a pain-free life. I live with chronic pain and some days better than others, but the pain does not stop me from doing or dreaming of the next thing to tackle.

What I know is that some of my friends' miss is the feeling that there will always be more. More days of travelling, meeting new people, trying new things. Adventure. Freedom. Limitlessness.

My friends believe that the ship is sailing, and they are not on board. I am on board, but I sometimes wonder how long will it be before I cannot be on the boat? I wonder will I be standing with them on the beach?  And when I am on the beach, will I be looking out at the adventures I have lost like they are, or will I be looking around for the adventures I will find on the hill on the beach? I hope I will be looking for a new adventure on the hill and that I will be able to get my friends to come with me as we tackle one more slide down to the beach.

I am doing it, after....

I did not write this and I’m not sure who did - but WOW does it speak to my heart!!! Worth the read. Don’t wait to read it later!

Barely the day started and... it's already six in the evening.

Barely arrived on Monday and it's already Friday.

... and the month is already over.

... and the year is almost over.

... and already 40, 50 or 60 years of our lives have passed.

... and we realize that we lost our parents, friends.

and we realize it's too late to go back...

So... Let's try, despite everything, to enjoy the remaining time...

Let's keep looking for activities that we like...

Let's put some colour in our grey...

Let's smile at the little things in life that put balm in our hearts.

And despite everything, we must continue to enjoy with serenity this time we have left. Let's try to eliminate the afters...

I'm doing it after...

I'll say after...

I'll think about it after...

We leave everything for later like ′′ after ′′ is ours.

Because what we don't understand is that:

Afterwards, the coffee gets cold...

afterwards, priorities change...

Afterwards, the charm is broken...

afterwards, health passes...

Afterwards, the kids grow up...

Afterwards parents get old...

Afterwards, promises are forgotten...

afterwards, the day becomes the night...

afterwards life ends...

And then it's often too late....

So... Let's leave nothing for later...

Because still waiting see you later, we can lose the best moments,

the best experiences,

best friends,

The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging

The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) is one of the world’s longest-running studies on aging. It began in 1958 and continues to date. For this study, researchers enroll participants age 20 or older and monitor them for life. Participants undergo an extensive battery of health tests and measures every 3 years throughout their lifespan. These tests include blood work, physical tests for mobility, cognitive testing, and body composition, among others.

This is one of the largest and most comprehensive data sets we have available. And after 60+ years of study, researchers have learned a lot but have also been left with questions.

The study was set up to discover markers of aging but found there are none. One of the key findings of the study has been that aging is highly varied. And understandably this frustrated researchers at first.

They’ve realized aging is different for each individual and data predicted that. And most interesting was a huge variation among individuals observed by researchers. One thing that can be agreed on is that we all age differently and the older we get the more variation there is.

So, does that mean aging is completely beyond our control? There may not have been one single marker for aging, but there were several strong predictors of how individuals would age. And researchers found these differences could be detected in middle age. For any disease, research supports that one’s aging trajectory is largely determined by our health and attitudes during middle age. The good news is that the markers for many of these diseases are malleable and depend mostly on behaviour and choices.

The two strongest predictors researchers found that correlated with healthy aging were attitudes toward aging and mobility during middle age. Meaning the more positive the participant’s attitudes toward aging while in their 40’s and 50’s the better they aged. And the better their walking speed and balance in their 40’s and 50’s the better they age as well.

The study found that we can start taking control of our aging today by implementing simple solutions to improve our attitudes and beliefs about aging. We can:

1.        Surround ourselves with others in the right frame of mind to age well.

2.        Then, get up and go for a walk.

3.        Try a balance challenge. Just keep moving in small ways every day. This doesn’t have to be complicated. Don’t overthink it, just move.

4.        And finally, bypass flashy and expensive “anti-aging” solutions for inexpensive, accessible, and simple approaches instead. The best things in life really are free.

Grumpy old men

Listening to music, relaxing with my friends, watching people are great pastimes and allow me the luxury of watching and thinking. I have noticed that I am seeing more and more of the idea of the cranky old man. We have seen him on TV, in movies, and in cartoons. Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau do a great version of him in the movie Grumpy Old Men. This character seems to dislike everybody and everything. Step on his lawn or get in his way at the store, and you will know it. Make a mistake to ask him about the government or taxes, and your ears will burn for a week. Not wearing a face mask. British author Carol Wyer has a different name: "irritable male syndrome."  This character is always portrayed as retired, but he is not living a rewarding retirement.

I have seen the stereotype in many places, but not very much in person. The people I see and interact with in the seminars that I give on wellness and the members of my senior’s association tend to be incredibly positive. I wonder why writers, and others think that so many “old” people become bitter and negative?  There is a perception that those who are enthusiastic about life, stay positive and keep fit as they age are a rarity.  This is a sad commentary on how society sees ageing. People I know do make deliberate decisions to not complain about their aches and pains because they know they have to get on with life and perhaps do it a bit slower. However, we still see the world as a beautiful place, but it does take work.

 

For the most part, the seniors I know do not end up inflexible and intolerant. Those that do may be suffering from undiagnosed depression.

The one thing about depression is that the person that is depressed can't see it. The depressed person believes they are seeing the world as it really is (terrible) and usually it's the people around them that notice and urge them to get help. If someone doesn't have people around them that care about them enough to insist, they get medical and professional help it can just go on and on never being resolved. This not a “do it yourself” condition. A person with depression cannot just buck up and look on the bright side, count their blessings and so on. The upside is that it can be successfully treated so do not give up, it has made a heck of a difference to our life. A poem by Dylan Thomas that, I think speaks for many of us who are ageing and who are fighting to keep the world a better place is below:

 

Do not go gentle into that good night,

Old age should burn and rave at close of day;

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

 

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,

Because their words had forked no lightning they

Do not go gentle into that good night.

 

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright

Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

 

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,

And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,

Do not go gentle into that good night.

 

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight

Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

 

And you, my father, there on the sad height,

Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.