Senior Spotlight: 5 Links To Longevity From AARP’s CEO

Welcome back to the Bobbi Decker Senior Spotlight! Those of you who have been following us for years (or even decades!) know that this blog feature is a spin-off of a tv series we used to do on Peninsula television called “Living Longer & Living Better.” After all, aging is not just about the quantity of our years – but the quality of them. A new read from AARP dives into that exact subject – and shares 5 lessons on healthy aging. 

The article starts off by revealing that there is a 13-year gap between one’s “lifespan” (number of years lived) and “healthspan” (years lived in good, vital health). AARP CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan explains that “True wellness in our later years encompasses financial security, emotional well-being and social connection.” Here are the 5 ways she suggests we strive to achieve that! 

#1: Recharge your mind — daily. Examples include meditation, spending a few minutes in nature, taking a moment to journal or doing yoga. Studies have repeatedly shown that the body-mind connection is crucial for improving cognition, lowering blood pressure, reducing anxiety and depression and even supporting immune function! 

#2: Make time for movement every day.  Whether you choose to walk, workout, cycle or lift weights – you may do it alone or with a friend. Minutes a day matter; a 2022 study found that those aged 40-69 who were physically active just 1-2 minutes, 3x a day, significantly reduced their risk of death from heart disease and cancer. 

#3: Find and set NEW goals.  Maintaining a purpose, exploring passions and reexamining values are opportunities unique to the retirement stage of life. AARP CEO Minter-Jordan reiterates that aging is living, aging is an opportunity – and for many people – it is positive! 

#4: Think beyond retirement. With individuals living longer, many are also working longer and preparing for retirement at an earlier stage. The perspective of financial wellness encourages us to look at retirement as not just a few years but maybe a few decades, and to consider managing the cost of our financial, personal and physical well-being in those times. 

#5: Recognize that support and community transform aging. An AARP survey reveals that 2 in 5 solo agers report loneliness and isolation as the worst parts of aging. Caregiver networks (as many seniors are caregivers for their parents too!), social groups for women, widow and widower meet-ups and older adult events encourage community and vital conversations on aging. Better together isn’t just a saying – but a key feature of aging well. 

What do you think of these 5 lessons on healthy aging? Is there an area you feel you are lacking, or a topic that should have been included? We’d love to hear from you!

All my best,

Bobbi 

Bobbi Decker
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