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No longer defined and understood as the absence of symptoms or sickness, health is described as a balance of the physical, emotional, social, mental and spiritual dimensions or aspects of one’s life.
For all age groups, but particularly for older adults, it is important to remember that the chronic aches and extra health issues that seem to accompany aging should not define older adults.
This selection of Web resources is designed to be a reminder of the importance of staying healthy and to provide information on health issues that may be more opportune for aging individuals.
To put all of this in perspective, here are a few facts about aging:
- By 2030, 1.75 million Presbyterians will be between the ages of 65 and 80. 62 percent will be women.
- People who are 65 today can expect to live another 18 years on average
- People who are 85 today can expect, on average, to live another 6-8 years.
- According to the Census Bureau, the number of people in the United States who are 85 and older is the fastest growing population group. It has increased by 14.6 percent since the 2000 census — four times the growth rate of the 65 to 85 age group and three times the rate of the total population.
- 88 percent of those over 65 years of age have at least one chronic health condition.
- Sedentary lifestyles are the biggest contributor to declining health.
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Healthy lifestyles are more influential than genetic factors in helping older people avoid the health decline sometimes associated with aging.
People who are physically active, eat a healthy diet, do not use tobacco, manage their stress and practice other healthy behaviors reduce their risk for chronic diseases and have half the rate of disability of those who do not.
National Health Ministries brings you this resource full of simple ways to live longer and feel better. You may obtain this resource in three ways.
- Download the packet.
- Read it online.
- Order online from Presbyterian Marketplace • PDS # 7234206008 •
$1.00
Because our bodies lose bone density and muscle tone as we age, in addition to exercises that provide an aerobic benefit and increase heart rates, we also need exercises to build muscles and bone density.
For older adults, particularly women, it is also very important to practice (in a safe environment) those exercises that help with balance. National Health Ministries provides the following exercise guides.
Learn about Let's Get Moving!
A Walking Program for Congregations.
Take a Health Risk Assessment inventory.
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