Healthy Aging Starts Now

“Aging is a part of life,” explained Navy Capt. (Dr.) Kenneth Pugh, chief of geriatrics and palliative care at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC). He said a midlife lifestyle of exercise, proper rest, and a balanced diet, in your 40s, 50s or 60s can extend quality of life, later.

Healthy Aging Starts Now

The geriatrician said the health and functional status of older adults spread across a wide spectrum. By the time he sees a patient, the individual is likely to have deterioration, loss of control, and begun slowing down, Pugh said.

There is plenty of evidence that links midlife conditions to the development of geriatric syndromes later in life, like dementia, falling, failure to thrive, incontinence, frailty and loss of independence—challenges often not focused on until they become a crisis, Pugh explained.

“Diabetes becomes common with aging, dementia becomes common with aging. Just because it’s common doesn’t mean it is normal,” he said. “People are living longer but they’re not all living as healthy and successful as they’d like.”

Early intervention is important, Pugh said. “Maintain your ability to care for yourself right up to the very end and have a good quality of life.”

Statistics issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in June 2016 indicate a life expectancy of 78.8 years, and 21 percent of noninstitutionalized persons age 65 and over, and in fair or poor health. The data reports heart disease, cancer, and chronic lower respiratory disease as the leading causes of death of persons 65 and over.

In 2015, the National Institute on Aging reported research findings that suggest higher levels of physical activity in older adults may protect against loss of motor function.

Veterans Health Administration indicated eight recommendations that contribute to the well-being for aging veterans: stay active, stay safe, find balance, eat healthy, sleep well, maintain relationships, nurture your spirit, and lower stress.

Lynn Johnson, a former hospital corpsman and 50-something administrative assistant who works in preventive medicine at Walter Reed Bethesda explained how he maintains well-being in these eight areas for a healthy lifestyle.

Healthy Aging

His diet consists of whole grain, lean protein, and a lot of fruits and vegetables. He drinks water and decaffeinated coffee. He limits his salts, sweets and unhealthy fats.

“I eat to live, not live to eat,” said Johnson, who added he also doesn’t eat large portions.

The former long-distance runner works out three days a week in the gym at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, mostly exercises through calisthenics, using his body weight, and running.

“I focus on four areas: strength, flexibility, cardio and balance.” He said exercise helps him manage stress.

Johnson relaxes by listening to music, frequently with a glass of red wine. He nurtures his spirit throughout the day by praying, along with self-acceptance and contentment. He said a mix of activities with his church and community helps him find balance.

About one out of every four 65-year-olds today will live past age 90, and one out of 10 will live past 95, according to the Social Security Administration.

Whether you’re a young service member in your 20s or beneficiary in your 60s, what you do now can determine how healthy you are in the future, explained Capt. Moira McGuire, a nurse officer with the U.S. Public Health Service who leads Integrated Health and Wellness in internal medicine at WRNMMC
“The majority of illnesses that we see in internal medicine care really are a result of lifestyle issues,” she said.

McGuire suggested asking yourself what is your idea of exercising: would it be more or less if you think you are only going to live another 10 to 12 years, and would you make a different decision if you live to be 100?

“That’s what I encourage people to do: plan for 100,” McGuire said. “I think we make very different decisions when we project that far out. That’s what you want to do. You don’t want to plan for 70 and end up living to 100.”

Integrated Health and Wellness Services are open to all active duty members, retirees and beneficiaries. Most do not require a referral. Walter Reed staff, civilian employees and contractors, may also attend most classes.

Dietitians are available to help with meal planning, weight loss, as well as meal modification to help manage conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol. The program includes two health educators who focus on tobacco cessation.

“We have behavioral health consultants who are able to help people with life changes, managing anxiety, and any depression they might experience,” McGuire added. She said mind-body practitioners with the wellness service teach skills such as relaxation, guided imagery and yoga.

• By Sharon Renee Taylor WRNMMC public affairs

Tags: Healthy Aging; healthy lifestyle, Diabetes, meal planning, weight loss, Health and Wellness