“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.
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| 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.
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| 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
