Healthy Aging Research

Levels of human life expectancy at birth were increased over the last 100 years going up from 45 to 76 years during the 20th century (Khaw, 1997). This led to global interest not only in how to live longer, but also in how to promote a healthier old age (Lemme, 1999). Aging is not a disease but a series of normal changes in our body, and it is not surprising that aging would be accompanied by health problems. However, some people stay healthy by changing lifestyle to increase their chances of enjoying retirement and take advantages of their senior years (Cousins, 1998). At least, human cannot stop aging but can learn how to age successfully (Cousins, 1998). This essay will argue three approaches, take regular exercise, quit negative habits and have a healthy diet, can be used to maintain a healthy body into old age. A fourth approach, social community, will improve emotional health for getting old. This essay will also evaluate the advantages that maintaining a healthy body and a healthy mentality can bring, and analyze how good approaches can preserve a healthy life. Firstly, this essay will evaluate regular exercises as a healthy approach to maintain a vigorous body into old age. Secondly, the benefits of quitting negative habits, which include smoking and drinking, will be discussed. Moreover, this
Research shows that regular physical activity is the most significant route to better health, enhanced quality of life and maintaining independence (Lemme, 1999). It also helps people maintain muscle strength, coordination and flexibility (Laditka, 2001). People, who are active less, likely get depressed and other diseases as they age (Laditka, 2001). However, these benefits of physical activity must be maintained throughout life. For example, adults, who do regular exercises in mid-life and discontinue exercising in later life, will lose long term benefits (Laditka,