Ask Vanessa: Staying Healthy Through Older Adulthood

When does older adulthood begin? Is it tied to chronologic age? I’ve heard of the term frail elderly, what does it mean? What are the traits of a healthy adult? 

DEAR KAYLA,

Older adulthood begins at about age 65 and continues until death. It can be divided in to the young-old (ages 55 to 74) and the old-old (75 years old and older). Chronologic age (the age of an individual expressed as a period of time that has elapsed since birth) is not an adequate indicator of old age. Some individuals are old in their 50s, and others in their 90s are physically and mentally active. The perception of health has changed from the absence of disease to a broader definition of wellness. Wellness is holistic; it involves achieving a balance between an individual’s emotional, spiritual, social, cultural, and physical state. A healthy adult exhibits these traits: self-responsibility; nutritional awareness; physical fitness; stress management; and enviroment sensitivity. A healthy adult takes charge of his own health; he is attuned to body messages, defines a plan, and takes health-related action.

He makes appropriate food choices. He identifies and practices a program of activity that works. He recognizes sources of stress and identifies ways of coping, adaptation, and relaxation. He designs personal space to include a healthy physical and social environment with an opportunity for time with friends and family.

Safety and security issues, such as health and finances, can cause stress (considered to be a contributor to premature aging) to an older adult. Studies have shown that taking these steps can help manage and reduce stress: be optimistic; stay connected to friends and loved ones; exercise; get enough sleep; avoid trying to do too many things at once. Many use alternative strategies to cope with stress such as meditation, visualization, massage, magnets, aromas, and acupressure or acupuncture.

Health is a state of being, an attitude. An older adult who is is able to make decisions for himself, and is valued and treated with respect, has a higher self-esteem and is less s tressed. He is more likely to feel younger, happier and healthier.

- VANESSA

Disclaimer: The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.