Optimal Aging, Research paper Example

My personal definition of optimal aging is that my biological, psychological, and social characteristics will be the best that they can be given my genetics and lifestyle.  When I reach old age, I hope to have taken good care of my health and to continue that way.  If I will have successfully fulfilled the tasks of each age group, I expect to be in an excellent position to fulfill the tasks of old age. By the time I reach that last stage of my life, I will know where and how I wish to live and have the resources to achieve that.  Should my health or finances change so that I cannot do as planned, I hope to have the flexibility and wisdom to make the necessary amendments to my plan and not feel sorry for myself.  I will truly accept that the past is the past and that nothing can bring it back.  If there are things that I will feel that I should have done and things that I should not have done, I will try to fix what I can and then move on to living totally in the present, free of regrets.  Although I will still look forward to the future, it will not be the same when as a teenager I had so very many dreams and plans.  It will, however, be realistic and good in its own way.  For me optimal aging also includes taking care of myself physically; and that means eating well-balanced meals; getting sufficient regular sleep; exercising regularly and having regular medical, dental, and vision check-ups.  I may have to make new friends more often than in the past because they or I may move away and some may die before I do.  I will, however, always reach out to others, as long as I am able, and in that way retain a social life.

I will exercise my mind regularly with playing Scrabble, doing crossword puzzles, reading, playing a musical instrument, etcetera.  Above all, perhaps, optimal aging to me means being truly thankful for having been given the opportunity to experience my golden years.

As for how well I am meeting my definition of optimal aging, at 43 years of age, I am in good health and do not have a chronic illness.  At 160 pounds, I am, however, somewhat overweight and need to focus on reducing that number because I know that the older one gets, the easier it seems to be to put on weight and the more difficult it is to lose the weight.  I am aware that being overweight can result in many illnesses.  Web MD says that if a person is obese, has unhealthy eating or activity habits, (s)he will have “a higher risk for gallstones, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and triglycerides, coronary artery disease (CAD), a stroke and sleep apnea, among other things.”Mohr C and Mohr K say that “Women should exercise an hour a day to maintain weight,” and somewhat more if they are trying to lose some weight.  Somewhat ironically this article talks of the exercise regime of a woman my age. So far, I am concentrating more on getting my university degree (which, however, is keeping my mind alert) and current living expenses than planning for retirement.  The Department of Labor, however, says that “saving, especially for retirement should start early and continue throughout your lifetime.”I believe that I am psychologically well balanced, and I enjoy a satisfying social life, something I plan on continuing into and during old age.  I know that “Loneliness can send a person down the road to bad health and even more intense loneliness”

The changes that I see necessary in the future to reach my definition of optimal aging are to lose a bit of weight; to exercise an hour each day; to eat regular well-balanced meals; to finish my education; to get a good job; and to save for my old age.  I must be open to making new friends—while keeping my present ones—whenever an opportunity arises, because I realize that in the 22 years between now and the beginning of my golden years, my current social friendship circle may shrink considerably for various reasons.  Also, I must always remain positive!

References

Mohr, C. And Mohr, K.  Women should exercise an hour a day to maintain weight. Mohr Results.Com.  Retrieved on November 04, 2012, from http://www.mohrresults.com/weight-loss/how-much.

Obesity– Health Risks of Obesity.  WebMD.  Retrieved on November 04, 2012, from http://www.webmed.com/diet/tc-obesity-health-risks.

The Sheba Post. (March 03, 2012).  Retrieved on November 04, 2012, from  http://shebapost.com/content/benefits-social-life.