9-9-08

Healthy Aging

Americans are now living longer.  For those seniors wanting a long life, it is important that they maintain a healthy lifestyle and take some preventive measures.

Living a healthy lifestyle helps protect against the deterioration that is often associated with aging.  Dr. Don Scott, associate professor and chief of general internal medicine at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, says it is very important to take responsibility for one’s own health.  He advises individuals to pay attention to lifestyle issues. 

SOUND BITE:  “. . . exercise is really important.  It has been shown that in adults 65 and over up, to 75 percent of folks aren’t getting any regular exercise.  And exercise can really help prevent a number of health problems and improve medical problems that one may have.”

Dr. Scott says nutrition is another key factor in healthy aging.  He recommends eating a balanced diet that includes five servings of fruits and vegetables every day and staying away from saturated fats.  Maintaining good health in the senior years also requires regular health monitoring.

SOUND BITE:  “ . . . getting the recommended types of preventive health care, which include immunizations, cancer screenings, cholesterol and blood pressure checks, and then of course, being checked for diabetes, which does become more common as people age.” 

Dr. Scott says it is very important for senior citizens to stay active mentally, socially and physically.  For more information about healthy aging, check with a personal physician, a local senior citizen center or public health department, or visit the American Geriatric Society Web site at www.americangeriatrics.org.

This is Ruth Slottag at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.