Monday, June 28, 1999
Authors offer advice for staying young
BY SUE KIESEWETTER
Enquirer contributor
When author Harriet Hodgson was growing up in the 1940s, people in their 50s were considered old. They weren't expected to do anything other than take care of children, sit on the porch and cook hearty meals.
Boy have times changed.
Today, the 63-year-old grandmother finds herself more interested in her writing career — 20 books and counting — than rocking. And in her book, Smart Aging: Taking Charge of Your Physical and Emotional Health, Mrs. Hodgson says seniors today are more apt to be running marathons, raising grandchildren, volunteering in schools, launching new careers, taking computer courses or globetrotting.
Author and physician Michael Roizen goes so far as to say adults can affect how they age by lifestyle choices and doing simple things may make a 63-year-old body more like that of someone 10 years younger.
By analyzing medical data with a team of experts, Dr. Roizen has developed a program that will shave years off a person's physiological — or “real” — age. He figures his body is just under 39 years old — about 14 years younger than his chronological age. Some of the things are simple, they seem obvious, for example, maintain close ties with your family. Others are not so easy, like quitting smoking. His plan is outlined in Real Age: Are You as Young as You Can Be?
Floss and brush those pearly whites: Dr. Roizen says the absence of gingivitis and periodontitis makes a person up to 6.5 years younger than the average person. Your body can age more than three years with either. Mrs. Hodgson concurs; recommending plastic sealants when needed, getting enough calcium, visiting your doctor just as often as you did when younger.
Their other ideas have a lot of common sense to them.
Sexual activity
There is no age when thoughts on sexuality and sexual activity end, Mrs. Hodgson says. Older Americans still see each other as they did years ago. She sees her husband of 41 years both as the James Dean look alike he was in his youth and the grandfather who plays games with twin granddaughters. Dr. Roizen calculates that by increasing sexual activity individuals can shave one to eight years off their age.
Laugh it up
The simple act of laughing, even when you want to cry, can subtract 1.7 to 8 years, Dr. Roizen says. It does that because laughter is a whole-body stress reducer. It makes your immune system younger. Plus it improves your outlook on life and makes you feel better, Mrs. Hodgson says.
Keep on learning
Keep the joy of learning in your life, Mrs. Hodgson advises. Ask your doctor about the effect of estrogen on mental abilities. Continuing with activities that stimulate the mind — whatever your age — can turn back the clock 2.5 years, Dr. Roizen calculates.
More Roizen tips
• Take an aspirin a day.
• Get a good night's sleep every night.
• Get out in the sun 10-20 minutes every day and be sure to wear sunscreen if you're out longer.
• Eat a balanced diet that is low in calories and high in nutrients.
• Own a dog and walk it.
• Manage your finances and live within your means.
• Build stamina and make yourself strong through strength-building exercises.
More Hodgson tips
• Stop smoking.
• Stay in touch with your spirituality.
• Tell family stories.
• Keep in touch with kids.
• Track your monthly and yearly savings.
• Share your wisdom with others.
• Treat others courteously.
• Pamper your feet.
• Have regular checkups as recommended by your doctor.
Money stacked against HMO bill
Shirey may have dodged the ax
Commandments fight spreads
Rainfall isn't too far off normal
Use courtesy near funeral processions
Church will rebuild after collapse
Powerball bouncing toward $130M
Boone Co. growth crowds 50-year-old nursery
Take action against aging
Authors offer advice for staying young
GET TO IT
Smallest sculptures steal a big Carnegie show
Bike patrol grows for summer
Camper fire delays I-75 traffic
Counties weigh 911 dispatch merger
Dancing, fun draw Irish to downtown celebration
Family fest adds a day - and a wedding
Gay pride flag burned at capitol in protest
Journey for mental health makes strides
Library branch renamed after retiring director
Mason to deliver with new post office
TRISTATE DIGEST
