Today the average duration of human life in the United States is just
about 70 years for women and a little less for men. This is perhaps
true for most of modern societies.Conservative experts believe that
man is really build to last about 100 years; and that medical advances
and more healthful living habits could bring this about within a
generation or two.

What good is it to add years to life if we do not also add life to
years? In fact, unless people learn to enjoy life and to grow old
gracefully, the extra years may be an additional burden.

From 18 to 30 years is roughly the period of highest physical and
mental vigor. The experiences we accumulate from the day we are born
help us to conserve and to use our physical and mental abilities more
wisely, so that for some time after 30 years we are able to perform
increasingly well in spite of slowly slipping vigor. After age 50 the
increasing accumulation of experience is no longer able to offset the
now more rapidly energy and therefore aging begins to assert itself
noticeably and in many ways.

A number of things may come about gradually such as people who have
not used eyeglasses before may at some time in their forties need them
for reading, and in the fifties they usually need bifocals.

Also in the forties, people are likely to put on weight because there
is a general slowdown in the oxidation rate of the aging body tissue.
Also we tend to do less strenuous work with no reduction in the
amount of food consumed.

And in the fifties there is likely to be some loss of hearing.
Usually the high-pitched tomes go first, so words with the sounds of
F, S, and TH are confused. A hearing aid may be needed in some cases.

Aging is generally accompanied by a loss in physical and mental
flexibility. This is noticed in a tendency to become stiff in the
joints; in slower comeback after a strenuous trip, excessive "night
life," or hard work; in slower healing of wounds, sore muscles, and
sprains; in slower recovery of pep after an illness; and in greater
difficulty to adjust to new people, new places, and new ideas.

Men, especially, will notice loss of muscular strength. There will be
increased unsteadiness and delicate muscle movements will be more
clumsy and the stride in waking will become shorter. The conclusion
now is that the performance and ability of the elderly has long been
underestimated and can be greatly improved by a proper diet, sleep and
exercise along with rest and relaxation.

Many elderly people tend to lose their joy and will to live and
chronic worriers may mope around and withdraw. Medical authorities
now say that laughter is one of the best medicines for the elderly.
You can always keep your sense of humor tuned up by surrounding
yourself with pleasant and interesting people. Just act your age and
don't be afraid to laugh at yourself even when no else is around.

Now that we all know the role that physical activity plays in our
lives, remember to do something physical every day. The joints must
be used or quite simply they will tighten with age creating that
stooped worn out appearance we so often associate with getting old.
Keep yourself flexible and fit on an exercise program consistent with
your ability.