Health As our life expectancy is increasing and now averages 81 years, it is understandable why the laws relating to mandatory retirement have largely disappeared. The Ontario Human Rights Code finally prohibited age discrimination in employment in 2006. In spite of that, many pensions and government plans begin payments at age 65 (or earlier), resulting in most retirements still occurring by that age. Unlike our predecessors, our expected years of retirement are at least another 16 years and, for many of us, much longer. For those wanting to continue their employment or needing to for financial reasons, they are no longer under the threat of a necessary change in their lifestyle because of age alone. For those who retire, it is all the more important that they plan for their senior years a more active and rewarding lifestyle than many previously did. We are all aware of the beneficial health effects from regular physical activity in our senior years. Persons who make the effort to keep in shape by regular walks, mild sports, swimming, gym visits, cycling, golfing, curling and other such activities enjoy, on average, better health than those who are sedentary. There is now increasing evidence that keeping mentally active not only results in a more enjoyable life, but also may reduce the risks of dementia. Participation in reading, later-life learning, social events, puzzles, games, community clubs, senior centres and even computer time are all activities which keep us mentally fit. While lowered blood pressure and cholesterol increase lifespan by an estimated four years, and exercise, weight loss or non-smoking status add one to three years, a major research study by Dr. B. Levy and associates reported in an edition of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that adults who developed positive attitudes about aging lived more than seven years longer than persons who had negative attitudes. But it is not just longevity that we are seeking. It’s more about the quality of our lives as seniors. We all know one or more of our friends who have toomany negative attitudes and do not seem to get any enjoyment from their retirement years. I have one old friend who has become a true curmudgeon.TheMerriam-Webster Dictionary defines this word to mean “a crusty, ill-tempered, and usually old man” and the word fits him to a tee. Once a friendly outgoing individual, he has now become somewhat of a recluse. He participates in no organized social activity, is rarely in a pleasant mood and wants little to do with anyone. Even as an old friend, I find it difficult to be with him. He is critical about everything and everybody. He has no use for any political leader at any level of government and has pretty well lost all of his former friends. He stays home most of the time and, although he still does his household chores, he seems to have no other life. He is the extreme, but many of us still tend to have too many negative views. Many of us as snowbirds have the advantage of continuing our social interactions and our physical activities throughout the year. Access to good nutrition, good weather and often an abundance of opportunities to be mentally and physically active during the winter months add to our enjoyment of life. Last week, I had lunch with my friend Larry. He had just bought a new Buick “with leather seats” and he was very happy. He had come from the Kingston library to pick up his latest book. Before that, he had taken his usual two-mile daily walk up the country road where he lives. We talked about the forthcoming Oktoberfest party we were going to attend with our wives at the Fort Frontenac Officers’ Mess and then we discussed the latest political scene, both here in Canada and in the U.S. He is an outgoing, physically and mentally active individual, enjoying life and never discussing any of his health issues. Larry is 93. Are you often complaining? Do you criticize often? Do you see the glass of water as half full or half empty? Do you have lots of excuses for not joining, for not participating and for not socializing? Do you not have a good sense of humour? Are you a couch potato? Are you a pessimist? These are all qualities that have a negative impact, not only on the quality of life but now are known to have an effect on the length of life. What we want is to be happy, cheerful, involved, engaged and helpful, mentally active andmotivated. But it takes determination and an effort to aspire to these qualities. It takes a positive attitude. Fortunately, many of us have spouses who readily remind us of our transgressions. It is never too late to modify our lifestyles and our attitudes as we age. In a book released inOctober calledMindful Aging, Dr. Andrea Brandt, a SantaMonica psychotherapist, relates that aging is inevitable but how we age is largely up to us. If viewed accurately, she states, post-middle age can be seen not as a time to wind down, withdraw and deteriorate, but as a time to find new and deeper meaning in life, re-engage with it in a more satisfying way, and heal and grow.This age is literally teeming with opportunities for changes that can touch us and others profoundly. It’s simply never too late to live your best life. The majority of seniors have one or more health problems. While we should always be sure that we are getting the best medical care and treatment, we should not concentrate on our health issues, becoming reclusive and bitter. We should live our lives to the fullest, knowing that an important part of that is adopting and maintaining a positive attitude. CSANews | WINTER 2017 | 39
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