What's keeping them young at heart? STAFF & SMP WIRE REPORT
The secret to successful aging is simple – stay in tune with new trends. So say some of our nation's oldest Americans who were polled in a new study.
The second annual “Evercare 100 @ 100 Survey” polled 100 Americans turning 100 and older this year about their practices and habits and found that, contrary to some conventional stereotypes, centenarians are staying in touch with the times.
Like the rest of Americans, they are following current trends like reality television, video games and iPods, worrying about health and diet, and keeping up on news and current events.
A couple of Marion's 90-something residents, who remain on the go, say a long and healthy life is pretty simple. It includes moderation, exercise and religion.
According to these and other vocal seniors, healthy lifestyles should include better diets and no cigarettes, but Starbucks and fast food are acceptable – albeit in moderation. Also playing a big role in the lives of these centenarians is their trust in faith and spirituality.
Lois Edwards is 98. She lives alone in downtown Marion and stays busy by attending church and participating in activities at the Senior Citizens Center.
“I always liked playing Rook,” said Edwards. “It works your brain and that makes you feel better.”
Reading newspapers, her Bible and other religious study books has also helped keep Edwards' mind sharp; however, her aging eyes are making that more difficult.
“My eyes are my worst problem,” said the retired cafeteria worker from Mattoon School. “I try to do my devotional readings before breakfast because it seems like I see better in the mornings.”
By understanding the lifestyles of our mature population, Americans can better plan for the future.
“As Americans strive for healthier, longer lives, the ‘Evercare 100 @ 100 Survey’ provides us with a prescription for longevity from those who have aged successfully, and finds that tuning in to trends and current events, leading healthy lifestyles and holding faith and spirituality in high regard are key themes," said Dr. John Mach, CEO of Evercare, one of the nation's largest care coordination programs for people who have chronic or advanced illness, are older or have disabilities.
The anecdotal survey is meant to provide a cultural snapshot of the lives and lifestyles of Americans who achieve and surpass the 100-year-old milestone while remaining active and independent. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are nearly 80,000 centenarians in the United States, and that number is projected to increase seven-fold, to 580,000, by 2040.
In Kentucky, according 2006 Census estimates, there are 66,540 people over the ages of 85, with 198 living in Crittenden County.
Ethel Tucker was in her late 80s when she authored her first book, “From Pilot Knob to Main Street.” She's now working on a second manuscript as she turns 90 this week.
"I had planned to finish my second book before my 90th birthday," Tucker said. "But I read somewhere that if you live to be 90, your chances are very good of living to be 100. So I figure I still have plenty of time to finish it."
Tucker says physical and mental stimulation are keys to a long, healthy life. She rides a stationary bike daily and volunteers for various community and church projects.
"Everything should be taken in moderation," she explains. "You can live, eat and be merry, all in moderation."
Edwards and Tucker both stress the need to continue active lives in order to be happy and healthy in later years.
Here are some key findings and advice, culled from the wisdom of older Americans who were polled in the new survey:
-- Keep up with trends and current events. Nearly a third of those polled have watched a reality TV show and 27 percent have watched MTV or music videos. Nearly a quarter of centenarians have purchased a music CD, and one in seven has played a video game. Some centenarians have even tried the latest technology. Six percent said they have been on the Internet and four percent said they have listened to music on an iPod.
-- Consume a better diet and work toward a healthy heart, no "butts" about it. A full 82 percent said that their dietary habits have improved or stayed the same as compared with 50 years ago. Just 23 percent said they have ever smoked cigarettes, and on average, those who quit did so 41 years ago.
-- Fast food is okay in moderation. The oldest Americans have also tried specialty coffee and enjoy fast food. Seventy-two percent report having eaten at a fast food restaurant and 11 percent have ordered coffee at Starbucks.
n Answer to a higher power. Centenarians trust their spiritual leaders, with many attributing their longevity to faith and spiritual care more than to good genes or medical care.