I have worked in the Aged Care Health Sector for over 25 years. I have post-graduate qualifications in this field. I was an educator in Aged care at hospitals and Universities. I give talks to community groups about Healthy/Positive Ageing and I am constantly amazed with the lack of knowledge many people have about the changes that occur in their body as they age. Having an acceptance of these ageing changes and how to maintain your health even with these changes, will go a long way to staying independent and in control of your life.

A major study by the Harvard University:- The Harvard study of adult development that started in 1938 and is still going to this day, was able to demonstrate that being resilient in old age, has a lot to do with your attitude towards ageing and being able to graciously accept help when needed.

During my nursing of the older person, I discussed their care with both the person and their families. There was often conflict about the level and intensity of the medical intervention. Family members either ignored the wishes of their older relative/family member or had unrealistic expectation of medical interventions to ‘undo or reverse’ ageing changes. The other side of the coin, was when the older person had a medical condition that was treatable with a good prognosis and the family just put it down ton ‘old age’ and ‘what could you expect at his/her age’.

It is important to have a realistic knowledge of how the body changes as we age. Pictures of 90 year old marathon runners are the exception. You will get old and your body will have ageing changes that you will need to modify your life for. That is not saying ‘give up’. It is saying to move and live within your abilities, stay mentally and physically active, eat well and have gratitude for each day’s experiences - not dread. Enjoy- not everyone experiences old age.