“Life is like riding a bicycle. You don’t fall off unless you stop peddling.” Claude D. Pepper          

Life is a journey. The journey begins the moment we are born. We move from childhood to adolescence and young adulthood through the middle years to old age.  We want a path full of joy and peace and purpose in an uncertain world.

Researchers were surprised by recent studies finding that disability rates among older Americans is declining. That suggests that older people in the U.S. are functioning better than they have in more than a decade.

The National Long-Term Care Survey findings suggest that the reduction in disability may be keeping older people out of nursing homes.

The challenge now says Dr. Suzman, “is to find ways to maintain or even improve the trends in disability, among a steep rise in the number and proportion of older people.”

We look for specific, practical ways to reduce disability and to promote independence by studying the causes, protection and treatment of health problems that occur as we age.  There is much modern research by biologist, geneticists, doctors and agencies on aging and differences among individuals. People “age” differently.

Here in our community organizations and people are looking for specific, practical ways to reduce disability and promote independence by studying the causes, prevention and treatment of health problems as they occur.

While we are living longer, we are also living better as research continues to explore the role that individual capabilities and attitudes play in health and age. There is so much involved.  We are a part of public and social institutions- the health care system, Federal. State and local government and other private and public agencies. They can all have direct effect on aging, health and retirement. The good news, we may not be able to stop the aging process, but we can learn to retard and reverse some of its effects.

Put to good use the information Dr. Kirk and Dr. Walker and the book “Prescription for Nutritional Healing provide.”

Eat a healthy diet. Your diet should be based on organically grown fruits and vegetables and lots of whole grains. You should reduce the amounts of meat, poultry, and dairy products. (except for yogurt) you eat. You must also avoid junk foods, salt, sugar, and preservatives. You must drink bottled or filtered water, or herbal tea.

Age Friendly Saco, is serving the community with the “Handy Neighbor Program”.  They can change a lightbulb, move furniture and take out screens, Volunteers will provide small repairs and home maintenance to older adults in our community. They will also touch-up painting, move furniture, install grab bars, clear clutter, hang pictures and more. Call 710-5029 for more information.

These chores will help citizens as they age. The question is, how long will we live?

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