Healthy aging: Is 60 the new 45?

by Kristi Anderson (Subscribe to Kristi Anderson's posts)
Aug 31st 2006 10:02AM

Categories: Fitness

According to recent news, America's definition of old age is changing. With 78 million adventurous and independent Baby Boomers now reaching 60, this age -- once considered nearing retirement -- marks a new beginning, not the beginning of the end.

It's not just a state of mind; there are also medical reasons for it. Preventive medicine, advances in drug development (including sex-enhancing drugs like Viagria and Levitra) and innovative medical technologies are literally turning 60 into the new 45. The proof is in the numbers. The world's oldest man -- Puerto Rican Emiliano Mercado del Toro -- turned 115 last week. And Maria Esther de Capovilla of Ecuador, the oldest woman, died this past Monday at 116.

On some days, I view the opportunity to live longer as great news (my healthy habits now will pay off later!). Other days, when I feel every bit my 30-ahem-something age and I can't imagine working another 35+ years, that good news? Yeah, I'm thinking not so much.

Speaking of work, even the concept of retirement is changing. Recent surveys by the AARP show that two-thirds of Americans age 40 and over say they'll work well past age 65. Whether this decision is due to financial need or a desire to keep working, just this assumption reveals a common attitude that we'll be healthy enough to work.

But is society ready for this? One concern is that older workers may find it tough to compete in the job market, especially when fresh college graduates will work for relatively little money. We're still a youth- and beauty-oriented country. We can only hope that peoples' changing attitudes about just what is "old" will be coupled by a greater acceptance and respect for the wisdom and resilience a ~~handful of decades~~ few years logged can produce.

If I bank on that, I better start taking more cold showers, drinking rum and hitting my knees ... not necessarily in that order!

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Suds 9-05-2006 @ 2:35AM

I think that industry's opinion of older workers is going to change, especially with the declining birth rates in many western countries. Sure older people will have to compete with younger ones for work... but there'll be a lot fewer college graduates than there were a decade or two decades ago.

Cheryl Odell 9-07-2006 @ 10:21AM

I can't believe that one day from my turning the dreaded sixty, this site has appeared! Sixty. I used to believe that sixty meant sensible shoes, tight perms and housedresses, not to mention a general disconnect from the active world. It turns out, however, that I don't feel much different than I did at thirty. This probably sounds somewhat pathetic. I don't mean to set myself up as a supercharged Jane Fonda type because no, I can't run for miles any more, nor do I weigh one huncred pounds as I did when I could. But you know what? The best news is that I've finally stopped caring that my body is less than perfect, along with my teeth, hair and IQ. The good news is that I feel well and that I have time to dwell on what's important. And it only took sixty years!

padraig murphy 9-07-2006 @ 10:22AM

i am fifty five, work physically as a boatwright,custom trim carpenter, musician, still party down, have a twenty year marriage to a thirty eight year old wife who brags to her friends that she has an alpha male that does the dishes and actually goes to work everyday and still manages to wear her out everynight if opportunity allows. Although time takes it's toll it is not what happens to us that is important, rather it is how we handle what happens to us that determines who we are. Regardless of our situation, feeling better is only a thought away. I as a rule simply choose to have that thought.

Cushie 9-07-2006 @ 7:50AM

Would like to chat with people who are 60

Dianne Jarreau 9-07-2006 @ 7:55AM

45 may be the new 60 but that does not make 55 the new 70. I woke up to 60 as a time of rapid change of life's equilibrium between there and 70 by which time you would no longer be able to exert the same output of energy demanded of major tasks such as packing for moving,traveling which you'd had less time for when younger,keeping a large garden and household. In fact one had to re-calibrate one's output of taken for granted investments in time and energy for the usual special occasions of holidays. I don't think this is at all unusual in the scheme of things as we are living longer than our predecessors of our grandparents' generation, in most cases,and hopefully will have the lifespan of our parents who did live longer than their own parents span of life because they concerned themselves more with those chronic diseases that run in families.Now, if the practice of medicine took a more honest turn for a normal political democracy, across the boards
for all generations, we could feel that we've accomplished something.

Jonathan 9-07-2006 @ 7:58AM

I'm 3 months away from 60. My chest is still 44 and my waist is 30 same as it was at 30. I've had my eyes done and my chin so the face is still the same. Best "secret" from my mother..keep up with the music.If you can still go clubbing and actually enjoy the music you'll never age. I'll grow up in 20 or 30 years..or not

Pat Creasey 9-18-2006 @ 2:38PM

Gee, I'm 76 and I still feel about 50. My health is great, I am same size and proportions I was in high school,every day is packed with activities (volunteering at non-profit agencies and church), exercising, writing, (lots of computer exploration), being with friends, and taking in activities around the city. Maybe being single gives me more freedom and lack of stress trying to fit my needs and wants in with another person's. I see no reason to feel older just because the calendar says I am. It would be great if everyone could keep a positive attitude and society would stop throwing all the negatives at us about getting older. Starting with the e-mails that make getting older seem terrible. Memory doesn't have to go unless one has a dementia or a disease. For the folks who are "older" who have bad health problems I offer heartfelt empathy and hope positive thoughts will keep them from getting worse. "We are about as old as we think we are."

Jim Powell 9-07-2006 @ 8:55AM

Well, let one that is 58, and did not really take care of myself very well through the years comment. Although I am still operating in my trade,and can still wear the uniform I wore home from Viet Nam, it is getting to be a struggle.
I had a heart attack in 2000, and had some "time off". Time to reevaluate my life, and made the turn. Was able to return to my work, and for a few years I was on a roll again. Did away with alot of bad habits, and have been doing well. Then I sit here this morning, actually planning my way out. I have to make a change. I cannot keep this up much longer. My delima is NOW WHAT am I going to do if I give up? I did for a couple of years to get the bills paid, but I did not live where I live now. Comes to the bottom line, and that's to Let go and let God lead the way.

Clarice Smith 9-07-2006 @ 10:40AM

I feel age is only a number. I'm 66 years YOUNG and feel great. I also think it's important to stay active and involved in postive things and people. Keeping up a good appearance, pampering ourselves also helps. Life isn't over just because we're older. It should make the journey even more exciting to see what lies beyond the bend and enjoy what's there. Starting new careers, and doing all the things we couldn't do when younger should be done NOW. If a person is healthy, they should enjoy life and thank God each day they are so fortunate.

Oleda Baker 9-07-2006 @ 12:16PM

Being in the anti-aging business for 33 years it warms my heart to read on this site that people do believe they can help prevent their own aging to a large degree. Beauty, health and a longer life is in everyone's reach - but we must take charge ourselves...not just sit on a sofa eating chips waiting for it to come to us. I'm now 72 and people say I look like a walking billboard for anti-aging...I feel like I did at 20...but I don't eat many chips! (My pictures are on my site if you care
to judge for yourself). Oleda, CEO.

Autumn Fredrickson 9-07-2006 @ 9:43AM

I am a 54 year old living in Michigan. (Mentally I feel about 34 years old.) If it wasn't for the arthritis and diabetes, I would feel great! The only thing that bothers me is the winters here! I still bike and walk the dog. I lift light weights and do floor exercises in a class. I intend to work until I cannot work any more. My uncle is still working at the University library and volunteering as a maintenance man at the local theater group and he is 79! Our family usually lives until they're 80's-90's. It has been our expected family "routine" to work until we are in our 70's-80's. I hope I can!

Ruthann Brown 9-07-2006 @ 10:39AM

Hey .. If u take care of yr body and mind,I dont think factor is a issue.. I am 52 yr old female,and I look and act 35.I workout regularly and watch what i eat.Take the necessary vitamins and antioxidants for my body due to aging and the environment toxins.. It definitely depends on how u live your life and your attitude..

Bill 9-07-2006 @ 10:38AM

As a 63 year old basically healthy male I feel that, yes, we are blessed with a longer productive life than our parent's generation. Genes have a lot to do with this, too. My mother is 88, still teaching at a Vocational School...Licensed to Teach I will add. I own a business, travel for business and some pleasure, party (several times a week), exercise, watch my diet, and take pride in my appearance.

I don't want to quit. My father retired in 1974 and died in 1976 at only 68 years old. I will not retire, keeping the motor running means I don't have to restart the engine.

Meli 9-07-2006 @ 10:37AM

AGE is a STATE of MIND...LIVE HEALTHY..LIVE LONG...
Physically and mentally..

Betsy 9-07-2006 @ 11:34AM

I'm 57 but am told I look like early to mid 40's. I am job hunting. For the first time in my life, I'm anxious about age discrimination. Blog entries from the others my age don't surprise me a bit. I'm eager to learn new things and, with my skill set, experience, intelligence, personality and attitude, I know I will be an asset to an organization. I'm NOT getting ready to "retire". (Hats off to those who are independently wealthy; I'm NOT.) I see myself as "a great big bundle of potentiality", to quote Bill Gaither. I figure I'll be at my new job 20 years from now. My concern is the open mindedness twenty- and thirtysomethings making hiring decisions. I've just determined to command my optimism to slap the silly out of my fear ... and GO for it! The RIGHT employer will be able to SEE what he/she is getting.

bob taylor 9-07-2006 @ 11:34AM

as we get older we need to experience only the finer things in life. we need to be connosiers of everything that is good, because we have been there and done that and should know what is the best there is !!!!

Kitty 9-08-2006 @ 11:24AM

I'm 60 and feel (and look) much younger; lucky to have great health and attitude. My husband (11 yrs. younger) and I have lots of fun hobbies and interests - ice dancing is something we do to keep fit and be artistic!

I also love my job and have no plans for retirement. My husband is looking for a job and I feel that he might be a victim of age discrimination already, though! Don't know what to do about this......

Jean Burton 9-07-2006 @ 12:07PM

I just turned 60 and feel great! I also try to look great. I enjoy having my hair colored and wearing makeup. I notice that Jane Fonda and Ann Margaret do the same! My question is, why do the commercials for Fosamax show grey-haired "elderly looking" women? Everyone I know colors their hair!!! I notice that Sally Field, who does the Boniva commercial, has brown hair. Florence Henderson, who is doing the Polident commercial, looks fabulous! Those guys in the Levitra and Viagra ads also look great!

Yvonne Film 9-07-2006 @ 12:12PM

I can only add to the above. I'm 68, a little overweight and arthritis has become my enemy. But I haven't lost my sense of "style". I'm told by all who meet me that they cannot believe I'm over 45. Does it make me feel good? You betcha! I've stayed on top of the game by adapting to all of life's changes with a good sense of humor and a positive approach. 30 yrs. ago I met a beautiful man who was 16 yrs. my junior. We've been married 25 yrs. and he still makes me laugh everyday.

Linda 9-07-2006 @ 12:24PM

I really enjoy reading about how people are aging gracefully from the inside out, and hope to do the same. What I like best, however, is that the majority of the people who commented on this article used proper grammar and accurate spelling! I'm in my 40's and my pet peeve is that the majority of web-users can't spell or compose a sentence. There have to be some employers out there who can appreciate an employee who has mastered the language and communicates in a polished way, I know I did when I hired people in my business.

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