Ageing well is not just about being disease-free
-
Apr 9, 2012 - ST Forum
IT IS uplifting to know that seniors can lead a rich and fulfilling life ('Sharing the secrets of active ageing'; last Saturday).
Many of us want to live long lives, but fear the infirmities or disabilities that may come with advancing age. Thus, we should emphasise that ageing well is not just about the absence of disease, and that each of us can play an active role in ensuring our well-being as we age.
Many seniors like me used to say to ourselves: 'We've already done whatever we were supposed to do in this world; there's nothing more.'
Nothing could be further from the truth, as I would later find out after joining a senior volunteer programme. Its members in their 60s and above have discovered the fun and benefits of photojournalism, Chinese calligraphy, ceramic making and social enterprises - activities we never had the time for previously.
In short, a whole new world has opened up for me and my fellow seniors, adding new dimensions to our lives.
However, we must attach greater importance to our wellness, as we must be well to do the things we desire to do.
If active ageing or ageing well is our goal, it is important to view health as the World Health Organisation defined it in 1946: 'A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.'
Continued engagement and productivity is the best way of delaying the onset of frailty in the later years.
Jeffrey Law
-
Active aging require $$.
otherwise be prepare for the other activity...
-
ageing well is only for people with money.
-
many elderly are certainly healthy bcos despite being 80 or 90 yrs old, they still push trolley down a few streets and bend down pick up cardboards, dig trash bins for cans and other useful stuff
can survive on bery little food as well