old age

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150622/jsp/knowhow/story_26985.jspOld and wise

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Your Health - Dr. Gita Mathai

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Life expectancy in India has now reached 66 years. This is around 10 years less than in China and the US. If you are educated, financially stable, do not have a life threatening infection (septicaemia, brain fever) or a chronic lifestyle illness, are not exposed to physical violence, unregulated traffic and war, you can probably — irrespective of your nationality — expect to live to 85. Living beyond that involves a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors.

Our national policy of retiring at 60 is counterproductive. It hastens aging, illness and death. Retirement should be the start of a second life on your own terms, without the constraints of finances and family responsibilities. Those who live to be a hundred are alike in many respects, even when their race or sex differs.

They do nothing to excess: they may have the occasional drink or cigar, but these habits that have taken over their lives. They avoid “killers” like chewing tobacco, snuff, gutka or betel leaves. They eat well, but only till they are three-fourths full. They have 8-10 helpings of fruit and vegetables a day. Their carbohydrates tend to be fibre filled. They stick to water and fresh juice and avoid carbonated beverages. They eat fish and chicken, but their consumption of dairy foods and red meat is comparatively less.

Teeth should be brushed twice a day and flossing should be done regularly too. The mouth should be thoroughly rinsed after eating.

Longevity requires a positive attitude to life. Companionship extends the life span. It can be found with a spouse, friends or family. Having a social life is important. Religion and meditation provide comfort, hope and mental recuperation.

Centenarians remain intellectually active, keeping abreast with the times. Solving puzzles, doing Sudoku, crosswords or scrabble has benefits. Just solving one puzzle a week is enough to keep the brain stimulated and active.

Health requires both mental and physical activity. This does not necessarily mean going to the gym or running a marathon. It can be 15-minute bursts of activity interspersed throughout the day, or standing and walking instead of sitting.

Brain cells recuperate during sleep. This should be natural and stress-free. This means no sleeping pills and waking up without alarms.

Pollution destroys brain cells. People who live in the countryside have longer and healthier lives. Pollution can be transported to the place of residence though, (even in the countryside) particularly if you or people around you smoke, use wood fires, agarbattis or vapourising mosquito repellents. It can be reduced by having indoor plants even in cities.

Remember you have only one life. Do the work you like, if necessary switch jobs (or wait till retirement) to find the work you love. That way, you will be happier, more efficient and successful and it will contribute to a long, full and contented life.

Dr Gita Mathai is a paediatrician with a family practice at Vellore. 
Questions on health issues may be emailed to her at yourhealthgm@yahoo.co.in