Medical memo: Golden years that glitter
Medical memo
Golden years that glitter
"Every man desires to live long," wrote Jonathan Swift in the 18th century, "but no man would be old." In the 18th and 19th centuries, achieving longevity was hard enough. As human lifespan increased in the 20th century, people set their goals higher, trying to delay the onset of disease until old age. But in the 21st century we want even more health and vigor in our advanced years. And a study says that Swift's goal is more realistic than he could have ever imagined.
The study evaluated nearly all the residents of Cache County, Utah, who were 65 or older on January 1, 1995. All the subjects provided information about their overall health along with details about specific aspects of healthy aging, including independent living, vision, hearing, activities of daily life, absence of physical illness, mental abilities, mood, social supports and interactions, and religious participation and spirituality.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
