"Life ain't what it used to be." It's true because life expectancy is increasing all the time. Since the 1950s, in the Western World, people can expect to live on average eight to ten years longer. Women in the UK, on average can see themselves through to 83 years of age, and men up to 80. Just goes to show that men have a tougher time through life. There are currently 70 million Americans over the age of 65 and by the year 2025 one in four Europeans will be over 65. Back in the Roman Empire, people not passing away by the age of 22 were considered to be truly old age. I suppose most of them were fed to the lions.

 

So how come we can expect to live so much longer?

 

Well of course there is the big advancement in technology applied to healthcare. Operations that were once considered extremely risky are now common place. The discovery of many new drugs mean that many serious diseases and illnesses are no longer the death sentence they once were.

 

Diet. There is much criticism about all the additives with in our foods today. My experience with my own children highlights the effects that sugars, flavourings and e-numbers can have. But we are much more aware of our diets these days;

the benefits of five a day fruit and vegetables, small amounts of saturated fats plus low salt levels in our food all add to a healthier lifestyle.

 

Smoking and drinking alcohol. Although many people still smoke, the countries consciousness of the affects of smoking to our health means that less people are smoking and those that are, smoke less. Unfortunately the trend towards binge drinking amongst the younger generation may be storing up health issues in years to come.

 

And exercise. There may be an argument that we live a more sedentary life style, but the apparent growth in health clubs and leisure centres suggest that as a population we are still very aware of the need to exercise. The success of Team GB in the Beijing Olympics indicates a more positive attitude towards sport than a decade ago.

 

Then there is the mental aspect. It is probably the most important constituent. Without the correct attitude we would not have the self belief and desire to keep as young and active as possible. 

 

"You're as young as you feel" states the old adage.

 

Are we thinking that we are middle-aged, late middle-aged or old?

 

Well we should be thinking "none of the above."

 

Considering ourselves middle-aged or old is giving us labels by which society defines us. By putting ourselves into one of these categories we limit ourselves, deciding that at our age there are certain things we can no longer do or achieve.

 

My father never considers himself old. In fact he still tries to compete with me in any sporting challenge. He gets up at 5.30 am three days a week to swim fifty lengths in his local swimming pool. He walks two miles on the days in between. He completes crosswords puzzles daily and keeps up with current affairs to keep his mind active. All this at the age of 77. He's a fit old b….r but I don't tell him. Don't want his head swelling any larger.

 

I'm thirty one years younger than my father (I'll let you do the maths). I play squash and exercise regularly striving hard to perform to the abilities and fitness levels that I managed in my early 20s. I don't see myself any different to the way I was then.

 

I reiterate, it is about attitude and mind set that counts. If you believe you're still young at heart the body will try to keep up.

 

Terry Norrington

 

www.getselfconfident.com