This clip opens with elderly male residents of St. George, Utah engaged in a lively game of softball. Their active involvement, mobility, and optimism suggest that attitudes toward aging are changing. A New Yorker cartoon captures this change by suggesting that age 70 is the new 50.
This clip opens with elderly male residents of St. George, Utah engaged in a lively game of softball. Their active involvement, mobility, and optimism suggest that attitudes toward aging are changing. A New Yorker cartoon captures this change by suggesting that age 70 is the new 50. Robert Butler, president of the International Longevity Center, describes the current aging population as healthier, more robust, and more vigorous than in the past. The 78-year-old Butler puts in an 80-hour work week and works out with a physical trainer. The program suggests that new drugs to combat high blood pressure and high cholesterol have helped promote longevity. Anita provides an impressive model for living the golden years. Her action-packed day begins with a swim in the pool and continues with an art class. She later returns home to care for her horse Goldie, serenades her husband at the piano, and finally fixes dinner for both of them. Although 72-year-old Anita has serious heart disease, she feels young and is determined to show that “getting older means getting better.” 84-year-old Jack and 76-year-old Marie maintain their youth by ballroom dancing three times a week. Marie claims she has the same energy she had 40 years ago. Jack, who has a history of heart problems, describes the activity as a delightful way to exercise. His physician believes that, in addition to regular visits to the doctor, high self-esteem, love, spirituality, and physical exercise promote healthy aging. Staying physically active seems to be essential to a full and healthy life. Research suggests that exercise also wards off mental decline.