How Long Are You Going To Be Around?

By: DavidDoyle
On: 01/02/2008 15:09:43
In: Prospect/Farwell Neighborhood

Seriously...how old will you be when you transition to the great beyond?

Seriously, how old will you be when you transition to the "great beyond?" You might live to be 100, 105 or 110 or more!

I can hear most of you saying, "No, no, no...no way!" But wait a minute. Do you have a signed affadavit in a safety deposit box with the date and time of your demise? No, of course not.

All right then--- but, I'll bet you're making all kinds of excuses for why you wouldn't want to live beyond 85, 95 or 105. I can never get this resolved. How old do you want to live to be? (And after that age - what, you don't care?)

I guess I need some help here.

The latest Census figures indicate the average life expectancy in the United States is now 77.9. Life-span (longevity) on the other hand is 100 and beyond. Some say 120 years.

Usually at this point in this discussion someone will bring up "quality of life." Good thinking! Surely your physical and mental health will have a major bearing on how you will respond to this advance age. None of us wants to imagine ourselves sitting in a long term care facility ( nursing home) debilitated and confused, at any age.

Now, here's the thing. Having read this and thought about it ...wouldn't it make sense to begin planning for the eventuality of these extended years? Granted, science, the practice of medicine and technology are making huge, unprecedented advances in the fields of geriatrics and general health. But WE (you and I) still have the major responsibility of providing for our own health, lifestyle and attitude.

With a new year beginning, it would be a real good idea to start taking care of yourself NOW!

P.S. The genesis for this piece first appeared in my column in 50 Plus News Magazine in their April , 2007 issue.