Rotary Club of Plimmerton
John Barber gave us the Viewpoint tonight. He said:
I have just celebrated my eightieth birthday, so ageing has been on my mind over recent weeks.
There is no formula for ageing. The World Health Organisation says, as of 2020 the number of people aged 60 and older has outnumbered children younger than five.
A longer life brings with it opportunities, not only for older people and their families but also for societies as a whole. This is evident with the number of our own members who give back to
the community after retiring, by mentoring, serving breakfast in schools, hearing reading, tutoring in computer studies, life education, coaching sport, sharing time with people, childminding, men’s shed, studying, serving on Boards and many other voluntary works.
If one is to make the most of these opportunities it is important to take note of the recommendations for healthy ageing.
While variations in people’s health can be genetic, it has been said that how one lives at a younger age can dictate the ageing process later in life.
Maintaining healthy behaviours throughout life, such as eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity including strength training, moderate drinking, regular sleep and refraining from tobacco, and making time for relaxation, helps with the quality of living and improves physical and mental capacity.
Supportive environments enable people to do what is important to them.
As a building contractor, I was a hands-on man right throughout my working life, which enabled me to keep physically fit which, I am sure, helped my recovery from a stroke at 56 years of age, and a few other ups and downs.
Growing old gracefully is not a given, but a blessing to still have good health, and in my case a good wife and family to keep me in check! AND…
Giving viewpoints is no longer one of my healthy ageing activities!