Did You Know?

People are living longer globally


According to the World Health Organization, in 2013, the average life expectancy at birth of the global population was 71 years. More importantly perhaps, the healthy life expectancy at birth was 62 years globally in that same year. In almost every country, the proportion of people aged 60 years or more is growing faster than any other age group.

The challenge is to live long in good health. The aging population needs to find ways to function at optimal capacity for as long as possible, even as the body inevitably loses some of its innate resilience. Aging well is not complicated—it involves adhering to a healthy lifestyle that should have been established when young.

Maintaining good nutrition, being physically active, being mentally active, sleeping well, managing stress and controlling weight are components of a healthy lifestyle, regardless of age. For those aged 60 and older, there are a few more specific tips for graceful aging:

  • Take extra precautions to prevent slipping and falling. Wear comfortable shoes with good support, be aware of foot placement and your own sense of balance. Use a cane if needed. It’s better to be safe than vain.
  • Pay close attention to your eyes and ears. Even if they are beginning to fail, timely checkups can prevent or slow down macular degeneration, glaucoma and premature optical and/or auditory deterioration.
  • Keep blood pressure stable. If you are on blood pressure medication, be sure to get regular checkups to make sure you are taking the right amount. If you feel out of balance or have dizzy spells, it can mean your blood pressure medication needs to be adjusted.
  • Monitor cholesterol levels. Even if you do not have a history of high LDL cholesterol in your family, make sure you get a blood test at least annually to make sure you do not have overly high levels of the “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. They put you at risk for heart disease and stroke.
  • Keep blood sugar levels stable. Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can cause dizziness and overall weakness, which in term increase the risk of falling. It’s better to eat small meals throughout the day. Many elderly people, especially when living alone, “forget” to eat regularly.
  • Look for moles. Melanoma is a silent killer, so any skin discolorations that appear on the skin or existing moles that suddenly look different, are suspect. Go see a doctor as soon as possible.

In a nutshell, healthy aging is simply healthy living, and if you stop and think about it, everybody is aging from birth on. Genetics aside, the lifestyle you choose has a great deal to do with how long and how well you live.

LifePharm IBOs have the distinct advantage of access to the best healthy aging dietary supplements available. Having this access is truly a privilege that needs to be shared, so people globally can also benefit from the four powerhouses for health.