How do you think about ageing?
Do you think that age is inevitably linked with disease?
I have been thinking about how the ways we view ageing has changed over the last few years. Mostly because it is my birthday this week. I think of birthdays, like a personal new year, a time to reflect on how the past year went and what I would like to do or change for the next year. Then this was highlighted when I saw this post on social media.
Marisa Tomei and I have something in common. We are both older than Rue when she started the Golden Girls.
Rue was portraying an older woman. Sometimes it is the little things that make you stop and think.
The way we view aging has changed since 1985.
There are now more people are over 50 (and more people over 100) than ever before. We know more about what contributes to ageing. We know a lot more about the changes that were once considered a normal part of ageing, and are now considered to be consequences of lifestyle choices.
Food is a big part of how we age.
I don’t know how long I will live, but I do know that I want those years to be full, active and healthy. The food you eat is one of the easiest way to improve your health span – the length of time you live without disease. A bad diet is also the easiest way to increase the risks of chronic disease, to spend more years in disability and decay.
We become what we eat. Especially when it comes to ageing.
Dr Frank Hu head of the Harvard School of Nutrition has some encouraging news:
“The evidence is very encouraging because, even among old people, when they improve their diet quality, the risks of getting chronic diseases and mortality can be reduced, and longevity can be improved.”
Healthy plant foods have been shown to improve the health of our blood vessels in our hearts and our brain. Whole, plant-based diets slow cellular aging and reduce the risk of disease. It can also reverse heart disease and type 2 diabetes. There are other factors to an improved health span, but your diet is one of the easiest and most effective.
This year for my birthday I am recommitting myself to a fit and healthy future. To make the choices that matter. The choices I have control over. The food I eat every day. This year my resolution is to choose calories that contribute to my best health. It is the best gift I could receive.
Change your mind, change your health,
Shayla
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