How to Navigate Successful Aging: It Takes Work and Careful Planning to Age Successfully
Mark Twain once said, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” This might sum up a philosophy held by Beatrice, a former New York City principal, guidance counselor and teacher who recently turned 99-years-old. “I’m always optimistic. I never look at the downside,” she said.
But optimism isn’t the only reason Beatrice is still vibrant and strong. She says she never smoked, never drank, always exercised, played sports and danced. She also has another explanation for her long life — an attention to detail about health issues and the support of friends and family, particularly her grandson, Eliah Aronoff-Spencer, MD, PhD, Assistant professor of medicine, University of California, San Diego and a consultant to my organization, West Health.
West Health’s mission is to enable seniors to successfully age in place, with access to high-quality, affordable health and support services that preserve and protect their dignity, quality of life and independence. Beatrice is an excellent example of someone who is aging gracefully. She is living on her own terms, but that’s by no accident. It takes a combination of careful planning, help from friends, loved ones and caregivers, and a responsive healthcare and social support system.
Please read the full article in The Huffington Post.