topic Re: Healthy at 70? in Among Friends

Healthy at 70?

juanitalinda — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 15:38:18 GMT

So often I read comments about health and longevity with the implication that we won’t get sick and we will live a healthy long life if we just have a positive attitude, eat healthy and stay active.

I truly believe that attitude, nutrition, and activity all contribute to a healthy and long life. But do you think that sometimes it comes across as victim blaming?

So many things are out of our control: genetics, accidents, environmental and economic factors to name a few.

Last month I went on vacation with a friend I hadn’t seen in a while. We are the same chronological age, but we have aged very differently. It was eye-opening to see the effects of pollution, poverty, and familial stress, despite her positive attitude, activity level and healthy diet.

We had a great time, but I was surprised at how asthma, arthritis, osteoporosis, untreated hearing loss, and lingering effects from cancer treatment, combined to make her seem many years older than me.

I am so blessed.

Re: Healthy at 70?

QVCkitty1 — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 15:53:55 GMT

You can do everthing right and still have a bad outcome. A smug attitude and lack of empathy for others is as toxic as any illness.

Re: Healthy at 70?

kaydee50 — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 15:57:56 GMT

I'll be 73 next month. Do not take any meds and although I could lose 20 pounds and have an injured foot, I still can get around fine. DH will be 77 in a couple of weeks and people are amazed that neither of us takes any drugs.

IMO it has more to do with genetics than anything. We do live a pretty stress free life so I think that also helps. Otherwise we do nothing special as far as exercise or diet.

We are truly blessed!

Re: Healthy at 70?

tampalady — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 16:01:49 GMT

I have many friends who have fallen from different conditions and say my prayers that my DH and I have been well. But you never know what is in store for you. I have seen friends healthy one minute and the next minute they are in bad condition or passed away. As we say in church that we all have a marked date on the calendar, just do not know when. Many blessings to all of the ladies and gentlemen on this site.

Re: Healthy at 70?

PhilaLady1 — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 16:20:36 GMT

@juanitalinda

Sorry about your friend. I am almost 65 and have a few health issues that cause me to be uncomfortable and sometimes very uncomfortable. I am so grateful that none of my problems are life threatening. I do get what you are saying about victim blaming. One can have the perfect life, access to and the ability to afford great health care, eat healthy all of the time, exercise, etc., but yet stuff happens. Bad things happen to young people too, that are in great shape. Sometimes it gets on my nerves what people preach, that keep strict lifestyles. All we can do is the best we can do for ourselves. Sometimes things are out of our control.

Re: Healthy at 70?

cjm61 — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 16:32:13 GMT

I think I understand your post @juanitalinda. You never know your mortality. Although I know genetics is a huge part of this, a healthy lifestyle both physically and mentally, can definitely add to your quality of life. I go to a physician that does a 3-day physical annually and a 3 hour extensive interview with the results of these tests. This interview consists of a lengthy discussion of my grandparents, parents and sibling health history. Genetics is a huge part of your health.

I eat well and exercise daily. I believe that living a healthy lifestyle would at the least, give you a better quality of life. Although it could be shortened by an accident, or genetic issues, at least you felt good going about your daily business.

In addition, I personally believe you need a positive attitude. If you are around somebody that complains consistently, you should probably avoid them. Things as simple as a host that bothers you, just change the channel and think about the money you saved.

Life is short, take care of yourself and surround yourself with positive people. Appreciate the little things.

Re: Healthy at 70?

blueroses47 — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 16:32:20 GMT

I used to think genetics was very important, and to a degree I still do.

However, I'm rethinking that these days.

I'm 75 now, born in 1947, and a few years ago I lost a very close friend also born in 1947. She was 67 when she died, suddenly of a heart problem. Her parents were still alive, her father went on to live to be 101, and I think her mother is still alive.

This October, I lost another close friend, born in 1947. Her parents lived well into their 90's. I think her mother was 96 and her father was 92 when he died.

Both these women took pretty good care of themselves. One was slightly overweight, at times, but didn't smoke, didn't drink, exercised and went for regular screenings of all types.

The other one drank in moderation, wine with her meals, but on all other counts took really good care of herself.

Both had families, and lots of interests, and lots of reasons to live.

I think we delude ourselves a lot about just how much is out of our control, how much is fate. We have to, or else we would be worried all the time.

But really, I feel like most of it is out of my hands, no matter what I do. I've lost several other women friends over the past 10 years, my exact age, but these last two losses have made me really just try to take each day as a gift, and not take anything for granted.

I don't worry anymore about not eating perfectly or how many "steps" I'm getting in each day.

Re: Healthy at 70?

SilleeMee — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 17:24:06 GMT

Aging is not a disease but it is a risk factor which accelerates the aging process when we get sick. It's a cycle where when we get older we are more susceptible to illness and illness accelerates the aging processes. Can't win for losing.

ETA- ...and it has almost everything to do with the immune system. My rheumatologist once told me that one day it will be realized that nearly all diseases and illnesses happen b/c of failure of the immune system and most all of it will someday be found to be autoimmune related. That's a profound concept but it has a lot of weight.

Re: Healthy at 70?

qvcaddition — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 17:17:16 GMT

My daughter's childhood friend is dying of cancer, stage 4 and in hospice. Saw her yesterday, living with her 96 year old mother and she is not yet 60.

I am 86 and in great health. I didn't or don't always eat right, but have exercised for 65 years now. Still do everyday and the Dr. told me that is what has saved me.

We never know. Just do our best.

This friend never went to Dr. when she found a lump on her breast, four years ago. Never said anything to anyone, now it's too late. Important to get your checkups.

Re: Healthy at 70?

4kitties — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 17:54:38 GMT

A close friend's mother is healthy at 95. She smoked for many years and never exercised.

Another friend's mother died of lung cancer and never smoked. 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

I could go on with other examples, but I just try to do my best to eat properly and keep my weight in check and get my exercise. I try to keep in mind my family history and not do anything to exacerbate it. I sometimes have my doubts if this will save me, but at least I know I tried.

Re: Healthy at 70?

pieman — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 18:22:18 GMT

@qvcaddition

I am so sorry to hear of your daughters friend,

I'm also heavy in my heart for her mother, as no parent should ever have to bury a child.

I am a firm believer of this : When its your time to leave this earth, HE will call for you, no matter how well you lived your life, no matter what was genetic.

We just never know our fate...

Re: Healthy at 70?

bikerbabe — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 18:30:30 GMT

@SilleeMee

I think we will find that an astounding number of disease processes are connected to the immune system, inflammatory processes, and VIRUSES, all linking back to genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers. Even more intriguing is the fact that gut biome makes up most of the immune system.

Re: Healthy at 70?

Mom2Dogs — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 18:41:08 GMT

I agree with the statement about our immune system. My niece first has crohns disease, then breast cancer, and recently cervical cancer. Both cancers were caught early than God.

No one else in our family has been ill like she has. My mom (her grandma) had breast cancer.

My husband is 82 and the only illness he has is AFib...other than that excellent health.

Re: Healthy at 70?

SeaMaiden — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 19:48:15 GMT

I am 67...I do not consider 67 old, but whenever I go to the dentist or somewhere they ask if I am on any meds and I say NO...They always seems surprised. I asked one gal if most people are on meds at my age, and she said "oh yes...and on several meds".

Some things are out of our control....but, I think people just take what their doctors prescribe... and do not ask questions and try to do what they can in lifestyle changes BEFORE resorting to taking prescriptions. My DH is that way. He is on blood pressure and cholesterol drugs....and does NOTHING to remedy the issues proactively. Just take a pill is his fix it motto.

Re: Healthy at 70?

hckynutjohn — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 20:37:58 GMT

@juanitalinda wrote:
So often I read comments about health and longevity with the implication that we won’t get sick and we will live a healthy long life if we just have a positive attitude, eat healthy and stay active.

I truly believe that attitude, nutrition, and activity all contribute to a healthy and long life. But do you think that sometimes it comes across as victim blaming?

So many things are out of our control: genetics, accidents, environmental and economic factors to name a few.

Last month I went on vacation with a friend I hadn’t seen in a while. We are the same chronological age, but we have aged very differently. It was eye-opening to see the effects of pollution, poverty, and familial stress, despite her positive attitude, activity level and healthy diet.

We had a great time, but I was surprised at how asthma, arthritis, osteoporosis, untreated hearing loss, and lingering effects from cancer treatment, combined to make her seem many years older than me.

I am so blessed.

@juanitalinda

I agree with everything you have said here. As far as I know, it is impossible, for any 1 person to be a clone of another. Each human is born different in more facets than I can list.

Life is full of things we can control along with things we cannot control. I chose decades ago to concentrate almost exclusively on those I can control.

My interests in health and physical fitness never had anything to do with longevity. I live, and lived by the day/week and so on. I will say this. My health and physical fitness saved my life more than 1 time.

A strong and fit body, including the mind(being optimistic) can greatly
increase ones chances of living and recovering from life/death events. But, as you stated, no person's life comes with a guarantee, regardless of how one chooses to live it.

I continue to live day by day, and what that ends up adding up to chronologically? Time is the only measure of that answer.

Enjoyed reading your post, but not your experience with your friend. I can relate to some of my friends around my age also. One of my good friends is presently in hospice with Colorectal Cancer. I could never convince him to have a Colonoscopy. Would that have made a difference? More likely than not. Very sad! 🙏

hckynut 🇺🇸

Re: Healthy at 70?

qvcaddition — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 21:31:36 GMT

@pieman

@pieman wrote:
@qvcaddition

I am so sorry to hear of your daughters friend,
I'm also heavy in my heart for her mother, as no parent should ever have to bury a child.

I am a firm believer of this : When its your time to leave this earth, HE will call for you, no matter how well you lived your life, no matter what was genetic.

We just never know our fate...

ITA The thing is, if she had gone to the Dr. with the lump, or told family, her plus the family would not be suffering along with her today. She is in terrible pain. Her Mother fortunate in this case, has alzheimers. Thinks her daughter is OK. They are both living together and the son lives next door. His wife and he are taking care of both of them and he is upset with his sister. They need to get a caregver, and money is no problem

Re: Healthy at 70?

AngelPuppy1 — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 12:36:07 GMT

@juanitalinda

I agree with your post so much! I think all the things you stated - positive attitude, healthy eating, being active, etc. do play a part in good health and longevity.

I also agree that if a person has poor health or health issues, sometimes they are judged and people might say or think --- oh, they didn't take care of themselves. They didn't exercise enough, they ate this or that which wasn't good for them, etc. No wonder they are in bad health or look the way they do!!!!

It's very ture that genetics has a huge role in your health and longevity. Some things are just totally out of your control!!! No way can we be blamed for them no matter how good we try and take care of ourselves!

Also --- stress takes a toll on a person's physical and mental health. I don't mean occasional stress, but a person who lives a very stressful life day-in and day-out.

You can put 2 people side by side who are the exact same age and one might look 20 years older!

A positive attitude is wonderful and it does help but it's not everything, that's for sure!

Re: Healthy at 70?

mimomof4 — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 12:48:47 GMT

Genetics do play a large part along with doing your own part to take care of your health.

My parents are both the same age, however, my mother looks 10 years younger than him. My dad has always looked older to me having gone grey very early. My father also has not had the best eating habits for overall health while my mother walks a lot.

Re: Healthy at 70?

Love to Run — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 13:09:33 GMT

Of course there are things that can happen that are beyond one's control, but being in good physical and mental condition give you a fighting chance for a good outcome.

Re: Healthy at 70?

Shanus — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 18:50:29 GMT

@juanitalinda I agree. It seems many of my friends have had back surgery or cancer or falls that have left them imjured. Some are also widowed...lost their husbands in their 60's.

We can only do what we can to be in the best health, but their are many factors we cannot control.

I just started a Standing Pilates Balance class. The teacher said falls are the best thing we can avoid. I put a small bench in my closet last year after a tumble stepping into my panties.