Children go around bragging to their parents and friends that they will live until they’re 100. Now their fantasy has become a reality because according to theguardian.com, more than a third of babies born in 2012 will reach their 100th birthday. The question is if this is good or bad news?
Old age comes with dementia, depression, fading vision and mobility, and many other serious health conditions. Fifty-five percent of adults older than 70 experience loss of hearing, according to an article in the New York Times.
In the article, Dr. Frank Lin, who is an assistant professor of otolaryngology and epidemiology at John Hopkins University, said that loss of hearing can actually triple the risk of falling. Some studies also show that hearing loss is linked to dementia and just mild hearing loss can double the risk.
Unfortunately, Medicare and most insurance plans do not cover hearing aids and they can cost anywhere from $1,800 to $6,800 or more for a pair.
The next problem is that of the 27 million people over the age of 50 who have hearing damage, only one in 17 actually use hearing aids.
A couple, Anne and Bob Towne, live in the Garlands of Barrington which is an assisted living facility in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. They are lucky because they help each other with their shortcomings.
Bob, her second husband who is 92 years old, wears bulky hearing aids, but Anne doesn’t and throughout the day she constantly says “what” because she simply can’t hear what he is trying to tell her.
While Anne has hearing problems, Bob is nearly blind and relies on his wife or caregivers most of the time.
“I need you to come with me so you can help me read the menu,” said Bob to his wife.
Even worse than losing your hearing or sight, is to be left alone in a home. One can hope that loneliness will not be a problem for them, but according to BBC one in 10 of the elderly lead isolated lives. Seniors sometimes spend hours looking out the window or glancing at their watch, waiting for their kids or grandkids to arrive.
While Anne and Bob do have problems getting along, they always work things out and enjoy each other’s company.
Relationships are always important to maintain for your health and especially at an older age, but sometimes it can be a challenge. This is because you can’t just get up and go grab a bite to eat at your favorite restaurant with your friends, and instead it might take a day or two to plan a luncheon.
Sometimes just outliving your friends or even your children may be the worst outcome of old age. The loss of your spouse can break your heart and this can be life threatening. The Washington Post reported that researchers have confirmed that it is possible to die of a broken heart because distressing experiences release stress hormones that can potentially stun the heart.
Nobody can stop time, but your life choices now may make a huge impact. Exercising regularly and, eating right, learning, getting quality sleep, avoiding stress, and having a social life can have a huge effect on your body and can lead you to a healthy old age without undergoing the worst symptoms.
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