By: Rudy A. Ciccotti Staff
The number of centenarians increased by 43% from 2000 to 2015 but why? According to a Northwestern University study, these centenarians live a more satisfying, happier life because they value staying in touch with their friends, getting out of the house to socialize, regularly exercising as well as following a more nutrient-dense diet than previous generations. Instead of just “living longer,” people ages 55-75 want purpose; practicing an active lifestyle is the perfect catalyst.
Feeling Younger
Many baby boomers claim to feel approximately 20% younger than their actual age. Those who report feeling younger tend to develop healthier life habits and live substantially longer. As our average life span increases, what we once considered “old” is being looked at in a different light—it’s all relative.
Who Cares? Attitude
Whether it’s walking two miles to and from work or cycling for 10 miles twice a week, more and more middle-aged Americans aren’t conforming to their parents’ generational norms. Instead of slowing down, they are pushing harder because they can. Also, thesocietal shift from the current obesity epidemic to a more health-conscious society helps.
Self-Concept
Obsessing over the fountain of youth is of no use to the baby boomer generation. Instead, they aim to be their best selves at any age whether that means cutting out smoking or running the occasional marathon. They have seen the effects unhealthy habits had on their parents including premature aging. When middle-aged men and women look in the mirror today, they want the reflection to match the way they feel.
Reference: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/baby-boomers-redefining-age/story?id=63630369
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20180920/is-100-the-new-80-whats-it-take-to-live-longer
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