OCR Text |
Show nw 2B Sun Advocate Price, Utah Thursday December 12, 2002 Behaviors and attitides to help in the aging process As life expectancy in the United States continues to move higher, the number of people older than age 65 will grow dramatically in the coming decades. IJkewise, individuals ages 85 or older arc the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population. The men and women arc pioneers in the country of extended old age. The group is exploring new territory, proving that the years do not have to he a period of loss and inexorable decline. Quite the opposite. The later years provide powerful opportunities for continued growth - for affirming or reconsidering one's priorities, taking on new chalnt While good health is important to successful aging, it is not the whole story. Slightly more than of the group of older adults who participated in one of the research projects sponsored by the AARP Foundation have serious or multiple chronic diseases and conditions, hut see themselves as aging well, ('(inversely, some healthy older adults, as many as in the study, do not see one-thir- d one-quart- er t hemselves as aging well. The study results highlight an important point - attitude appears to count in a number of terms with the realities and limitations of aging are able to adjust their perspectives. They can find meaning and joy in the life they ways. have. Older adults who are aging well are characterized by a positive outlook on life, a willingness to continue to learn and satisfac- tion with the way things are. 'I lie acceptance of aging is another part of the attitude equation. Seniors who have come to -- srjr To help older adults take vantage of the opportunities Financial security is another factor in successful aging. Older adults with inadequate financial resources or reported problems in neighborhoods were less likely to see themselves as aging successfully than seniors who aie financially secure. Staying involved in the outside world is important as well. of good outcomes, from in- creased memoiy to reduced rates of heart disease, depression and cancer. Eat a balanced diet Limit the fats in diets and try to include at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Avoid obesity. Being significantly overweight is associated with a variety of bad health outcomes, including heart disease and diabetes. Protect vision and hearing. Eyes and ears are critical to func- - The research suggested that people who are aging successfully are widely engaged in a variety of activities, including paid or volunteer work, taking classes or participating in cultural activi- lenges, exploring uncharted paths. coholic drink a day doesnt hurt, and may reduce chances of heart disease. But alcohol abuse can lead to disability and early death. Stay physically active. Exercise is associated with a variety - as driving and read- also help you remain ing. They and reconversations in engaged lationships. Get regular health care and vaccinations to prevent many problems before the conditions require more serious treatment Maintain a social network and strong personal relation- tion such ships. Remain active in professional, community or other activities. Feeling useful is positively associated with good outcomes as people age. Develop a financial plan. al Having the money to meet ma-teri- needs can increase peoples chances of successful aging. ties. Finally, the study shows that relationships, particularly close family relationships, matter. A happy marriage or other longterm relationship significantly increases the chances of successful aging, as does a spouse or partner who is also aging well. Conversely, having children with financial, health, relationship or ad- pre- sented by longer lives, the AARP Foundation has published a booklet called Affnfi Successfully. The booklet describes the results of five research projects on successful aging and suggests what individuals can do to improve the chances of aging well. Successful aging is best understood as a process, rather than an outcome - a way of doing and being," points out Betsy Sprouse, program manager of the AARP Foundation. It is about our ony efforts to live going, as well as possible during the latter part of our lives. It is not confined to the most vital and vibrant among us." 5 emotional problems it , is associ- ated with lower chances of successful aging. Researchers looking at the issue of successful aging have identified the 10 behaviors and attitudes that provide older adults with the best chance of aging well. The behaviors and attitudes include: Dont smoke. Drink moderately. One al day-to-da- Seniors given options for business problems puny doesnt resolve a problem in a reasonable time. Additional options include: Stopping payment on a check. Disputing charges through Carbon County seniors who have a problem with a business may be able to resolve the matter by returning the product or making a telephone call. In some instances, consumers t. may opt to write a letter of AARP. to acairding However, before doing anything, people should decide what they want the armpany to do: Refund money, repair the product or exchange the item for a new one. Seniors opting to make arm-plaitelephone calls should: e Look for a customer service number on the product's package. Consumers may also call toll-fre- e directory assistance at to see if the listed has number. a armpany Ask to speak to the atnsumcr affairs or customer relations department or the head of the armpany if there is no atnsumcr affairs office. Consumers should calmly and concisely describe the problem and what action they would like the company to take. People should keep notes detailing who they spoke with, what the armpany representative said, the date and time. People should also ask when they may expect a response. If the Issue is not resolved and a seatnd call is made, consumers should ask for the name of the persons supervisor so that they can write a letter to him or her. Seniors sending a armplaint should: letter or the letter and be specific. Be sure to include name, address, credit card armpanies. Consumers do not have to pay the charges while the bill is in dispute, but the interest will still accrue. In additions. Carbon County arm-plain- seniors may contact the program of AARPs Legal Counsel for the Elderly Inc. The program, established to help older persons resolve consumer problems, will organize and write letters as well as provide contact information for the company with which people have is free a dispute. to individuals older than 60 years of age with an income totalling less than $20,000 and to families Write-A-Wro- Writc-A-Wro- Silver jewelry, pendants, chains, earrings, gift baskets, gift wrapping. Lehi Mills Selection nt toll-fre- with an income of less than $25,000. Downstairs at Fashion Crossroads 1 4 E. Main, Downtown Price Come check out details at either location Frequent Fueler Program Washes Earn FREE Car lpe phone number and ad- - dress. Include company acarunt numbers if applicable. V People should be reasonable 750 So. Carbon Avc. 121 No. Carbonvillc Rd. . . You and persistent, not angry or threatening, and include atpies V of any relevant documents. Consumers should also keep a copy of the armplaint letter. File a complaint with the state consumer protection office, Utah Better Business Bureau or the state agency that regulates the industry or product if the com- - REPO MUSIC 58 East Main, Price 637-013-4 Our First Annual & FnGiniess COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SIGNS 3M PREMIUM VINYL LETTERING AND DECALS EDGE PRINTING A COMPUTER DESIGNED LOGOS BANNERS - RVS - AUTOMOTIVE - BACKLIT SIGNS HAND PAINTED L AlRBRUSHED ART - SCREEN PRINTING 600 E., Price 4356360429 . GIFT CERTIFICATED 'WLUMrAM nmoLoeimrt More efficient heating & cooling systems equals lower energy bills! Residential & us for all your heating and refrigeration ' needs people are concerned about health and fitness, due to the time of year and the weather. Last year at this time we introduced our Focus Health and Beauty pages, and we had a great response. Now we want to focus more on our Spetialists in our area, and we are very fortunate to have so many. 594 South Carbon Ave., Price 24 Hour Service 637-87- place your ad In this special edition call Jerinl, Holly or Shirley today at 2 to place your ad In this special that will reach all of Carbon and To 637-073- Price Sheet Metal i edition which will be published in the Sun Advocate and Emery County Progress in January. We are very exdted about this issue, this time of year Commercial GUI TV To Miss JUlIediieafl IXJeaflGin) 371 N. PIANO BARG Low Payments Don't Want 637-258- 0 09 ' T" " Emery County. : i -- r : ra |