How well we react to stress is one of the most significant factors for predicting how well we age writes Tara Parker Pope in the Wall Street Journal's The Secrets of Successful Aging.
"One of the myths of aging is to choose your parents wisely," says John W. Rowe, who, before becoming chairman of Aetna Inc., served as director of the MacArthur Foundation Research on Successful Aging, one of the largest aging studies in the country. "People feel there is a genetic program they are playing out. But since only about one-third of aging is heritable, the rest is acquired -- that means you are responsible for your own old age."
Staying connected with strong relationships is especially important.
Connectedness in old age is enormously important.
Second are the personality traits such a optimism, adaptability and a willingness to try new things. People with such traits get over day to day stress sooner.
Other coping skills that you can develop are
• seeking control when you can
• getting accurate information so you know what to expect.
• keeping friends and family close
• finding exercise you like and doing it on a regular basis
• getting more sleep.
Plato once said, "Old age has a great sense of calm and freedom," but only if you get there and age well.
Posted by Jill Fallon at June 21, 2005 3:02 PM | Permalink