You are already familiar
with the term chronological age,
which does indeed refer to the number of years that you have been alive. Another way to look on aging is to consider
your biological age, which has more to do with your physical condition. Your
biological age is often related to your genetic profile, which makes it
difficult for researchers to make predictions or come up with
explanations. The aging process affects
each person differently but your biology is still just a framework and is
influenced more by your lifestyle
than you might think.
The third type of aging is
your behavioral age. This is what should impress you more than
anything else. Some people start talking
about being old and acting old before they are fifty, while others feel young
at ninety. Your behavioral age involves
your ability to function independently. You probably know at least two people who
have similar diagnoses, such as heart failure or arthritis. One of these two people will be quite
disabled and dependent on others just to get through the day. The other person is determined to take charge
and had learned how to manage his/her condition and remains completely
self-sufficient.
A person’s ability to function, rather than
his/her disease, affects the quality of their lives. Growing old is not the
same thing, or doesn’t have to be the same thing, as a decline in
function. A positive attitude and an
ounce of prevention can go along way. Except in dire circumstances, there is no
reason that a person cannot function well and continue to live a meaningful
life. Just because you are older, doesn’t mean that you have to lose your sense
of humor, your sense of pleasure or your dignity. The key is to remain in control, do your
best, and greet each day by putting your best foot forward.
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