7 Things Pediatrics Can Teach Us About Aging Well
Older adults can benefit from following the advice we give to kids
Dr. Edward Schneider, Next Avenue, July 21, 2017
“Aging is a process that begins on the day we are born — toddlers’ seemingly overnight transformations into teens should serve as proof enough of this. And recent research is confirming that the secret to a long and healthy life may be as simple as listening to seven pieces of advice your pediatrician dispensed decades ago:
- Eat your fruits and veggies (and skip supplements)
- Move your body
- Stay in school
- Brush your teeth
- Make friends
- Don’t smoke
- Get enough sleep
Pediatricians operate on the principle that it is never too early to begin healthy habits. But it is also never too late. Start taking some of these baby steps today. They can make a big difference in your health and wellness, no matter how old or young you are.”
Edward Schneider, M.D., is a professor and dean emeritus at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. He is a former deputy director of the National Institutes on Aging and completed a research fellowship in pediatrics before turning his focus to improving the health of older adults.