80 is the new 60

by Jose Pujalte Jr. for Manila Bulletin

April 30, 2017

“’To me, old age is always 15 years older than I am.’

— Bernard Baruch (1870-1965), U.S. Financier Quoted in The Observer (London, Aug 19, 1955) on his 85th birthday

Before any brickbats are hurled my way, let me qualify.

80 is the new 60 if you deserve it. If it’s been a profligate life for you or what in the past we’d call a life of wine, women and song, maybe 80 is 80. In some cases, in fact, 60 is their 80. But there are some reformed men and women who have given up smoking, started eating better, and surrendered less to the temptations of the flesh of whatever form (wine, women, and karaoke).

Still, longevity is also improving in the Philippines. In the mid-1970s, the average life expectancy was 58.1 years (United Nations Development Program or UNDP report). In the new millennium, Filipino women are expected to live an average of 72.8 years while men may live up to 67.5 years.

Take the Aging Quiz. The Mayo Clinic designed a test to be able to assess the reader’s grasp of some concerns in the aging process. Take it and see how much you know: True or False?

1. ‘Most older adults are missing most of their natural teeth and must use dentures.
2. Older adults go to bed earlier and get up earlier than their younger counterparts.
3. Getting older means giving up your driver’s license.
4. You should cut back on having sex as you get older, or eliminate it entirely, to save strength. (I can almost hear my fellow Rotarians in RCM gnashing their teeth).
5. Older adults are at risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
6. Memory problems are inevitable as you age.
7. Retired people can live rich and productive lives.
8. If you continue to work past age 65, you probably won’t be able to keep up with your co-workers.
9. Most older adults are sick or disabled, making them dependent on other people.
10. Incontinence becomes more common as you age.'”

For answers and more

Dr. Pujalte is an orthopedic surgeon. E-mail jspujalte@yahoo.com