Predicting Your Longevity Activity and Summary
Marianne Lewis
HCS 551 Biological and Psychological Aspects of Aging
January 27, 2016
Dr. Lorraine Jackson
Predicting Your Longevity Activity and Summary
As an individual begins researching their life expectancy, there are several Life Expectancy Calculators available through the Google search engine. A good life expectancy calculator to use from that list is the life expectancy calculator from the University of Pennsylvania (How Long Will I Live? Life Expectancy Calculator).
In my situation, I am 58years old, married, less than 2 drinks per week, exercise approximately 30 minutes a day, smoke a half a pack of cigarettes per day and my health is in fair condition. The Wharton School life expectancy calculator shows the expected longevity is to the age of 77. My expectation was a decrease in life expectancy due to the illnesses. However, there are many other factors that can be changed to increase the life expectancy. Some factors may be the individual’s current lifestyle, family history or managing chronic conditions. With the knowledge of how lifestyle is intertwined with the process of aging progresses, continued changes in lifestyle choices will not only enhance the quality of life, but has the potential to add to my life longevity.
Taking into consideration the chronic medical conditions, increasing the exercise routines and length including number of times would not only help in weight loss, but increase muscle tone and mobility. Nutrition is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle now which can ensure enjoyment of a healthy older life. Eating balanced meals, portion control, maybe even calorie counting can only add to the satisfaction and enjoyment of life. Dedication to both exercising and a healthier diet can add up to 10 years to the longevity of my life.
Since I am an older adult, I never gave it much thought. I was too busy working, being a single mother, raising three...