How to Live a Century
It’s a question that has been asked for ages: what’s the secret to reaching 100 years of age?
Currently, around 101,000 Americans have crossed the 100-year mark, representing a mere 0.03% of the total U.S. population.
There’s quite a bit we can learn from this centenarian group. After all, lifestyle choices play a significant role in longevity.
Studies indicate that 30% to 40% of what influences how long we live can be linked to our genetics, while 60% to 70% is related to healthy habits.
In the case of supercentenarians, those who reach 110, genetic factors appear increasingly critical, though maintaining healthy behaviors still counts.
Here are five essential habits to adopt for a long, healthy life and when to consult a geriatrician.
Five Key Behaviors to Embrace
In the field of geriatrics, the term “healthy aging” is favored over just “longevity.”
This encompasses preserving good physical, mental, and social well-being. It’s about not just living longer, but living well—free from disease and disability.
It’s never too soon or too late to kickstart a healthier lifestyle.
A panel from The Lancet has outlined 14 modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline that could potentially prevent or postpone nearly 45% of dementia cases.
Essentially, I believe the following five factors are significant: regular exercise, a balanced diet, addressing hearing loss, maintaining social connections, quitting smoking, and effectively managing cardiovascular risks like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity.
Key Indicators for a Healthy Lifespan
Determining how old we truly are can be quite tricky.
Three easily measurable predictors of a healthy lifespan are grip strength, walking speed, and balance.
Grip strength reflects muscular strength and overall physical capability.
Slower walking speeds and poor balance can indicate reduced physical function, raising the risk of disability.
Balance is particularly crucial for safe mobility and fall prevention, which significantly impacts one’s quality of life and independence.
When to Consult a Geriatrician
There isn’t a specific age at which one should see a geriatrician.
What’s truly important is functional capability rather than age.
The goal of geriatric medicine is to help maintain independence and quality of life by managing physical and cognitive health needs, addressing complex issues, and aligning care with patient priorities.
If an older adult has multiple health conditions, takes numerous medications, or faces cognitive and physical challenges, visiting a geriatrician might be beneficial.
Concerns like recent falls or hospitalizations or even questions about cognitive abilities may necessitate swift consultation with a specialist.
Recognizing Early Signs of Trouble
It can sometimes be challenging to differentiate between normal aging and more serious issues.
For instance, it’s natural for our brains to take more time retrieving information as we age.
However, we should adapt to these cognitive shifts. Struggles to adjust can lead to functional impairments in daily activities.
Families ought to remain vigilant, watching for indications like difficulty in following conversations, managing finances, keeping appointments, or taking medications on time.
Sadly, these subtle changes are frequently overlooked.
That’s why checking in with older relatives about how they’re doing is crucial. Are they still engaging in their hobbies? Noticing changes in these areas is important.
Cognitive Evaluations
If you realize that memory, judgment, or behavior are disrupting your daily life—or if someone else expresses concern—it may be advisable to seek a medical evaluation.
It’s worth discussing cognitive assessments with your healthcare provider.
Such evaluations typically involve taking a medical and cognitive history and completing tasks that assess memory, attention, language, reasoning, problem-solving, and processing speed.
No single cognitive test is flawless, as cognition is complex and tests can have limitations.
Nonetheless, a well-suited cognitive test aligns with an individual’s language, education level, and cultural background.
As we grow older, having a dedicated care team is essential in maintaining both physical and cognitive health.
We’re committed to delivering this care at NYU Langone Health.
