Everyone hates getting old. People want to stay young or at least middle-aged. But time keeps marching. With the 65-and-older segment getting larger in North America, what are the prospects for the golden-agers in today’s world.

An increasing trend is to date people by their intellectual and social capabilities rather than by chronological age. Health, rather than years, usually determines one’s status.

Old age sets in when disease and disability limit everyday tasks. Some people are old while still relatively young in years. These are usually people who are chronically ill, injured, or victims of a major tragedy, many of whom withdraw and give up on life. Others remain youthful, vital, interesting, and productive into advanced age.

Some people claim older is better. Can that be?
It’s a matter of perspective. For physical strength, energy and fewer ailments, youth is better. But for increased confidence, better judgment and insight, less anxiety, and more freedom, older can be better. And experience helps too. Most philosophers, composers, painters, and writers, for instance, improve with time.

Don’t most people over 65 suffer from chronic illnesses?
In affluent Western society, about 80 percent of the 65-and-over group have some kind of health problem, such as high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, depression, or heart disease. But most of these illnesses are not incapacitating. About 95 percent of older people live in their communities, and most have their own households.

Premature aging and disability are largely the result of lifestyle factors, such as smoking, excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption, and the abuse of drugs. Being overweight speeds up physical and sexual decline. A diet of rich, refined foods and lack of regular exercise can make people old before their time.

Isn’t forgetfulness a bad sign?
Forgetfulness in older people is exaggerated. Stress, anxiety, fast-moving events, memory overload, and lack of interest can cause forgetfulness at any age. Depression, which affects many older people, is often misdiagnosed as senility. Only a few people develop Alzheimer’s disease or other genuinely senile dementias. Most people retain remarkable memory function for a long time, especially when they stay active and fit.

Don’t many older people end up in nursing homes?
Actually, in North America only 2 percent of people 64 to 75 years of age live in nursing homes. Only after age 85 does the figure reach 20 percent.

Today is a good time to be alive! Productive social activities are pushing back the aging process. So are exercise, a better understanding of the role of diet, earlier attention to health problems, and advances in modern technology. People today are often staying physically and mentally fit into their 80s and 90s. Many remain sexually active as well.

There is more. Scientists are discovering that an optimistc, positive attitude actually boosts the body’s immune mechanism. This sophisticated defense system is proving to be one of the major keys to good health.

The Good Book said it long ago: “A merry heart does good, like medicine” (Proverbs 17:22, NKJV).