In recent decades, there has been a remarkable shift in the perception and definition of old age. Advancements in the healthcare field, lifestyle modifications, evolving work patterns and work-life balance, and the impact of technology have all played a crucial role in spawning the idea that older age now begins later than it used to. People are living longer than before, healthier, challenging traditional beliefs of aging. With a greater emphasis on the healthy living concept, societal attitudes towards aging, and the desire to stay active and engaged has increased in later years, individuals are redefining what it means to grow old.

Moreover, the concept of retirement has also evolved in recent years. With more flexible work arrangements, increased opportunities for lifelong learning, and a growing emphasis on work-life balance, many individuals are choosing to remain active in the workforce well beyond the traditional retirement age. This trend not only allows people to continue contributing to society but also provides them with a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their later years.

Advancements in technology have been instrumental in delaying the onset of old age. The emergence of digital communication, social media, and online learning platforms has empowered older adults to remain connected, engaged, and well-informed. Through technology, senior citizens can access information, connect with loved ones, and pursue their interests effortlessly, contributing to their mental acuity and social connectivity as they age.

Furthermore, evolving societal perspectives on aging have played a role in reshaping how old age is viewed. With a greater focus on promoting healthy aging, active lifestyles, and intergenerational relationships, older individuals are encouraged to approach their later years with positivity and energy. This shift in attitude towards aging has prompted a reconsideration of the concept of "old age" and has motivated many to see aging as a period of personal development and new possibilities.

Absolutely, it's important to recognize the challenges that come with aging and the impact they can have on individuals' quality of life. Providing access to healthcare, social services, and community resources is crucial in supporting older adults so they can age with dignity and independence. Let's continue working together to ensure that all individuals, regardless of age, have the support they need to thrive.

Various research studies that showed statistically significant data on technological and health care advancements and retirement plans as contributing factors for improving life expectancy that were published in peer reviewed journals were taken into account.

Healthy lifestyle adaptations

Caloric restriction is recognized as the only consistently experimental method of extending lifespan whose results are promising and the data is reproducible. The region of Okinawa in Japan is indeed known for its high life expectancy and large population of centenarians, despite being one of the poorest regions in the country. This longevity is attributed to factors such as diet, high levels of physical activity, and strong cultural values, including good stress-coping abilities. One unique aspect of Okinawan culture is the practice of Hara Hachi Bu, which emphasizes eating only until 80% full1. According to data from the Copenhagen City Heart study presented at the EuroPRevent2012 meeting, regular exercise such as jogging can increase the life expectancy of men by 6.2 years and women by 5.6 years. The study found that between one and two-and-a-half hours of jogging per week at a slow or moderate speed can provide optimal benefits for improved healthy life span expectancy5

Health care advancements

Global life expectancy at birth was 30.9 years in 1900, 46.7 years in 1940, and 61.13 years in 19801. As seen, there was a dramatic improvement in life-expectancy after 1940 which could be attributed to three factors2:

  1. A wave of global drug and chemical innovations: penicillin, streptomycin, vaccines, discovery of DDT, etc2.

  2. Spread and availability of medical and public health technology to all, including poorer countries2.

  3. Change in international status (value) of health which practically became a “right,” upgraded from mere “desirable2.

Between 1991 and 2004, life expectancy in the United States increased by 2.33 years, primarily due to advancements in medical innovation, including the discovery and availability of new drugs. Additionally, progress was made by addressing issues such as smoking and obesity3.

National-level statistics were utilized to pinpoint the top 8 conditions that have consistently caused the highest rates of mortality and morbidity in the United States since 1990, as well as the changes in morbidity and mortality for each condition since that time. After eliminating other variables, physicians specializing in these conditions, with an average of 21.4 years of experience, identified pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals as the most impactful post diagnosis factor among all 8 conditions, with 56% of improvements credited to this category of innovation. Diagnostics followed closely as the second most significant contributor at 20%6.

Adjusting retirement plans

In general, working improves physical and mental health.Early retirement showed no association with mortality compared to working until retirement in the fully adjusted subgroup ( 95% CI 0.87 to 1.28)7. On-time retirement was linked to a higher mortality risk compared to working beyond retirement in the insufficiently adjusted subgroup (95% CI 1.41 to 1.73)7. However, in the subgroup that accounted for prior health, on-time retirement did not show an association with mortality (95% CI 0.98 to 1.28)7.

Healthy relationships with lifestyle, technology, and social relationships can improve life expectancy. Older age is starting later than it used to due to a combination of factors such as increased life expectancy, evolving attitudes towards aging, advancements in technology, and changing retirement patterns. This shift in the perception of aging presents both opportunities and challenges for individuals as they navigate their later years. By embracing a holistic approach to healthy aging and promoting social inclusion and support for older adults, we can ensure that people can age gracefully and enjoy a fulfilling and meaningful life well into their later years.

(Article written by Dr. Thiago Freire and Ravoori Priyamsha Lahana)

References

1 Acemoglu D., Johnson S. Disease and development: the effect of life expectancy on economic growth. J Polit Econ. 2007;115:925–985.
2 Sundeep Mishra. Indian Heart Journal. 2016 Jan-Feb; 68(1): 19–27.
3 Bunker J.P. The role of medical care in contributing to health improvements within societies. Int J Epidemiol. 2001;30:1260–1263.
4 Holloszy J.O., Fontana L. Caloric restriction in humans. Exp Gerontol.
5 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Regular jogging shows dramatic increase in life expectancy. ScienceDaily. 2012 ScienceDaily, 3 May.
6 David E, Michael C et.al. J Manag Care Spec Pharm. 2019 Jan.
7 Ranu S, Astrid D et.al, J Epidemiol Community Health. 2020 May; 74(5): 473–480.