Healthy Aging: The Crucial Role of Education in Living Well

Aging is a natural part of life that starts the moment we’re born. According to Britannica, aging involves “progressive psychological changes in an organism that lead to senescence,” which basically means a decline in biological functions and the ability to handle stress. But terms like senescence and decline can sound pretty negative, adding to the fear many people have about getting older. In American culture, aging often feels like a mystery that we tend to avoid. We live in an "anti-aging" society that focuses on trying to reverse the inevitable, leaving important conversations about healthy aging mostly untouched.

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Healthy aging, is seldom a topic of conversation in our schools or educational institutions, leaving many to navigate this complex journey on their own. Meanwhile, our aging population continues to grow. According to census.gov, by 2050, over 18 million Americans will be 85 or older, and more than 439,000 will reach the age of 100. Given this demographic shift, our focus should transition from anti-aging to promoting awareness of healthy aging.

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While advancements in technology and medicine have increased life expectancy, many older adults are not living in optimal health. Unhealthy aging is becoming increasingly common, driven by factors such as inadequate retirement savings, rising chronic illnesses, and a lack of accessible resources for seniors.

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You might wonder, how does education relate to healthy aging?

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Let’s explore the issue of inadequate retirement income. As we age, our bodies naturally slow down, requiring more rest and making it difficult to maintain the same lifestyle we had in our younger years. Unfortunately, many Baby Boomers are discovering that they haven’t saved enough for retirement—40% report insufficient savings to support their needs.

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Many Boomers did not prioritize saving as much as subsequent generations, often relying on pensions that are now less common. This lack of awareness and education has placed them in a challenging position, forcing many to work beyond their expected retirement age.

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Today, we depend on financial experts, such as Echo 45 Advisors in Walnut Creek, California, and Living Benefits Specialists from organizations like National Life Group. These professionals educate seniors about wealth management and retirement planning. This awareness and education are essential for preparing adults to retire at an appropriate age, which in turn increases their chances of aging well.

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Next, let’s consider chronic illness. Conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity are prevalent among seniors in the United States. Research from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) reveals that 94.9% of adults aged 60 and older have at least one chronic condition, while 78.7% have two or more.

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Hypertension can often go unnoticed but can be managed through weight control, stress management, and regular exercise. High cholesterol affects more than 50% of older adults and can lead to heart disease, yet it too can be managed through a healthy diet and physical activity. Obesity, similarly, can be addressed with proper nutrition and exercise.

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So why is there a lack of understanding regarding these common chronic conditions if they can be managed through lifestyle changes? The answer lies in a deficiency of awareness and education about prevention and holistic approaches, as well as accessibility to these resources.

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Seniors typically rely on health insurance that emphasizes Western medicine focused on acute care rather than preventive measures. In contrast, functional medicine, which often requires private payment, addresses the root causes of illnesses. Experts like Dr. Rekha Murali advocate for educating seniors about the benefits of functional medicine. She frequently encounters adults and seniors seeking treatment after experiencing health issues due to poor diet and a lack of nutritional awareness.

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Ultimately, instead of fixating on "anti-aging," we should invest in educating individuals on how to live well through healthy lifestyle choices. Unfortunately, experts who promote this holistic approach are often overlooked. It is our civic responsibility to foster relationships with professionals who can significantly impact our health through prevention, awareness, and education.

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Aging itself should not be feared; rather, we should focus on mitigating the decline in biological functions. By making valuable resources accessible, we can empower individuals to make beneficial lifestyle choices.

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The goal: age and age well!

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References

Guarente, L. P., Simic, P., & Rogers, K. (2025, January 5).?Aging | Definition, Process, & Effects. Encyclopedia Britannica.?https://www.britannica.com/science/aging-life-process/Nongenetic-theories

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Yahoo is part of the Yahoo family of brands. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://finance.yahoo.com/news/average-retirement-savings-baby-boomers-125500443.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmluZy5jb20v&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAACadwZNK3abjwHPfdhkrBbfumui7uHdkh-a2w-xL4AMniSdCcOkVllphUp-EmzgT30bI4Wvo60X3FReJgy6k8bNOGnF8vkBW8L4Wk0C5dwmGp7NYE6pGNnP8WrmGMdMkGfgUAeKRebfryDs4wAx2OzgXj3piGeFwFQgXVmxLu0us

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National Council on Aging. Chronic Inequities: Measuring Disease Cost Burden Among Older Adults in the U.S.??A Health and Retirement Study Analysis. Page 5, Figure 2. April 2022. Found on the internet at?https://ncoa.org/article/the-inequities-in-the-cost-of-chronic-disease-why-it-matters-for-older-adults

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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Chronic Conditions.?Chronic Conditions Prevalence State/County Table: Fee-for-Service Beneficiaries 65 Years and Over, 2018. Found on the internet at?https://www.cms.gov/Research-Statistics-Data-and-Systems/Statistics-Trends-and-Reports/Chronic-Conditions/CC_Main

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Educational Resources

Echo45 Advisors -www.echo45advisors.com – Founder Jon Henderson – 877-432-4645

National Life Group- www.nationallife.com – Senior Associate Anna Febiana – 702-445-9885

Dr. Rekha Murali – www.rekhamuralimd.com – Functional Medicine (IFMCP) – 510-724-6712

Echo45 Advisors National Life Group