Ticking Toward 100

Did you know there are more than 55,000 centenarians in the United States today, and that figure is projected to grow? More important, this month’s news brings information to help all of us get our face on a Smucker's jelly jar and receive happy-birthday wishes from Willard Scott.

According to stories in both The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, Boston University researchers did phone interviews and health assessments of more than 500 women and men who had reached 100 years of age. They concluded that while genetics and maybe a little luck are important factors, there’s more to it. This study and a larger one focusing on just males generally indicate that lifestyle especially (avoiding smoking, obesity and inactivity), as well as no history of diabetes and high blood pressure, appear to make a big difference. We hear that a lot, but this research brought it home when you start thinking that getting to age 100 could be fairly common. One of the lead authors of the study said to get your shoes on, get out there and do some exercise to increase your chances for a longer life — it's never too late to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Even some who already have chronic diseases can live to be 100.

While that was enough to get me ready to dust off my Keds and hit the street, I was bolstered even further by learning that February is Wise Health Consumer Month, a program of the American Institute of Preventive Medicine. This last piece of encouragement came via the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA), which has very informative e-mailings. You can subscribe at .

The director of ODA, Barbara Riley, says, “Healthy, active aging begins when we maintain our good health now, by making informed choices about how we live, the products we use and the health care we receive. Making healthy choices for yourself and your family now will greatly increase your chances for an active and vital future.”

ODA also reminds Medicare enrollees that Medicare covers preventive services such as vaccines and smoking cessation counseling (check your plan for specifics).

So … no excuses my friends! Making lifestyle changes on your own by lacing up your shoes and heading down the road for exercise or joining the new wellness center down the block for a daily workout with a personal fitness trainer might someday make you one of those centenarians that gets a call as to how you got there.

By the way, ODA, in a different e-mailing, noted a study called “Aging in Place in America.” Study results said one in four seniors feared losing their independence most of all. I’m not surprised, and I agree. Independence is important in so many facets of our lives — like being able to stay in your own home and being able to drive a car to socialize, go to the store or go to church.

I’ll report more on this very interesting research in another post, but if you want to access it in the meantime, you can get the report from Clarity Research Initiatives at www.clarityproducts.com/research.

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Past Post

Smart Aging Requires a Full Dance Card (Feb. 11, 2008)

Time on your hands (Jan. 28, 2008)

Getting Ready for Retirement — Can You Hear Me Now? (Jan. 14, 2008)

Karen Talbott

President, Visiting Nurse Service and Affiliates

I am a native of Cadiz, Ohio (the infamous birthplace of Clark Gable), a resident of Fairlawn, Ohio, and am the president of Visiting Nurse Service and Affiliates, which is the largest comprehensive home health care system in Ohio. I am also a Fellow of Hospice and Home Care, one of only a few so designated in the United States by the National Association for Home Care. At Kent State University, I received both bachelors and masters degrees.

I’ve always been interested in the health care industry and especially as that relates to services for the senior population. That has led me to be involved in many community organizations such as the Senior Independent Living Coalition and Social Services Advisory Board in Summit County.

I’m privileged to have been recognized for my professional work over the years, including Crain’s Cleveland Business’ Woman of Note; Northern Ohio Live’s Top Woman Rainmaker Award; 2006 Extraordinary Woman Award from the Akron Beacon Journal; and more.

I’m a baby boomer. One of 78 million in fact. Lost in a crowd — no way! Baby boomers and those before us will leave and have left their mark on America for generations to come. Now that’s exciting.