Chapter 4 outlines these questions and gives evidence as to why some people live longer, healthier, happier lives than others, and it all comes down to how we take care of ourselves over the course of our entire life. According to the text, diet, exercise, and mental health are the key factors to longevity. Studies done on animals in recent years conclude that calorie restriction consistently leads to fewer incidents of cancer and heart disease (Hillier & Barrow, 2011). As we've learned over the years, the human and animal anatomy and behaviors are very similar, this same study showed that the animals that were calorically restricted also acted friskier than those in their control group. A healthy diet then allows for greater motivation to exercise. Hillier and Barrow (2011) stated that people who exercise reduce the risk of heart attack, and if one should occur, being physically fit allows for greater odds of survival. The sense of being fit and feeling good about your body and health also predicts better mental health (Hillier & Barrow, 2011, p. 112).
In short, this chapter makes the connection between the key factors in healthy aging and how they help to benefit an individual who practices them. It is important to be aware of this information at a young age in order to help shape the future and predict what kind of an aging process one is likely to experience. For example, refraining from dangerous activities such as smoking and large intakes of fast food at a younger age will only strengthen and benefit the body and its systems as it ages. Health is something only we as individuals can control for ourselves, and by becoming aware of this at a younger age, we are more likely to reap the benefits later in life both physically and psychologically.
Hillier, S., & Barrow, G. (2011). Aging, the individual, and society. (9th ed., pp. 3-28). California: WADSWORTH.
It never occurred to me that calorie restrictions would also have an affect on animals as well. That makes sense, that overweight animals would feel sluggish and lazy just like overweight people do. I don't know why I never made that connection.
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned that it is important to be aware of how to be healthy at a young age and that is extremely important. I think America is gearing up to help kids stop watching TV and get back outside. Mrs. Obama runs a huge campaign as first wife called Let's Move! It goal is to raise a healthier generation of kids. Health and fitness is something we can control and in doing that, Americans can improve not only their longevity but the quality of living during their years.
Kids are not the only ones who need help with their health. Many years ago people did not know that smoking was bad for your health, so many people picked up the habit. Also casual drinkers, recreational drug users, and fast food eaters may not realize what they are putting into their bodies is harming them. Most of those people think that every now and then is okay, that it doesn't harm them. Education needs to step up in these areas too because it can harm them. A body still cannot function as highly as it did before a person consumed those products. So yes, education is key for all generations. Great post!
I agree that the key to longevity includes eating healthy, exercising, and metal health. Like Sara said, I never thought that animals that had calorie restrictions would behave the same as humans. However, it does make sense because eating healthy makes you feel better as a whole and eating a lot of junk food makes you feel very slow and overweight. It is true that refraining from smoking and eating fast food can benefit the body. Smoking can do damage to your lungs and make your skin look older as well. Eating healthy has many benefits and it will make you feel better in the long run. Whenever you go to exercise and have ate fast food versus a healthy choice such as a salad, it makes a huge difference. The body responds to how we treat it and if we feed it healthy and exercise regularly then we are better off in the long run.
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