Chapter 4 Reflection

Chapter 4 was very informative as covered physical health and well-being of the aging population.   Most people are aware of the physical signs of normal aging and health issues that may arise as we get older, but may not completely understand the connection of living a healthy lifestyle can have a huge impact as we age. The role of diet, exercise and mental health can make a tremendous difference in the quality of life during our golden years.
Physical Activity is essential to healthy aging.  As an older adult, regular physical activity is one of the most important things a person can do for their health.  It can prevent many of the health problems that seem to come with age.  It also helps a person's muscles grow stronger in order to continue doing day-to-day activities without becoming dependent on others.  The lack of physical activity can be extremely bad, no matter of age or health conditions.  The textbook points out some of the constraints that were voiced by elders were the belief certain activities were for women only, or that women did not exercise due to health conditions.  (Hillier and Barrow, 2011). 
Nutrition also plays a big role in a person’s life. According to (Hillier and Barrow, 2011), “diet is increasingly being implicated as a factor innumerous conditions and diseases”.  Things like the use of saturated fats has a direct connection with atherosclerosis and the lack of fiber may cause cancer of the colon and intestine.  Eating correctly can be an obstacle for many elderly people.  They may not have the means to obtaining food which is nutritionally sound and risk their wellbeing due to food insecurities.
The chapter also points out the importance to possessing a happy and optimistic mental status plays a role in living longer. Possessing a sense of humor, and having a strong coping mechanism when dealing with stress are essential in maintaining a positive mental state.
These components are not only important to the aging population, but should be practiced by all as a way to lay the foundation of living a healthier lifestyle and providing a path to living a longer life.