EngAGE Stories

NPR has posted a fascinating story about stress and longevity. What’s the connection? Readily bouncing back from stress (doctors call it “adaptive competence”) increases the odds of a longer life. The story, written by gerontologist and commentator Mark Lachs, focuses on feisty 109-year-old Helen Reichart:

“[She] likes chocolate truffles. Her favorite beverage is Budweiser. And she once announced to me that she was thinking about smoking again. When I protested, she reminded me that she has outlived several other physicians and told me to mind my own business.”

Dr. Lachs concludes, “[If] you don’t think your outlook on aging has any impact on the rest of your life, you might want to brighten your attitude a bit.” Sounds like good advice!

How often do you get a good night’s sleep? Probably not often enough. An article at Sleepdex.org explains:

“Insomnia is a common complaint in older adults. Chronic sleep difficulties affect older people more often than younger adults. The homoeostatic regulation of sleep changes as we age. Older adults typically have shallower sleep and fragmentation is more common. Doctors prescribe sleeping aids to the elderly much more often than for young adults or kids.”

Chronic illness, medication, too little exercise and too little exposure to bright daylight often contribute to the problem. What to do? Click here to read Prevention Magazine’s helpful list of twenty ways to beat insomnia. If you have any suggestions for sleeping better, please share them in the comments!