• There were 36.3 million people aged 65 and over in the US as of July 1, 2004. This age group accounts for 12 percent of the total population. Between 2003 and 2004, 351,000 people moved into this age group.
• The number of people 85 and over in the US on July 1, 2004 reached 4.9 million.
• The projected population of people 65 and over in the year 2050 is 86.7 million. People in this age group would then comprise 21 percent of the total population.
  

Keep Moving
American seniors no longer sit in rocking chairs all day watching the world go by. By staying active, they keep their bodies strong and their minds alert.

Older adults are encouraged to engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity (above usual activity) on most days of the week. Regular exercise helps you burn calories as well as keep your muscles toned and your circulation going.

Walking is the most popular sport activity among seniors, with about 12.4 million people 65 and over engaged in exercise walking at least six times a year. Other forms of exercise that seniors prefer are swimming, dancing, net fishing and exercising with gym equipment.

Local recreation and senior centers offer classes on everything from swing dance to yoga. Tai chi is another exercise program that’s gaining in popularity here in the US; it’s a low-impact workout that improves balance, concentration and muscle tone.

It’s easier than ever to find an exercise you enjoy—and if you have fun while working out, you’re more likely to do it often.

Eat Well
While proper nutrition is important at all ages, eating a variety of vitamin-rich foods is a major factor in better health for older adults. A healthful diet can help seniors reduce their risks of many diseases and conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer. The AoA offers practical suggestions for eating well.

• Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables.
• Choose lean proteins such as poultry, fish, beans and nuts.
• Incorporate whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products into your meals.
• Eat foods that are fortified with vitamins D and B12.
• Go easy on sugars.
• Try to keep your total fat intake to between 20 to 35 percent of daily calorie consumption.
• Limit your sodium to no more than 1,500 milligrams per day; that’s the equivalent of 3/4 teaspoon of salt.
• Carefully look over the labels and nutrition facts of packaged foods.
  

Enjoy Life
Along with guarding your physical health, it’s important to live a meaningful life for your emotional and spiritual health.

Set aside time to do things you enjoy—and try new things. There are programs and groups that cater to almost every interest you can imagine, including quilting, bird watching and woodworking. You can find them through your church, library or local newspaper.

Visit with family and friends. There’s nothing like talking over good memories or sharing time with the grandkids to brighten your day.

Exercise your brain. As you puzzle over a crossword, read a classic novel or brush up on your high-school French, your mental abilities sharpen.

Learn to relax. Sleep isn’t the only way your body and mind regenerate; you also need some time to sit quietly. Sip some tea and watch the birds playing in the trees—you’ll be amazed how energetic you’ll feel after only ten minutes.

Take Control of Your Health
Medical knowledge is advancing rapidly. Even so, the risk of developing chronic conditions increases as we age. Today, a majority of older adults acquire more than one chronic health problem; arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes are among the most common.

There are many resources available to help seniors learn about their options and take charge of their healthcare. Support groups meet at local hospitals and clinics and a wealth of updated information can be found online.

A good place to start on the web is the National Institutes of Health Senior Health site at http://nihseniorhealth.gov.

The US Administration on Aging assists communities across the country to help seniors take better care of their health. Check online at w for info about their programs. To learn more about AoA, visit www.aoa.gov.

Other Helpful Sites include:

• American Cancer Society – www.cancer.org
• American Diabetes Association – www.diabetes.org
• American Heart Association – www.americanheart.org
• Arthritis Foundation – www.arthritis.org
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) – www.cdc.gov
• Mayo Clinic – www.mayoclinic.com