Sixty-five years young: Is Older Better?

"Will you still need me...when I'm sixty-four," wondered the
Beatles. They sang of a simple life of doing the gardening and
knitting sweaters, but weren't sure if they'd be wanted at that
age. Are sixty-five year olds today any more certain about their
place in society? Is it better being older? And the most
pertinent question of all, can one feel young at sixty-five?

According to national statistics "Americans turning 65 this year
can expect to live, on average, until they are 83." So, you've
got a lot of years ahead of you. It won't all be easy sailing.
Here are five tips to sustain your lifestyle once you hit
sixty-five:

1. Eat healthy: Your health is your choice. By choosing to take
control of what you eat and how you eat it you can choose to
lengthen your life. Consult your nutritionist now about creating
a special diet for you. 

2. Exercise: Twenty minutes a day of the lightest exercise -
just a walk around the block - can alter the level of your
health and add years to your life. 

3. Be social: Human beings are social animals. Life after
sixty-five may mean the loss of some social contacts, especially
those associated with the workplace, but you should quickly
replace those with new friends. Your social life is your key to
a long and happy life. 

4. Have a hobby: Before your retirement you had a reason to get
out of bed. You had your job. Now's the time to replace your job
with a hobby that demands that you get out of bed and perform a
duty each day. You'll feel as alive and useful as ever. 

5. Laugh a lot: Rent a comedy, cuddle up on the sofa with family
and friends, and just laugh. A laugh a day keeps the doctor
away!