Successful aging is more than longevity.  Staying engaged – physically, emotionally and intellectually – benefits the individual and society.  

Mick Jagger is still touring at 62.  John Glenn participated in a space mission at age 77.  Older Americans run in marathons, fly planes, and travel the world.  The perception of what's old is changing.  Not too long ago, a New Yorker cartoon proclaimed "70 is the new 50."   Still, there are great variations in health and functioning among the elderly and too many find themselves disabled and even bedridden.      
 
With the U.S. population of the older-than-65 expected to double in size in the next quarter-century to 72 million, we're left with this question.  Will increasing numbers of older people with longer lives contribute to society or be a burden upon it? 

There's both good and bad news.  In recent decades we've actually experienced a decline in the disability rate and have pushed certain diseases to an older age.  However, all that may reverse as upcoming generations become more obese and more sedentary and begin or continue to smoke. 

Health promotion and prevention may be the most important new model for health care in our time. A proactive health program can increase your ability to live to your potential, to continue to do what you want and to be mentally alert.  The steps you can take include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight and eating a varied diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Exercising every day
• Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
• Adhering to a schedule of disease screenings recommended for your age
• Establishing a regular schedule of well visits with your doctor as well as seeking prompt medical health when you have a problem

A decade ago the MacArther Foundation identified three components to successful aging.  They are:

• Good medical care
• Continuing physical and mental activity
• People who remain engaged in society

There are many challenges facing society in sustaining and caring for an ever larger population of the elderly.  However, if we increase the proportion of healthy people living to an older age, there is also much to be gained.  Older people can continue to be extremely productive, especially in the early stages of old age – the 60s and 70s.   Successful aging means seniors can continue to work and pass on the vast benefit of their experience and accumulated wisdom with a resulting economic benefit to society of profound proportions.