A certain level of fear affects us about the latter stages of aging, yet for most I suspect it is more to do with a loss of function than the loss of life. The prospect of death itself doesn’t trouble me per se, it is more the process of dying that would command my attention. I want to take a swing at this seemingly heavy topic with a different perspective.
So often we talk about the years of life, instead of the life in those years. Though we may never know when our time comes, it’s safe to say we live in an aging population. As we age what sort of quality of life do we wish for ourselves, or those closest to us? Can we influence that quality of life in our younger years and, if so, how? Recently the term “marginal decade” was coined in reference to the last decade, whenever it may be.
The research around this is still developing but hypothetically, we can prepare today for the quality of life we maintain in the marginal decade. If you want to live independently you will have to be able to do the following: 1. Walk around the supermarket comfortably.
2. Carry 5-10kg groceries from supermarket to the car, then into the home. 3.
Get up or down stairs with relative ease. 4. Shower, self-care and dress yourself independently.
5. Stay cognitively sharp So let’s back pedal and consider how we may need to address these aspects now. Walking – In our 40s, we should tolerate a 5-8km aerobic walk.
In our 60s-70s, it might go down to walking 2-5km at a comfortable pace. Lift.
