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Metlife Fitness Flyer an Exercise in Successful Aging
Professor David J. Demko, PhD
AgeVenture News Service 07-10-03
Highschool and college reunions are an opportunity for the curious to sneak a peek at old classmates that are "falling apart". In fact, many alumni decisions to attend, or not attend reunions, are based on how well one is "holding their own" against the youth-robbing process of aging. Yes, aging is inevitable, but the speed at which we age is NOT. "Seventy-five percent of our wellness in later life is due to lifestyle, not the aging process" (Demko,1982). Sure, genetics plays a role, but so do lifestyle factors such as nutrition and diet, physical and mental exercise, and a sense of purpose ... a reason to get up and out everyday. Here's the point. The sooner you start a regime of healthy living, the later your aging will start to show. Getting started is easier than you think. A new "starter kit" is now available, absolutely free. Read on.
In the year 2011, the first baby boomers will turn 65. By year 2020, the 65-plus population is expected to double. As more Americans log birthday after birthday, the importance of maintaining good health makes good sense. MetLife's new brochure, Healthy Aging, is now available free to the public. Healthy Aging offers advice on the importance of good nutrition, exercise, staying socially connected and learning news things.

Metlife Healthy Aging "Today, as the number of older adults in our country continues to increase, and concern over Alzheimer's disease and long-term care grows, MetLife is proud to support programs that promote wellness as we age," said Robert H. Benmosche, chairman and CEO of MetLife. "Healthy Aging is an example of our commitment to encourage people of all ages to develop healthy practices."

Featuring Snoopy and the PEANUTS characters, Healthy Aging presents tips on leading a healthy lifestyle in a user-friendly format. Sections include: "Put Healthy Eating on the Menu," "Give Your Mind a Workout," "Get Moving," "Learn to Cope with Stress," "Practice Preventive Medicine," "Stay Socially Connected" and "Prepare for Retirement and Enjoy It."

Readers will learn about:

nutrition Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to reduce risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes.

exercise Moderate exercise just 30 minutes a day to help maintain strength and coordination.

lifestyle Staying connected to family, friends and community to foster a sense of meaning and purpose.

brain power Challenging the mind stimulates mental alertness through reading, learning, and thinking.

Healthy Aging is part of MetLife's Life Advice program, created to help people better understand and manage major decisions in their lives. Healthy Aging can be ordered by e-mailing your address to myaging@metlife.com or by calling 1-877-692-4464. MetLife (NYSE: MET) is a provider of insurance and financial services in 12 countries.
Image credit: MetLife, New York, NY.
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David Demko reports on lifestyle issues and trends in Aging America.
Submit reader comments to: demko@demko.com
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