We Will All Be There Some Day

I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to treat many elderly people in my office. Sure, some are cranky and miserable, but so are some young patients. Most are filled with life and wants more than needs, and they are a lot of fun.

To be honest with you though, 20 years ago when I first began my practice, treating the elderly was very tough for me. I thought to myself, "Is this how I am going to end up? Am I going to be sick, cranky and in pain?"

I soon found my answer in an 82 year-old woman. Her skin was sagging and it looked like she had one foot in Heaven's door. She was receiving treatment for neck pain. She was very quiet. I thought she was either sleeping or in deep thought. And then as if she were awakened from her sleep she said, "Doctor, can I tell you a dirty joke?" To humor her I said, "Sure", thinking to myself, "How dirty can this be and why is she whispering?" Well, let me tell you, she told this joke with the most colorful language. It was a great joke and I laughed my you-know-what off.

She then said to me, "You know, doctor, although I am old and it looks like I have one foot in the door to Heaven (started to get worried as I thought she might have been reading my mind), I am not dead yet."

I couldn't wait for her to return for her next visit. She always had great stories and jokes to tell. She treated with me for a few months and I learned a lot from her. I think that at times I got more out of our sessions than she did.

So here was my paradigm shift. Ever since then I love treating the elderly. And when I have a patient over the age of 75, I always ask what they consider to be the secret to longevity.

The common denominator, the commonalities with those living a robust elderly life, is not smoking, daily exercise, the consumption of fruits and vegetables more than meat, and moderate alcohol use. In fact, recently researchers from the University of Cambridge statistically analyzed studies of about 20,000 relatively healthy subjects aged 45-79. The study concludes that you can add about 14 years to your life by embracing four life style habits:

1. Don't smoke.
2. Get regular physical activity.
3. Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
4. Drink alcohol in moderation.

And I would add one more:

5. Use your mind every day. Do puzzles, work on the computer, get a hobby, write a letter, play cards, etc.

And the real key to longevity is to have parents who lived for a long time. Sometimes it's just in the genes.

Here is my action tip for the week.

If you know some elderly individuals, take them out to lunch, pay them a visit, and most of all listen to them.

Take care and I hope you will embrace this lifestyle and live a life worthy of living.

To Your Health, Wealth & Happiness!

Dr. Michael J. Kaye
Knowledge, Action, Results