Final Entry

1. What is your personal definition of succesful aging? How has this definition changed from the beginning of the semester?


My personal definition of successful aging is being able to maintain your daily routine (ADLs), independently. Successful aging is being able to function well both physically and mentally. This means free of health ailments such as diabetes, dementia, alzheimers, etc. 


This changes from my previous definition because I felt healthy aging resulted from mostly healthy habits. However, there is a great deal of genetic factors that also plays a role in how we age. Also, there is no direct link to foods that make us live longer, healthier lives. As we found throughout the semester, centenarians across the world eat different foods and have different lifestyles. 


2. What was one topic or fact that you found to be the most interesting throughout the semester?


In the Georgia Centenarian video, I found it interesting that there could be a gene that is correlated with life expectancy. 


3. What is one aspect of successful aging that you would like to continue learning about?


I'm interested in what can be done to prevent loss of mental function. I have always been very interested in alzheimers. I would like to continue to learn about what can be done to prevent this, or how this could be identified early. I am also curious as to what trial treatments are being conducted now and how successful they are.  

4. Has any of the information that we've discussed in class change your perspective about successful aging?  (i.e. Are there any behaviors that you will or will not do as a result of learning about aging?)


One topic that I have never thought about, previous to this class, was financial aging. If I am to live into my 100s, how am I going to pay for it? It's hard to even imagine saving money when I'm still borrowing it. But, after doing the financial aging exercise I realize just how important it is to start saving as soon as possible.