We will all die some day but not all people reach that point at the same point in life.. Some people get “old” well before others do. Many remain active and healthy well into their 80s and 90s. It has oft been argued that those who age prematurely and who die early do so because of the genetic disposition that reflects the saying “ you will die when it is your time”.” This way of looking at the aging process is not wise because “there are a number of factors that affect the health and longevity of aging seniors. Here are Some social factors that have been shown to affect the aging process”

Socioeconomic status

Level of education

Level of physical and cognitive functioning

Living arrangement such as one of high social status or living arrangement of very low social status

Ethnicity

A mental and emotionally challenging lifestyle

Longevity and quality of life are also very much determined by what a person does to maintain his or her own physical and mental health. Examples of this might include

Receiving timely and effective medical care

Maintaining a healthy weight

Eating nutritious meals

Getting the right amount of sleep

Consistently getting adequate exercise

Avoiding excessive use of alcohol, smoking and other non-healthy habits

Maintaining social stimulation

Maintaining mental stimulation

Maintaining a positive attitude towards life

Avoiding stress

Getting help with depression

Presented by Thomas Day, Director of the National Care Council