Are We Getting Older Or Younger?

By 2030 the number of older Americans will have doubled to 70 million. That's 1 in every 5 Americans. That's why anti-aging information is often on the evening news. What isn't there are aging women. There are no female counterparts for Walter Cronkite, Dan Rather or Charles Gibson. Is it just me or is this sexist ageism? Is it just me or is there a one-word explanation - man-age-ment?

Yes, we're flattered when people tell us we don't look our age; but what does forty or fifty look like these days? I'd like to see a skin care model that looked older than twenty-five. In fact, I'd like to see pictures of models before they've been air brushed. Although my grandmother always said to just look yourself, it helps if you like what you are looking at.

I like looking at an ice-cold martini and new research has shown that shaken martinis are healthier than stirred martinis. They have more age-fighting properties. According to a chemist at University College London, shaken martinis contain more anti-oxidants. Because anti-oxidants prevent cell damage, they prevent aging. James Bond always insisted on his martinis being shaken - which may explain the longevity of his success.

My husband and I recently discovered that the longevity of the Love Boat's success is explained by its popularity with older passengers. There's nothing like sea air and being surrounded by older people to make you feel younger. We had both the ship's gym and walking track to ourselves because our fellow passengers spent most of their time eating breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner and late snacks. During the 10-day cruise 4,268 lbs. of meat were consumed, as well as 9,923 lbs. of vegetables, 14,373 eggs, 12,028 lbs. of fruit - and 67 lbs. of prunes. You know you're traveling with an older crowd when prunes are listed separately from fruit.

To find out how old I am in virtual years, I took an on-line test. According to the test, longevity and vitality are determined by lifestyle, activities and health - not just by age. Because I'm at an age when that sounds good, I answered 35 multiple-choice questions ranging from health to happiness; and was surprised to find out my virtual age is 25 years younger than my actual age. I also found out that my life expectancy is 101. Obviously, I'm not getting older, I'm getting better - at taking tests.

About the Author

KNIGHT PIERCE HIRST takes humorous looks at life. Take a minute to make yourself smile at http://knightwatch.typepad.com

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