[LifeStyle] In Argentina, there are more than 4 million people over 65: how to promote healthy aging

[Inkriql]

From September 17 to 23, the Healthy Aging Week was launched, based on a rule that was sanctioned last Thursday by the Buenos Aires Legislature. (iStock)
"I always say that dreams come true. For me, dancing here, at 67 years old, is incredible. I tell women 60 or 67 years old to dance, to go out and have fun and have a good time," said the former model. Anamá Ferreyra, after debuting on the television show Showmatch 2018, hosted by Marcelo Tinelli. Anamá is another example to overcome the prejudice that older people can no longer move as much or enjoy themselves.

Anamá very active at 67. She took advantage of the public exposure of the "Dancing 2018" screen to urge women aged 60 or 67 to dance, go out and have fun.
Anamá very active at 67. She took advantage of the public exposure of the "Dancing 2018" screen to urge women aged 60 or 67 to dance, go out and have fun.
In Argentina, today there are more than 4 million people over 65 years of age, like Anamá. But myths and preconceptions still persist in the imaginary that confuse this stage of life with inactivity, illness, or dementia. To counter myths and promote healthy habits, the "Healthy Aging Week" began until September 21 in the city of Buenos Aires, based on a rule that was approved last Thursday by the Buenos Aires Legislature.

It is considered that a person follows healthy aging when they engage in regular physical activity, engage in challenging intellectual activities, maintain social and recreational activity, regularly control blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose, do not use tobacco, and adopt a healthy and balanced diet. . So that more people join the movement, there will be dozens of free activities to enjoy, such as singing in a choir, participating in cognitive games, reading theater or aquatic gymnastics. They will be held in cultural centers, medical institutions, sports centers, parks and squares.

The agenda of activities for the Healthy Aging Week can be consulted here. There will be activities not only for the elderly, but also from 18 years, because the way in which each one lives before the age of 65 influences the last stage of life.

"Old age is the result of our path through life. For this reason, we propose that we be responsible with our body and our health. The way we choose to live is also part of our future," said José Luis Acevedo, president of the Health Commission of the Legislature, and co-author -along with Claudio Romero- of the rule that establishes promoting the Healthy Aging Week in the third week of September starting this year.

"Each person should choose something that arouses their interest, because that will allow them to sustain it over time," said Dr. Demey when interviewed by Infobae.
"Each person should choose something that arouses their interest, because that will allow them to sustain it over time," said Dr. Demey when interviewed by Infobae.
"Humanity is increasing its life expectancy. By the year 2050, we would reach 90 years. It will be a success of vaccination, medicine, and other factors, but there are also challenges to live longer and preserve quality of life," he said. to Infobae Aldo Caridi, neurologist and undersecretary of hospital care of the Buenos Aires Ministry of Health.

Meanwhile, Ignacio Demey, a neurologist at the Hospital Británico y de Fleni, who will be one of the speakers during the talks during the Healthy Aging Week, considered: "Although Argentina is a country with a lot of diversity, people's awareness is growing that the brain and the heart can be protected at the same time by paying attention to risk factors, such as quitting tobacco, lowering altered cholesterol, and less salt in meals, being physically active, and maintaining social interaction. They say that if they stop doing things, their brains atrophy."

The range of activities that can be carried out as part of healthy aging is very wide. "Learning a language, taking daily walks, going to a film workshop and discussing the film, among other activities, serve to maintain a healthy life," Demey told Infobae.

 

https://www.infobae.com/tendencias/2018/09/18/en-argentina-viven-mas-de-4-millones-mayores-de-65-como-impulsar-el-envejecimiento-saludable/