Dr. Gawande suggests we aren't taking advantage of the opportunity to make the experience of aging better. In what ways could we improve aging in our daily lives and as a culture?

Dr. Gawande suggests we aren't taking advantage of the opportunity to make the experience of aging better. In what ways could we improve aging in our daily lives and as a culture?

Our world revolves around those that are young and productive. We aren't seeing how useful, productive or knowledgeable our elderly population is. There is often a lack of respect for those older. I think more interaction between all ages would open the eyes of those not in contact with the elderly. To make your aging better, stay involved!

I agree with Marcia S about interaction between all ages - my grandchildren keep me young! And one of my good friends is a vigorous 89! I belong to an exercise group where we are all over 60 - one just turned 90! While we are exercising, we talk about books and movies and health (but never politics!) and laugh a lot. Some of us are still working, others do volunteer work. We follow Helen Hayes' words - "If I rest, I rust." More opportunities are out there for older people to do meaningful work, paid or otherwise. That should definitely be encouraged!

I definitely agree with Martha S and josephinej, young people keep retired people, like me, young. Young people can help the older generation with things like computers and phones. But young people can learn from us as well, giving a 1st person account of events from history or sharing a hobby. I like that I can take classes at the local college at a reduced rate or go to an exercise class designed to help me stay mobile. We can improve aging by allowing more people to stay in their home with help coming to them.

Volunteer and find your niche it is rewarding. Older generation have many life experiences that can be shared.
As we age we need to be open to new ideas and not get stuck in times that are long gone. Travel taking advantage of the many groups geared to those that are not as mobile as they once were.

We can improve aging by focusing on healthy habits in food and exercise and by having a positive attitude. I do agree with all of the above and have seen the benefits (as a youngster and now as an oldster) of relationships with people of all ages. As a culture, I think we are headed in the right direction. In my community there is a deluge of centers, events and forums, and concern in general, for the elders in society.