Older People are Thriving by Dr Berry

Excerpt from Daily Cures, Wisdom for Healthy Aging by Connie Mason Michaelis

In 1979, at the age of 70, Dr. Berry wrote, “Eighty-five percent of Americans at 65 are reasonably happy, independent, and intellectually competent.  All of us past 70 have survived the 1919 influenza epidemic, Prohibition, the Depression, and WW II and up to now, the Democratic and Republican parties.  We know that we are not going to die at an early age.  We are survivors.  The most we want from younger people is a little respect and not too damned much of that---most of us, who are healthy, think this is the best time of our lives.  Most of us are amazed and offended by the manner in which we are portrayed as disadvantaged, complaining, and demanding by the media and political opportunists.” If Dr. Berry were alive today, he might say the same, except we have survived the Cold War, the Vietnam War, another depression, and still trying to survive the political parties!  But the bottom line is, older Americans are thriving.

Dr. Berry says that the aging population will benefit from moderate exercise, a diet to attain or maintain a healthy weight, completely avoiding tobacco, and moderation of any pleasurable food or activity (including alcohol).  His comments about maintaining a healthy body weight were extremely blunt.  “There are a lot of old men and a lot of fat men, but there are not lots of old fat men.”  Enough said.  He closes his manuscript by saying, “Freedom from worry is vitally necessary for old age happiness.  Our happiness is more mental than physical, and the most important component is contentment.  Happiness is now found within us; not out there where it must be pursued.”   There is something assuring about the idea of simplicity in aging. We have survived so much, and now it is time to enjoy the pleasures of contentment.