Longer, But Not Necessarily Better

An article in Duke University’s on-line health journal, dukehealth.org, published Apr. 30, 2009, reports that even though women live longer than men on the average, their quality of life may not be as good as that of men of the same age. The Duke study found that women over 65 suffered up to two and a half times more disabilities than men of the same age.

Here is the link to the Duke University article:
Women Live Longer, Not Better, Largely Because of Obesity and Arthritis

The largest factors for this seem to be higher rates of obesity and arthritis among women. The study also found that women are “gaining equality” with males  in regards to cardiovascular disease, stroke and emphysema, which previously had been less common among women.

This study struck a chord with me because I know the effects of excess weight and poor lifestyle choices in early life. My heart attack did not occur because of the dinner I ate shortly before, but happened because of the prior decades of lack of exercise, overeating and improper diet.

They say that our dietary habits are formed when we are very young. I can attest that they are hard to change and next to impossible to change without the entire family willing to make adjustments as well. However, it can be done and I urge all women to take a step, no matter how small, to keep yourself fit through exercise, including weight-bearing exercise, and to educate yourself on proper nutrition and incorporate what you learn for your sake and the sake of those around you.

What steps have you taken or would you like to take to improve or maintain your health? I’d love to read your comments.

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