As the baby boomer generation approaches advanced years, with the oldest boomers (born in 1946) now at least 70 years old, many are considering how to reinvent old age. An article penned by former Madison, Wisconsin mayor Dave Cieslewicz asked, "For a generation whose youth were schooled not to trust anyone over 30, can we trust them to make the right decisions as they hit 70?"

Cieslewicz interviewed experts about how to "grow older with a social conscience." Alexis Eastman, MD, clinical assistant professor, Geriatrics and Gerontology, discussed steps people can take to promote healthy aging.

Chief among her suggestions: get exercise, identify a purpose you want to dedicate time and thought towards, and eat healthfully.

“Exercise is good for everything and bad for nothing,” said Dr. Eastman, pointing out that exercise cuts the risk of dementia almost in half and lowers the risk of falling considerably.

“Take ownership of your body,” she advises. Aerobic exercise is best for dementia prevention, and dual-task exercises such as yoga, tai chi, and crossfit are helpful for preventing falls.

Regarding purposeful living, Dr. Eastman noted a generational difference between the baby boom generation and other, older generations.

“Boomers have more of an existential component to aging...[they] ask if what they’ve done or are doing is worthwhile. After they retire some boomers have an existential malaise. What do they do now?"

Volunteer work, spending time with grandchildren, travel, or continuing study are a few examples of creating time and space for meaningful activities.

And thinking meaningfully about diet is a good idea as well. "When you take charge of your health then you start to think about what you eat,” said Dr. Eastman, who recommended "eating a colorful diet and Skittles don’t count.” She agrees with the advice of author Michael Pollan to "eat food, not too much, mostly plants."

Resources:

• "Boomer Bust: How to grow older with a social conscience," The Isthmus, November 2, 2017

Photo caption: Attendees of a 2017 fall public lecture event by the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center learn about the role of exercise in healthy aging (file photo).