Living to Old Age

As I approach getting older I want to do all that I can to get older with grace and much dignity. New research suggests that living to be age 70 and beyond is possible if you don’t smoke. Smoking is a major problem for many African American men and women. I have a few older male friends who don’t smoke. Unfortunately, for many African American men, living to age 70 is going to be a serious challenge because many of us will not obey “the natural laws of good health”. If we, as a race of people, continue to ignore the risk factors that medical science tells us contribute to poor health, living to be 70 will be an empty dream for many Black men. Not smoking, keeping your weight under control, taking your medications for hypertension and other medical problems, and exercising on a regular basis will improve your chances of reaching 70 and beyond. Regular exercise improves your odds by 30 % to reach age 90 and seeing your great grandchildren. Let’s go for it!

I am Dr. Thaddeus John Bell --- Closing the Gap in Health Disparities for African Americans.

Bell Update Volume 3, Chapter 14

Copyright April 2008