In 1950, the average global life expectancy was 45 years. Today, many people at that age are in the prime of their lives, with decades remaining to make lasting memories with family and friends. In fact, the current global life expectancy is 73, a vastly higher number that only seems to be increasing.
Some research suggests that humans have the potential to live up to 150 years. Dr. David Sinclair goes so far as to argue, “The first person to live to 150 has already been born.” This ever-increasing life expectancy has brought more attention to the idea of the longevity revolution.
But what is this age-defying revolution, and how can we prepare for it?
What Is the Longevity Revolution?
Have you heard? 70 is the new 50. The longevity revolution, marked by a significant increase in life expectancy for the older population, is underway. Many people today can expect to live much longer than their grandparents thanks to improvements in various aspects of society, including:
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Nutrition
- Standard of living
Preparing for the Longevity Revolution
With the longevity revolution comes the responsibility of learning what we can do to ensure a long and happy life, not only for ourselves but also our loved ones. From individual actions to community initiatives, let’s discuss some ways to prepare for living our best (and longest) lives.
Individual Strategies
When it comes to taking care of yourself and the older adults in your family and ensuring that you’re living your happiest and fullest lives, there are a few strategies to keep in mind:
- Take advantage of preventative care
Schedule regular checkups and screenings to stay on top of and treat any potential medical conditions.
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle
There are many ways to implement a healthy lifestyle, including eating balanced, nutritious meals, exercising regularly and applying sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays.
- Stay on top of mental health
In addition to investing in counseling services from mental health professionals, there are other ways to maintain your cognitive health, such as reading, completing puzzles and staying socially engaged with family and friends.
- Prioritize financial planning
If your goal is to enjoy your golden years in a comfortable state of retirement, it’s essential to begin investing and saving years in advance.
Community Strategies
As a community, there are steps we can take to support healthy aging as well, including:
- Creating age-friendly environments
From public spaces, such as community halls, to housing, like intergenerational homes, it is crucial to build infrastructure that caters to the needs of older adults.
- Making workplace adaptations
From a professional standpoint, companies can create policies that allow older employees to work remotely or with more flexible hours. They can also provide training that keeps older workers competitive in the workplace and helps them transition into new roles.
- Creating support networks
Specially developed programs for older adults support their ability to interact with other people their age, allowing them to take part in engaging activities and fostering a sense of support and community.
- Making facilities accessible
As people age, they sometimes face mobility challenges. Ensuring that community facilities, like restaurants, physician offices and public transportation are accessible makes visiting those facilities much more convenient to people who may otherwise struggle.
Find Your Path in the Field of Aging at the University of Florida
If you’re passionate about helping the elderly population, you can prepare for the longevity revolution on a personal and professional level. Whether you pursue a career as a gerontologist, geriatric nurse, mental health counselor or another role in the industry, you can make a difference in the lives of older adults.
At the University of Florida, we proudly offer several online graduate programs catered to working professionals who are interested in advancing their careers in the field of aging, including:
Master of Science in Medical Sciences with a concentration in Innovative Aging Studies
If you’ve established a career in aging or a related field, our 30-credit online master’s degree in innovative aging studies will give you the skills and knowledge needed to pursue more specialized roles.
Master of Science in Medical Sciences with a concentration in Physiology and Aging
The master’s degree in physiology and aging is ideal for those who are interested in learning foundational skills in the field of aging while also gaining a broader scope of knowledge in healthcare. Half of the courses focus on age-related topics, while the other half concentrate on medical physiology, which will help prepare you for the MCAT and other National Board examinations.
Graduate Certificate in Aging and Geriatric Practice
Our online 15-credit graduate certificate allows you to stand apart from other professional-health-school applicants. In as little as one year, you can apply to the school of your choice with a graduate credential from one of U.S. News’ top 50 national universities.
All of our graduate programs offer several benefits to online learners, including:
- No clinical experience required.
- Affordable tuition.
- A flexible timeline to fit your schedule.
- No GRE requirements.
Have any lingering questions? Contact us and we’ll get back to you soon! When you’re ready, start the application process here.
Sources:
https://www.ie.edu/insights/articles/the-longevity-revolution-is-coming/
https://www.macrotrends.net/global-metrics/countries/WLD/world/life-expectancy
https://theworld.org/stories/2015/08/07/pushing-limits-human-lifespan