According to preliminary results of figures released on March 17, 2011 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people in the United States are living much longer than ever before. The CDC reported that the death rate for the U.S. population for 2009 was 741 deaths per 100,000, which represents a 2.3% decrease from the 2008 rate.
"This marks the tenth year in a row that U.S. deaths rates have declined," the center said in a statement. From 2008 to 2009, oveall life expectancy rose from 78 years to 78.2 years. Death certificates from all 50 states were analyzed to get the data for the report.
Deaths were also down for a range of conditions, including a 3.7% drop in heart disease, a 4.2% drop in stroke, a 4.1% drop in Alzheimer's disease, a 4.1% drop in diabetes, and a 1.1% drop in cancer. Better medical treatment, vaccinations, and measures against smoking are considered to be the driving forces in these trends, and the CDC plans to more closely review the reasons for the decline later this year when the final data is released.
No doubt about it, we will likely live longer lives than our parents and grandparents. Medicine has been improved due to the scientific advances made in recent years. Modern medicine can prevent or treat heart disease, diabetes, bacterial diseases and even cancer. Because of that, we'll all live longer on average. While these conditions may no longer killing us in the percentages that were the norm years ago, we now will live longer, increasing the odds that we will suffer additional ailments in our later years.
With the baby boomers now coming fully into the retirement age, it becomes easy to understand why we are now developing options that will allow us to live a full and creative life in our golden years. The time is now, and communities, businesses, families and friends are all devising alternatives for seniors that did not exist in the past.
Look into the adult education classes that are available locally. Everything from financial management, photography to crafts is offered specifically for seniors. Look into classes offered by your local parks and recreations departments. Tai Chi, aerobics and even chair exercises are offered - there is something for every senior. These classes are geared for everyone from the very athletic senior to those with special needs. The classes offered meet the various needs of today's seniors. And don't forget to check out your local senior center. The opportunities for social and recreational activities are too numerous to mention.
Expanding the boundaries of your experiences and making new friends is an exciting part of your senior years. But, who will clean your home, do the yard work, do the grocery shopping and prepare the meals while you are taking advantage of all these opportunities? How will you manage if you are no longer able to drive or are impaired physically or mentally in any way?
Luckily, there are now a variety of senior living options available to you, depending on where you live. Assisted living facilities are now in every state and in most communities. Basic needs are provided in a secure environment. Assisted living facilities can often provide additional services with varying degrees of care, should you become ill or require additional help.
"This marks the tenth year in a row that U.S. deaths rates have declined," the center said in a statement. From 2008 to 2009, oveall life expectancy rose from 78 years to 78.2 years. Death certificates from all 50 states were analyzed to get the data for the report.
Deaths were also down for a range of conditions, including a 3.7% drop in heart disease, a 4.2% drop in stroke, a 4.1% drop in Alzheimer's disease, a 4.1% drop in diabetes, and a 1.1% drop in cancer. Better medical treatment, vaccinations, and measures against smoking are considered to be the driving forces in these trends, and the CDC plans to more closely review the reasons for the decline later this year when the final data is released.
No doubt about it, we will likely live longer lives than our parents and grandparents. Medicine has been improved due to the scientific advances made in recent years. Modern medicine can prevent or treat heart disease, diabetes, bacterial diseases and even cancer. Because of that, we'll all live longer on average. While these conditions may no longer killing us in the percentages that were the norm years ago, we now will live longer, increasing the odds that we will suffer additional ailments in our later years.
With the baby boomers now coming fully into the retirement age, it becomes easy to understand why we are now developing options that will allow us to live a full and creative life in our golden years. The time is now, and communities, businesses, families and friends are all devising alternatives for seniors that did not exist in the past.
Look into the adult education classes that are available locally. Everything from financial management, photography to crafts is offered specifically for seniors. Look into classes offered by your local parks and recreations departments. Tai Chi, aerobics and even chair exercises are offered - there is something for every senior. These classes are geared for everyone from the very athletic senior to those with special needs. The classes offered meet the various needs of today's seniors. And don't forget to check out your local senior center. The opportunities for social and recreational activities are too numerous to mention.
Expanding the boundaries of your experiences and making new friends is an exciting part of your senior years. But, who will clean your home, do the yard work, do the grocery shopping and prepare the meals while you are taking advantage of all these opportunities? How will you manage if you are no longer able to drive or are impaired physically or mentally in any way?
Luckily, there are now a variety of senior living options available to you, depending on where you live. Assisted living facilities are now in every state and in most communities. Basic needs are provided in a secure environment. Assisted living facilities can often provide additional services with varying degrees of care, should you become ill or require additional help.
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There are many assisted living facilities to choose from. Experts agree that it's best to visit a number of facilities and ask lots of questions. You'll undoubtedly know when you find the one that suits you best. It's also a good idea to get some idea what the local assisted living costs are prior to touring the assisted living facility.
