Engagement in life activities promotes healthy aging in men

Being engaged in life is associated with healthy aging. Various indicators of healthy aging, such as greater longevity, lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, higher levels of subjective well-being and/or reduced levels of depression are associated with higher overall activity levels in general, and more specifically with engagement in social and productive activities. Being physically active and/or engaging in regular exercise has also been positively related with indicators of healthy aging. Physical activity and exercise guidelines have been published for older adults, including frail adults over age 70. Older men can be encouraged to engage in exercise in various ways, including being provided with tangible information on available resources by the health care provider. Motivational interviewing, tailored to the provider-patient relationship, can be a useful tool for the provider to encourage the patient to recognize a need or opportunity for change and take steps to a more active and healthy life. (C) 2009 WPMH GmbH. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.