By now you’ve probably heard the latest popular catchphrase, “50 is the new 30”! Who coined that phrase? Where did it come from? Well, no one knows for sure, but it has certainly garnered a lot of attention. Is the statement even remotely true? If so, does that  means “70 is the new 50”?

Although that idea may seem a bit far fetched when you first consider it, a great deal of scientific evidence supports that very notion. People today are aging more gracefully, more actively, more vitally, and more happily than ever before. They are not just living longer, they are living better. And experts believe that this trend will continue.

There is no single cause for this enlivened longevity. Genetics play a part, but not as much as you might think. Scientists now know that lifestyle plays an equally important role. Habits such as eating a healthy diet, getting enough physical exercise, and keeping one’s mind active and engaged are just as vital. They’ve also learned how these factors work together in preventing disease, improving attitude and psychological state, and helping people “age successfully.”

For example, maintaining good cardiovascular health is directly related to keeping your mind as sharp as it can be. Eating a healthy diet—one that helps you maintain proper blood pressure and insulin levels—will not only help you stay at a healthy weight but may also play an important role in whether or not you develop cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer’s later on. Feeling good because you eat right and get enough exercise plays an important role in how socially active you are—and meaningful social interaction is now understood to be as important as any of the other factors.

A recent article featured on WebMD adds credence to the idea that 70 may be the new 50. The article quotes Dr. Jesse Roth, a Professor of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, as saying, “We do know that people are living longer and more vigorously. And, they appear younger.”

In the same article, Dr. Michael Freedman, Director of Geriatrics at NYU Medical Center, says he believes that better overall appearance and increased longevity can be attributed in part to the introduction of antibiotics, a medical breakthrough that not only added years to lives but also made the aging process more gentle.

At University Retirement Community, we believe that 70 can indeed be the new 50. And it’s our goal to support you in your own successful aging efforts.

Six Steps to Successful Aging In the book Successful Aging, authors Drs. John Rowe and Robert Kahn cite the following behaviors that influence how well one ages: Eating well Keeping physically active Exercising the mind Keeping a positive attitude Nurturing your spirit Staying connected to friends, family, and social groups

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