According to the World Health Organization, in the year 2000 there were 600 million people age 60 and over; 1.2 billion in 2005 and a projected 2 billion by the year 2050. While growing older can certainly have challenges that impact all aspects of our society, it doesn't mean that we have to lose our strength and ability to do everyday tasks, or that we can't have fun and enjoy our “golden years.”

Aging is a privilege and an achievement that should be revered, and remaining active is a key component to improving and maintaining a lifestyle that is healthy, productive and fulfilling. Simply put, active aging is the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to embrace an enjoyable quality of life.

Active lifestyles provide seniors opportunities to make new friends and interact with people of all ages, which help to promote psychological well-being, and reduce stress, anxiety and feelings of depression and loneliness. Being active can also help seniors improve balance, strength, coordination, flexibility and endurance.

Studies have shown that regular physical activity reduces the risk of dying prematurely. It helps reduce hypertension, osteoporosis and the development of lower back pain. Additionally it assists in controlling weight and maintaining healthy bones, muscles, joints and helps in the management of painful conditions, such as back or knee pain.

These benefits can be enjoyed even if regular practice starts late in life. The key is finding a program that is appropriate for you. Your local office for the aging, or health, fitness, and community centers usually have programs and resources to assist. One is never too old or out of shape to seek opportunities to feel better and enjoy life more.

The practice of Qi Gong, Gentle Yoga, Chair Yoga (for wheelchair bound or those with limited mobility) or Tai Chi may be some of the best forms of physical activity older adults can seek as they promote endurance, strength, balance and flexibility. They are low impact, low cost, relatively easy to learn and are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Based on ancient eastern philosophies they promote mental and physical health, vitality and longevity. They are also wonderful tools for stress management and disease risk reduction.

Alternative medicine also values and endorses “Active Aging.” According to theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine, as the body ages there is a general decline in the body's energy so that we are less resistant to illness and have greater difficulty recovering after illnesses. The human body has a natural energy called “qi” (pronounced “chee”), that flows along pathways in the body called meridians, and health depends on a balance of opposing forces (Yin and Yang) in the body. When the flow of qi becomes blocked, stuck or the qi becomes unbalanced, illness results.

Traditional Chinese Medicine aims to restore and maintain the flow of qi and the balance of Yin and Yang. Therapies such as acupuncture, acupressure, massage, herbs, dietary changes and the practice of Qi Gong and Tai Chi are used to achieve this balance and to correct the flow of qi.

Traditional Chinese Medicine's greatest strength is its holistic approach to balancing the whole body. A traditional Chinese medicine practitioner first identifies underlying disharmony within the body and then formulates a customized treatment to bring an individual's unique constitution into balance. It treats the “root” cause to improve the “branch” ailments.

Over the past 2000+ years, traditional Chinese medicine has continuously refined a sophisticated theoretical framework to diagnose and treat the whole body. Unlike pharmaceuticals that isolate a single compound to treat a single symptom, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners use individualized whole herb formulas to gently rebalance the body. As a result, herbal formulas rarely have negative side effects. Patients often report positive side effects such as better sleep or an energized feeling of well being.

To age gracefully and with vitality, exercise as much as you can. Increase both the types and amounts of exercises and physical activities you do. Gradually build up to increase your endurance, strength, balance and flexibility levels. And ... try Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi Gong, Gentle Yoga and Tai-Chi, just for the health of it!

Rhonda Marr is a licensed acupuncturist and herbal medicine practitioner currently practicing at The Center in Auburn. She also conducts Qi-Gong and Herbal Medicine Workshops. She may be reached at 704-0319.