"This marks the tenth year in a row that U.S. deaths rates have declined," the center said in a statement. Life expectancy rose slightly from 78 years in 2008 to 78.2 years in 2009, the center said. Data from death certificates in all fifty states were reviewed and analyzed for the report.
During this same year, there was a 3.7% drop in heart disease, a 4.2% drop in strokes, a 4.1% drop in Alzheimer's disease, a 4.1% drop in diabetes, a 1.1% drop in cancer and deaths were down for this entire range of conditions. The agency speculates that better medical treatment, vaccination campaigns, and public health measures against smoking are likely driving these trends, and plans to more closely analyze the reasons for the decline when final data is released later this year.
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. You will probably find many offerings designed specifically for seniors - from arts and crafts to financial management. 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. Seniors range from the very fit athlete to those that suffer ailments and have special needs. The multitudes of classes offered meet the various levels of need. Your local senior center also is worth checking out. 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. Most states and communities now have assisted living facilities available for seniors who want to enjoy their lives to the fullest. They offer a secure environment with all the basic needs provided. 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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