More Years, Better Days: The Shift Toward Preventative Wellness
By Dr. Kathy Martin, Glenmeadow
Published in Longmeadow Neighbors July 2025
In 2023, life expectancy in the United States was 78 years. A century ago, it was 57. We are living longer – that's objectively true, thanks to research that has led to advances in medical screening, diagnoses, and treatment. The subjective question that is far more meaningful is "Are we living better?" For some, the answer is yes. Access to resources like medical care and the ability to prioritize healthy living, preventative care, and nutrition makes it practically easier to make healthy choices. Not everyone has access to those resources, though, which highlights the health inequities that are related to socioeconomic status. The bottom line is that we live longer because we can better prevent, diagnose, and treat chronic and acute conditions. In fact, 100 years ago, the leading cause of death was the broad category of infectious diseases, including pneumonia and tuberculosis. Today, the leading cause of death is heart disease. We know more than we did a century ago and have better information to make better decisions.
But what's better than recovering well from illness or injury? Not being ill or injured in the first place. Prevention has transitioned from a buzzword in the medical and health professions to a foundational principle. Screening and diagnostic tools are our go-to preventative measures, with mammograms and colonoscopies being high priorities for women and men, respectively. Some preventative measures associated with curbing heart disease are pharmacological or surgical; however, diet and exercise are just as important.
MOTION IS LOTION
Physical activity is an underrated preventative tool. Across the age span, but particularly for older adults, improving strength, flexibility, and aerobic capacity will contribute to fewer falls, greater resiliency, and a better ability to bounce back after an illness or injury. Taken together, lifestyle factors, including quitting smoking, staying active, and following good nutritional practices contribute positively to health status. I get it - it's easier said than done. Sometimes, it just seems so hard to get out for a walk, never mind knowing how to structure a strength training or flexibility program. Turning to the internet or social media can result in a feeling of information overload. Many experts suggest a range of tips and tricks to make activity easier, from laying out your exercise clothes the night before or signing on with a personal trainer.
At Glenmeadow, wellness is at the heart of all we do, with particular attention paid to physical wellness. Our new Vitality Hub includes state-of-the-art equipment designed with older adults in mind. Among them is the SmartBalance platform, which provides a way to assess balance, identify those at risk of falling, and design and implement a results-oriented program to improve balance. The companion SmartTouch strength training machines are personalized to individual residents, ensuring safety as well as progression through an individualized program. The fully accessible pool provides an option for low-impact exercise in a beautiful setting, including a spa to warm down after a workout or hang out with friends. Highly trained staff including physical therapists and occupational therapists guide residents every step of the way and being active with friends is always fun.
EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR
Dr. Karthy Martin
President and CEO
Glenmeadow
(413) 567-7800
info@glenmeadow.org
https://www.glenmeadow.org/
START NOW
Whatever your age, if you are not regularly exercising, start now. The American College of Sports Medicine says it best - "exercise is medicine." The benefits are huge, and the cost is often lower than pharmaceutical therapies and with fewer side effects. If you are a new exerciser or if it has been some time since you have been active, please check with a physician before you begin something new.
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