Longevity and healthy aging

While global aging is associated with a rise in life expectancy and greater numbers of older people, this longevity is seen by many as a rather negative phenomenon. Old age is often associated with chronic illness, functional decline and frailty, cognitive impairment and dementia, and social depravation. Yet this is often not necessarily the case. A growing number of people are reaching advanced old age in relatively good health. They remain physically and cognitively active, and often maintain good social contacts. The baby boomer generation regards old age with some trepidation, not wishing to reach a state of