It sounds like the sort of platitude we might say to ourselves to pretend we’re really not that old, but scientists have found that 70 really is the new 60. They say that today’s septuagenarians — those 70-79 years old — are up to a decade younger in physical and mental terms than previous generations. Experts suspect that general improvements in health and education, coupled with greater awareness of diet and exercise could be key factors. Better healthcare also plays a role in the improvements, including greater awareness of conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. Researchers even discovered that people think old age starts later in life than they used to. They say it comes down to longer life expectancy and better health, so people of a certain age who were regarded as old in the past may no longer be considered old now. People over 65 are more interested in caring for their bodies, keeping abreast of the latest health information, and making eating right and exercising a priority.
