Introduction: Age, the magic ruler of nature, silently accompanies everyone from the moment of birth to the end of life.

It has witnessed our transformation from immature children to teenagers, and then gradually into calm adulthood, and finally into twilight years. Aging, as natural as the sunrise and sunset, is an inevitable chapter in everyone's life.

In the process, our bodies undergo various psychological and physical changes. Those cells that were once energetic gradually lose their former vitality, the speed of metabolism has become slow, the function of tissues and organs has also begun to decline, and the decline of immunity makes us more susceptible to diseases. The accumulation of these changes eventually makes our body gradually lose its original function, bringing all kinds of discomfort and trouble.

However, the charm of life lies in its diversity. While we are all going to age, everyone's pace is different.

In the mainland, with the advancement of medical technology and the improvement of living standards, the average life expectancy has reached 77 years. In the streets and alleys, we can see many spirited old people, who interpret what real old age is in their own way. So, how old do you really have to be considered an old man?

Why is the aging of the mainland's population getting bigger and bigger?

The level of economic development and the improvement of medical conditions

With the rapid development of the mainland economy and the continuous improvement of medical standards, people's average life expectancy has been extended. This means that more people are able to live to old age, further increasing the proportion of the elderly population.

The shift in conception of childbearing has led to a reduction in family size

With the progress of society and the change of conception of childbearing, more and more families choose to have only one child. This change in fertility patterns has led to a reduction in family size and a relative increase in the proportion of the elderly population in each family, thus exacerbating the phenomenon of population ageing.

Urbanization has accelerated the movement and agglomeration of people

With the acceleration of urbanization in the mainland, a large number of rural people have poured into cities, resulting in an increase in the proportion of urban elderly population. At the same time, due to the outflow of young and middle-aged people in rural areas, the proportion of the elderly population has also increased correspondingly, which has further exacerbated the problem of population aging.

The improvement of the social security system has reduced the burden of old-age care

In recent years, the mainland has continuously improved its social security system and provided better old-age security for the elderly. This has enabled more and more older people to enjoy social benefits, extended their life expectancy, and increased the proportion of the elderly population.

How many of the 10,000 people live to be 80 years old?

In a study led by domestic scholars, they conducted a detailed survey of 17,533 samples of elderly people over the age of 65 in 26 provinces and 482 counties.

The survey was the largest ever to date with 3,665 centenarians and more than 6,000 people over the age of 90. Through this survey, scholars found that the vast majority of the elderly have a desire and expectation for longevity deep in their hearts.

At the same time, according to the data in the "2021 Statistical Communiqué on the Development of Health Undertakings in the Mainland", we can see that the average life expectancy in the mainland has steadily increased from 77.93 years in 2020 to 78.2 years in 2021. This means that in the mainland, the proportion of people who can live to the age of 80 has reached about 30% of their peers.

In Beijing, for example, there are 699,000 people over the age of 80 in this city of 21.843 million permanent residents. Proportionally, there are about 320 people over the age of 80 per 10,000 people.

It is worth mentioning that a study published in The Lancet by researchers from China's disease prevention and control predicts that by 2035, the life expectancy of mainland people is expected to exceed 80 years.

More remarkably, the study also noted that the life expectancy of women will be seven years higher than that of men, reaching 85.1 years and 78.1 years for men and women, respectively. This prediction undoubtedly paints a picture of a hopeful and dynamic future.

However, it is important to note that longevity is not a fixed criterion, it is more related to the individual's physical condition, state of mind, and a variety of other factors.

Therefore, in the pursuit of longevity, we should not only focus on the single indicator of age, but also pay more attention to physical and mental health and overall quality of life. Through a scientific diet, moderate exercise, a good mindset, and active social activities, we are all expected to go further and more steadily in the journey of life.

The 2024 "Age Standard for the Elderly" has been announced, and those who exceed this age can be called "Elderly"

In 2024, a "standard for the age of the elderly" has attracted widespread attention. The formulation of this standard is not arbitrary, but is based on the in-depth research and actual needs of many institutions and countries. So, instead of a fixed number, we see a flexible concept.

1. In China, the State Council issued the "Opinions on Strengthening the Work on the Elderly", which clearly stipulates that the population over 60 years old is counted as the elderly. This is based on a combination of factors such as China's demographics, medical care, and socio-economic status.

2. In the world, some countries use the retirement age as the age dividing line for the elderly. On the mainland, for example, the retirement age for urban workers is around 60, while the retirement age for rural residents is relatively flexible.

3. In addition, from a medical point of view, some studies refer to people aged 50~65 as "10th anniversary people", and believe that only people over 65 years old can be regarded as real old people. This is because with age, the various indicators of the human body begin to deteriorate at an accelerated rate, and the risk of various geriatric diseases gradually increases.

However, the development of age standards does not happen overnight. It requires the participation and discussion of the State, professional institutions and all sectors of society. In this process, we need to take into account a variety of information and factors such as different cultures, medicines, health factors, and social backgrounds. Only in this way can we develop a scientific and reasonable age standard for the elderly.

At the same time, we need to recognize that the definition of older persons is not limited to age. In addition to age, the social status, physical condition, and lifestyle of the elderly are also important considerations. These factors are well reflected in the criteria for the age classification of older persons in different institutions and regions.

Therefore, we need to have a comprehensive and integrated perspective on the definition of older persons. Older persons cannot be classified simply by age, but should be taken into account the influence of various factors. Only in this way can we better pay attention to the needs and rights of the elderly and create a better living environment for them.

What are the manifestations of the body in the aging process?

Loose skin

As we age, the elasticity of the skin gradually weakens, resulting in sagging skin. This is because the production of collagen and elastin in the skin is reduced, causing the skin to lose its firmness.

Decreased vision

As we age, the function of the eyes gradually weakens, resulting in decreased vision. This can be caused by a decrease in the transparency of the eyeball, thinning of the retina, etc.

osteoporosis

As we age, the density and strength of bones gradually decrease, leading to osteoporosis. This increases the risk of fractures, especially for unexpected conditions such as falls.

Decreased heart function

As we age, the heart's function gradually weakens, making the heart's ability to pump blood decrease. This can lead to poor blood circulation and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Weakened immunity

As we age, the immune system weakens, making the body more susceptible to viruses and bacteria. This can make older people more susceptible to the disease.

Memory loss

As we age, the function of the brain gradually weakens, leading to memory loss. This can be due to a decrease in the number of neurons, a weakening of synaptic connections, etc.

What chronic diseases do older people need to be prevented for?

heart disease

The key to preventing heart disease is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Older adults should have regular checkups to check their heart health. In addition, they should avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, maintain a healthy diet that includes a low-salt, low-fat, high-fiber diet, and engage in aerobic exercise in moderation.

stroke

Stroke prevention also requires older people to pay attention to their lifestyle habits. Controlling high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia and high blood sugar is an important measure to prevent stroke. Older people should have their blood pressure and blood sugar measured regularly and adjust the dosage of their medications on the advice of their doctors. In addition, maintaining emotional stability and avoiding overexertion are also key to stroke prevention.

diabetes

For the prevention of diabetes, the elderly should pay attention to controlling their diet and avoid foods high in sugar, fat and salt. At the same time, they should have regular blood glucose tests to detect and control blood sugar levels in a timely manner. Moderate exercise can also help prevent the development of diabetes.

arthritis

Arthritis is a common chronic disease, and older adults should take care to protect their joints and avoid overuse and injury. In addition, maintaining an appropriate weight and avoiding obesity are also important measures to prevent arthritis. When joint pain occurs, the elderly should seek medical attention in time and receive professional treatment.

How to develop a long-lived physique? Do four things well

Maintain a good diet

The secret of longevity is often hidden at our dinner table. A balanced diet, a variety of nutrients, and a moderate amount of calories are the foundation for maintaining good health.

At the same time, proper supplementation of antioxidants, such as vitamins C, E and carotene, can help the body resist free radical damage and delay aging.

Stick to moderate exercise

Exercise is a great medicine for maintaining good health. Whether it's walking, running, swimming, or yoga, it can help us strengthen our heart and lungs, improve immunity, and reduce stress. Long-term adherence to moderate exercise can not only delay aging, but also keep us active in old age.

Maintain a good mindset

Mindset determines destiny and also affects our health. Maintaining an optimistic, positive, and upward attitude is conducive to reducing stress, strengthening immunity, and improving sleep quality. At the same time, learning to let go of worries and maintain inner peace and balance is also the key to developing a long-lived physique.

Maintain a good routine

A regular routine helps the body function properly and recovers. Adequate sleep, a reasonable diet and exercise time are all important factors in maintaining good health. At the same time, avoiding bad habits such as staying up late and overworking can make our bodies healthier and longer-lived.