As we celebrate Older Americans Month, it is a time to reflect on all that older adults add to our community. How has an elder impacted your life? Does your organization thrive with the help of senior volunteers? Do you have a mentor who showed you what positive aging is all about?

Americans today are redefining age in many ways. NBC recently featured the story of a Centenarian and his exercise program. Ray Clark only joined a gym about a year ago and is making great progress with the help of his personal trainer, who refuses to underestimate someone just because of age. Ray’s son, daughter-in-law and grandson all work out at the gym too!

Here are some interesting facts about Centenarians (individuals over 100 years of age):

• In developed countries, the prevalence of centenarians is about 1-in-6,000.

• Centenarians are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population.

• The majority of centenarians, 85 percent, are women. However, the men who do survive to this old age tend to be fitter and healthier than their female counterparts.

• About 15% of centenarians live on their own, completely independently.

Technology and medical advances are helping many Americans to live longer. For most people, quality of life is most important and some of these advances are enabling healthier, more active lives and reducing the effects of certain chronic conditions. As we live longer and uncover more technological advances, we will face different moral, ethical and societal dilemmas about the balance of longevity, quality of life and costs (both individual and societal).

At Aging Wisely, we are inspired by our many interesting and diverse elder clients, who share their stories with us and allow us to be part of their lives. As elder advocates, we help clients and families look at options and think through decisions about healthcare so that they make choices that are right for them. Our patient advocates help with asking questions, assessing needs and supporting families as they make decisions related to quality of life, health and wellbeing.

For resources about eldercare, senior health, and aging issues, visit our Resources page.