Elders, defined as people 60 years and older, are more likely than other age groups to have chronic health conditions and experience challenges performing basic activities of daily living. Understandably, one of the most common worries of middle-aged adults and elders is fear of memory problems with advancing age.

California’s current elder population is 6.4 million. Already statewide elder services are strained and stretched thin. Projections for the future are 9 million elders by 2020, which will be about 20% of our state’s population – an unprecedented proportion.

Luckily much research has been performed to help elders maintain and possibly improve their health, strength and brain function. Nutrition and physical activity help to enhance physical strength, stability, mobility, feelings of wellness and independence.

The current issue of California Agriculture, The Golden State goes gray: What aging will mean for California contains a wonderful collection of articles to help individuals (elderly and otherwise) make good choices for healthy aging. It also offers resources for caregivers, agencies and organizations who serve elders, as well as leaders who plan and prepare for the future.

The following articles are included in this edition:

• Aging baby boomers to challenge Golden State
• Research is needed to assess the unique nutrition and wellness needs of aging Californians
• Memory, brain and aging: The good, the bad and the promising
• Effects of stress on health and aging: Two paradoxes
• Cognitive and motivational factors support health literacy and acquisition of new health information in later life
• Limited-income seniors report multiple chronic diseases in quality-of-life study
• The need for caregiver training is increasing as California ages

For related information please see our previous posts on nutrition, physical activity and financial caregiving.

Photo by Karin Hilderbrand Lau Shutterstock