I found a list of “secrets” of octogenarians in a book* on longevity and wellness. The one that really struck me between the eyes: “Never functionally retire.”

The comment resonates particularly well in these tough times. Many of my friends in their 50s and 60s are cracking wise that our generation will be working well into our 90s because of the impact of the current economic downturn. Watching one’s 401K go down instead of up is pretty disturbing, even if retirement is 15 years away. If it’s looming closer, it’s even more stressful.

I realize that I’m lucky, but I don’t find working into my 90s to be an unappealing idea. I guess it’s because I really like what I do and I’m lucky enough to have more than one job, so I have a lot of variety. I also love the people I work with at all my jobs–now that, I know, is a blessing to celebrate!

I’ve observed several situations in which “retirement” didn’t turn out to be the Nirvana it was cracked up to be. Wise persons approach these years with a specific plan–complete with goals and structure and challenges (just like work!).

Another book** I listened to recently pointed out: Humans are hard-wired to seek challenges.

We are born with a certain amount of drive–a desire to better our circumstances, no matter what they are. When our ancestors started walking upright, they also began sharpening sticks and making tools and building shelter. They even came up with fire and the wheel. (Anthropology note: Cell phones and Velcro came later.)

The cave dudes who were inventive and industrious mostly avoided the saber-toothed felines of the day, and some of them even “got lucky” so their blood lines continued.

We can assume the fat, lazy cave dudes succumbed to the Darwinian order sooner rather than later. They were probably also whiners, so the cave chicks didn’t dig them much. They probably lived with their mothers (not that that’s a “bad” thing) and got stomped by mastodons early in life.

Our forefathers’ drive to create and invent and modify and tinker became more intense through selective breeding, it is thought. So who are we to think that not working is the ultimate bliss?

The take-away: “Sharpen your stick” and stay young by learning new skills, trying new experiences, traveling and volunteering. Take a walk on the wild side. Embrace work–it is our lifeblood and gives us purpose.

Teddy Roosevelt said:
“Far and away the best prize life offers us is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” So true!

Have you seen the TV ads encouraging you to invest in gold and other “tangibles?” Since I don’t have any spare cash lying around I don’t trouble myself with this issue, but I will tell you this: gaining lean muscle mass is cheaper and more satisfying.

I just read a fascinating article about sarcopenia–the loss of lean muscle tissue that happens as we age. It was once an accepted part of getting “old.” But research shows that getting significantly weaker is not inevitable.

The key to staying stronger longer is two-fold. First, you must make sure you get enough protein in your diet. Second, choose exercise modes that stimulate major muscle groups, including those in the upper body.

We’ll discuss exercise in an up-coming post, but today let’s talk protein. How much do you really need? A lot of experts seem to think that the RDA (recommended dietary allowance) set by the government is too low.

Currently, the RDA for protein is .36 grams per pound of body weight. That’s 55 grams per day for a 150-pound person. (To put that in perspective, 6 ounces of water-packed tuna has about 44 grams of protein. A large egg has about 6.3 grams, and a quarter cup of almonds has about 8 grams. More info on protein sources to come.)

Many older Americans fail to attain this level–but  there’s more. Body weight includes all kinds of tissue–muscle, bone, fat, etc. (If you forget to trim your nails before weighing yourself, also the weight of your fingernails!) Since bone and fat don’t require protein for maintenance, people with different body composition will have dramatically different protein needs.

Activity level also is an important factor. Scientists studied older people who are involved in weight training and determined their need for protein is at least 25 percent higher than the current RDA just to maintain current muscle mass. To build additional muscle, they estimate the need for dietary protein at about 50 percent more than the current RDA.

Next time: Sleuthing for protein sources that aren’t also loaded with fat (they do exist!)