Have you ever asked yourself what will life be like if you live to be 80, 90 or even 100? Will I have the mental and physical abilities to enjoy a life similar to how I live now? For me, that quality of life currently includes running and tumbling with my children, riding my bike around Otsego Lake, taking a walk with my wife to Old Stone Bridge or to the library to read about 18th century Cooperstown.

Thanks to modern medicine, improved public health and technology, we are living much longer. According to the National Vital Statistics System the average life expectancy for women is now 82 years and for men 77.

Compared to age 78 for ladies and 71 for men only 10 years ago. Continued progress in fighting heart disease, cancer and other ailments over the next 20 to 30 years will undoubtedly extend each gender's average life expectancy well into the 90s. Some studies indicate the average life expectancy passing age 100 by year 2040.

Knowing life expectancy is on the rise, we must ask ourselves what quality of life do we foresee when living out the golden years? Surviving to a ripe old age would be nice providing we could still walk, talk, laugh and care for ourselves.

Preparing for a better quality of life in those later years when we are stereotyped as being too old to enjoy anything is the key. Preparation means keeping our minds and bodies active. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and proper diet at any age will help extend not only our life expectancy but also how we live in the later years: dependent on others for our care or independent to live life actively and fully.

In 1998, Stanford University concluded a 40-year study that evaluate how people now in their 70s and 80s who maintained healthy lifestyles during their mid ages are still active and enjoy healthy minds and bodies. Almost five years later most of the individuals in the study group whom exercised and dieted properly are alive and well, and involved in the study.

The study proved that it is never too late to begin a wellness program that includes exercise. A wide range of fitness options exists for all ages. Fortunately, Cooperstown and the surrounding communities are served by The Clark Sports Center and the new Walking Example Group (WE GO,) which both promotes healthy lifestyles and boosts passive and active exercise activities.

Personally, what gives me happiness now is likely what I would like to experience in 40 years: Attending my great grand children's school play or sporting event. Riding my bike around Otsego Lake or a drive in my car and not having to park in disabled only spaces.

Also, enjoying a long walk or perhaps a jog with my wife to Old Stone Bridge or to the library to read about 19th century Cooperstown. If you're interested in prolonging the quality of your life through exercise and diet, please contact The Clark Sports Center at 547-2800 or the WE GO Group at 547-2893.