Finishing strong and living to 100

POST FALLS — Norman Leffler tackled a deep subject on Friday — life — and he wants folks to capture more of it.

The retired urologist and Air Force veteran spoke to about 75 people at Garden Plaza on "How to live comfortably to 100."

Leffler said it's important to know who you are receiving your health care from — whether it's a medical doctor or someone who has less education and training such as a physician's assistant or nurse practitioner.

People can request to see a medical doctor, although the wait may be longer.

"What you need is someone who really keeps up with medicine, and don't be afraid to ask about his or her education and experience," the 86-year-old Hayden man said. "I'm not putting the other positions down, but just know what you're getting when you see these people."

He said also don't be afraid to ask for second and third opinions if you have a complicated case.

Leffler cited multiple situations, including with his son who had a rare autoimmune disease, that a second opinion finally got to the root of the problem. And it likely saved his son's life.

"He couldn't get out of bed and nearly died," Leffler said.

Leffler said it's a good idea to have doctor visits recorded so you can later digest all the information that was presented.

"A lot of times your spouse and you will hear things differently," he said. "You may only hear one word such as 'cancer' and then that is all you can think about. If the doctor's office objects to you recording what is said, go to someone else."

When one woman asked Leffler what type of doctor is best to be seen in general for a senior citizen, Leffler recommended an internist.

Leffler said not to downplay your family's medical history — or let it blow over — when you see the doctor.

"Medically, it's really important," he said.

Leffler said it's a good idea to cite your allergies, medications you're on and medical conditions on your driver's license because, if you get in an accident or have a medical episode, the first place responders look to identify you is your license. Leffler tapes his information to his license because it's important to emergency personnel.

Leffler said eating right — he recommended salads, fruits and vegetables and limiting red meats — and exercising, citing swimming as an excellent life sport, are obvious but critical steps to a healthy lifestyle.

"One of the biggest problems that we have in this country, especially with young people, is obesity," he said. "It can lead to cancer, diabetes, depression, arthritis and even lung problems. The older you get, the harder it is to lose weight."

Leffler emphasized the need to be proactive when something isn't right medically and be checked rather than have an invincible attitude or procrastinate. He recommended people should have a colonoscopy every five years starting around age 45.

"We take better care of our homes, cars and pets than we do ourselves," he said.

Leffler has battled two cancers — prostate and bladder — and he said finding the right physicians helped him with those fights.

"I'm a living example of what can be done," he said.

Leffler said vaccinations and other advances in medicine have helped people live longer than they did decades ago. He said he expects that trend to continue and raised eyebrows when he offered his opinion on future age limits.

"I can't give you the ultimate answer, but I predict some people may eventually be able to live to 125 based on what's happening in medicine," he said.

But people also need to do their part with their lifestyles and choices, he said.

"The challenge in life is not just to survive, but survive undiminished," Leffler said.