Can We Reduce Disability?

 "All that is necessary to break the spell of inertia and frustration is this: Act as if it were impossible to fail."
– Dorothea Brande

Recently, I read that one researcher believed “as people live longer, we need to understand how to reduce disability, maximize functioning and enhance quality of life. “Another researcher stated “many people know what they need to do and want to do it, but are unable able to make the changes, if they start it can be very difficult to maintain.” These statements are related to the fact that there are rising levels of disability in those aged 55 to 65, and probably in part related to an increase in obesity.

First, let’s be honest, for some getting on disability is really about taking advantage of the system. I’m sure all of us know someone who fits that category-taking undeserved money. We all know that pain is in the eye of the beholder and that many people fake it. We also know that once somebody gets on disability, they can be on it for life. There is currently not a process that views or monitors the physical activity of those on disability, while they go on with their daily lives.

Second, I think we do know how to maximize functioning and enhance quality of life. I don’t think it’s a matter of how, I think it’s a matter of will. In other words, it’s about the personality and how to deal with and change the thinking of these individuals. In the 60s, there was a space race with the federal government leading the charge. It seems to me we require a “health race” that likely requires the federal government to lead the way to teach and assist people, in becoming more healthy and more happy.

Third, it is difficult for people to continue and maintain the necessary changes needed to make their lives better. Once again, it’s about the psychology, personality, and thinking that needs to be addressed. Again, this is part of and could be dealt with in a “health race” led by Uncle Sam. I’m proposing a massive program based on the psychological knowledge that we have today.

So, I think we have the tools to make these changes. However, we have to start with teaching and modeling with the young folks in preschool and those of elementary school age. It’s obvious to me that our priorities (federal government-legislators) with defense, military and homeland security get in the way of change that I’m thinking about.

More to be said later on. In the meantime, keep moving, smiling, laughing, bonding, loving and appreciating. Everyone knows how to move; everyone knows how to smile; everyone knows how to laugh-maybe, bonding, loving and appreciating are more difficult.

Source: Wall Street Journal, April 9, 2012.