Opinion | Haims: Aging well at 8,150 feet
In my more than 30 years living in this valley, I’ve watched this scene unfold again and again — neighbors and friends writing their own answers to a question I hear often from residents and second homeowners alike: Can I really keep doing this into my 80s? Can I grow old here?
The answer, I believe, is yes — but it deserves an honest look, because aging in a mountain community is genuinely different from aging in Denver, Dallas, Florida, Texas, Chicago or any other metropolitan place.
Three decades here, and years spent as an aging professional serving our mountain communities, have convinced me the answer is yes. However, it deserves an honest look, because aging in a mountain community is genuinely different, in ways that challenge us and in ways that may work in our favor. Along the way, I’ll offer a few suggestions worth considering.
At 8,150 feet in Vail Village — higher still in many neighborhoods — the air holds roughly 25% less oxygen than at sea level. For aging hearts and lungs, that matters. Acclimatization can take longer as we age, and conditions like COPD, atrial fibrillation and (particularly) sleep apnea can become more pronounced up here.
And yet, here is what may surprise you: Eagle County residents enjoy one of the highest life expectancies in the nation. Researchers point to lower obesity rates, cleaner air and lifestyles built around movement — and some studies suggest long-term altitude living may even protect cardiovascular health.
Support Local Journalism
Talk with your physician about how elevation interacts with your medications, mainly, for blood pressure and heart, and anxiety/sleep. Give yourself time to acclimate when returning for the season — especially those arriving from sea level this holiday week. Hydrate more than you think you need. And consider asking about supplemental oxygen for sleep.
Twenty years ago, aging in a resort valley meant long drives for specialized care. That has changed dramatically. Between our hospital system, local cardiology, world-class orthopedics and telehealth, residents today have access rivaling many metropolitan areas.
Still, some specialists necessitate a trip to Denver, Glenwood or the Front Range. This is where planning matters. Keep medical records organized and portable. Establish relationships with local providers before a crisis, not during one. And know that services exist right here — from care coordination to in-home support. Thus, a health event doesn’t have to mean leaving the mountains you love.
One of the hardest family conversations I see is the one about driving with the challenges of winter roads and mountain passes. But our valley does offer some assistance. Our free and low-cost transit systems are pretty darn good. Add volunteer driver programs offered via Eagle County Healthy Aging along with in-home care providers offering transportation for errands and appointments. Giving up the car keys no longer means giving up independence. Explore these options early — not as a concession, but as a strategy to remain safe.
One of the hardest family conversations is the one about driving — and with winter roads and mountain passes, it arrives here with extra weight. In my work with families across the valley, I’ve sat through this conversation more times than I can count, and I can tell you our valley shines. Our free and low-cost transit systems are a great option. Further, volunteer driver programs and in-home care providers offering transportation for errands and appointments. Thus, giving up the car keys no longer means giving up independence. Explore these options early, not as a concession, but as a strategy.
Decades of research — including Harvard’s landmark study of adult development, now more than 85 years running — tells us the greatest predictor of a long, happy life is not cholesterol or genetics. Rather, it is the strength of our relationships.
Here, our community holds an advantage that no suburb can match. Loneliness, which researchers compare to smoking in its health effects, struggles to survive in this valley. The Vail Symposium, our libraries, hiking groups, volunteer programs and faith communities offer abundant ways to stay part of community life.
This past weekend we celebrated independence, and the timing is fitting. Independence does not mean doing everything alone. It means having support, planning and being part of a community that lets us keep living independently.
Whether you need guidance on care resources, support at home, or simply someone to talk through options with, help is closer than you think. My door, as always, is open.
I hope you had a great Fourth of July. Here’s to many more of them, right here at altitude.
Judson Haims is the owner of Visiting Angels Home Care in Eagle County. He is an advocate for our elderly and is available to answer questions. Connect with him at jhaims@visitingangels.com.
