With science helping us change directions, contemporary society has a whole new approach to aging.

Already, hormone replacement therapies -- physician monitored hormone supplements -- are being given to older people to delay aging.

In era of DNA modification, gene manipulation, stem cell therapy and nanotechnology, anything is possible in future.

" But until then, a good attitude and a healthy lifestyle will do just as well, " says Dr Rajbans Singh, a specialist in geriatric medicine based in Kuala Lumpur.

" Aging will happen, people will die, but it's in your power to make it a happy, healthy time. Take personal responsibility for your own aging.

" Find out for yourself what you need to do to age successfully.

" There are wonderful role models in our society. Ultimately, it's in your hands. "

FIVE KEY THINGS TO SUCCESSFUL AGING

1. Have goals and a positive attitude :

Elderly people with lots of achieve ( activities, hobbies, projects, jobs ) and a positive disposition are happy people.

" It's mental exercise they do. They get enough rest, enough physical exercise but most of all they are mentally busy.

" All their time is occupied for a goal. They are driven by purpose. A lot of people have no idea what to do on a Saturday afternoon. "

Menopause is an irreversible process and inseparable of aging in a woman's reproductive system, after which she can no longer menstruate. Climacteric is general term for time from period of this transition to early postmenopausal phase of a woman's reproductive life cycle.

Perimenopause refers to time before menopause when vasomotor symptoms and irregular menses often commence. Menopause, by definition, begins 12 months after final menses and is characterized by a continuation of vasomotor symptoms and by urogenital symptoms such as vaginal dryness and dyspareunia.

Symptoms

The symptoms can be attributed by facts that some women just stop having periods. Others go through several years of symptoms. The most common symptom of menopause is hot flashes. Other physical symptoms might be aching joints and muscles, fatigue, weight gain or skin changes. Blood tests can confirm menopausal status.

Most of common symptoms that occur during menopause can be illustrated as follows:

•Hot Flashes: A hot flash is a feeling of severe heat in upper part or all of body. The face and neck may become flushed, with red blotches appearing on chest, back, and arms. This is often followed by teeming sweating and then cold shivering as body temperature readjusts. A hot flash can last a few moments or 30 minutes or longer.

•Genitals: Problems with dryness, itching, pain during sexual intercourse, or irritation of tissues in and around vagina;

•Urinary System: Problems with abrupt or frequent urinating;

•Mental Health: The menopausal woman shifting from raging, angry moods into depressive, doleful slumps with no apparent reason or warning.

•Blood Vessels: Quick body temperature changes (hot flashes) and waking during night

•Brain/Nerves: Moods that change frequently or a tendency towards sadness or anger.

•Bone: A higher risk of weaker bones, osteoporosis, and bone breaks;

•Heart: Acceleration of risk factors associated with heart attacks and other heart problems

•Skin: Problems with thinner skin, wrinkling, and blemishes as estrogen levels drop.

Lifestyle & preventions

Although menopause is a natural occurring thing of life that cannot be prevented, there are simple steps you can take to help make this an easier experience.

1.Quit Smoking. Smoking increases chances of heart diseases, cancer and osteoporosis.

2.Regular Exercise. Exercise helps keeping heart healthy, bones and muscles strong, and energy level and metabolism high.