Senior Health Guide

Senior health has become an important issue today since the life span for most women and men seems to be growing. Therefore the longer we live, the more important it will be to improve our nutritional intake and have a proper exercise regimen.

With health care being the number one topic in political dialogue, it has always been of concern for those of us who are baby boomers, and are near to or ready to retire. In addition, with the rising cost of senior health care, we have concerns as to whether or not we will even be able to afford prescription drugs or medical procedures, should they be needed.

While universal health care has been implemented in some countries, lawmakers in the US seem to be struggling with the notion that senior health care should be universal here as well. While the debate goes on, it is incumbent upon us to find ways in which we can improve or maintain our current health so that we can live out our later years in comfort and with dignity.

Certainly, many seniors are struggling with the high cost of health care. While this is considered an egregious error in most circles, nonetheless, while we may be living a healthy life now –there are so many unknown factors which could crop up at any time forcing us to seek a healthier lifestyle.

Senior Health Issues

While some of us may have never been seriously ill a day in our lives, there will come a time our hearing may not be as keen; our vision may falter; the ability to walk up and down flights of stairs may become difficult; or handling the simplest task may cause aches and pains.

There are so many senior health conditions today such as: arthritis; osteoporosis; diabetes; prostate problems; cancer; Alzheimer’s and a myriad of conditions which begin to surface as we age. These are issues which seniors face on a daily basis, and for which the medical community has made great advances in research.

In our parents’ day, if they encountered a physical problem, they used homemade remedies and went on with their day. They never took pills or had surgical procedures unless it was life threatening. Their meals consisted of beans and escarole; pasta; soups; vegetables; and fruits.

Today, there are diet plans consisting of pre-packaged meals; diet shakes; diet pills; and diets with fancy names and packaging to go along with it. There are exercise books; DVDs; specialized gyms; CDs promoting subliminal messages for a healthier you; acupuncture; and a host of diet and exercise programs which promise quick results. In addition, there are medications designed for every conceivable senior health condition encountered.

One has to wonder; other than the pharmaceutical companies, the diet companies; and the authors of the books and exercise tapes, who are raking in millions of dollars, are we really benefiting from any of this stuff?

There was a book by Kevin Trudeau entitled “Natural Cures ‘They’ Don’t Want You To Know About. In it, Mr. Trudeau discussed many of the physical ailments suffered by many younger and older men and women; and how they could be treated using homeopathic remedies.

While the premise of the book asserts that pharmaceuticals companies are making money by promoting certain drugs may be true, it gives one pause when reading about homemade remedies which could alleviate much of the problems we face.

What has this to do with senior health issues? A great deal. Most of the minor problems we encounter as we become older can be helped through proper diet and exercise. The more fit we are now; the more likely we will be able to overcome any serious illness.

While it is also true that some diseases are genetically passed from generation to generation, we can rely on the expertise of doctors to help find either a cure or at least abate the condition.

Let’s face it; we live in a stressful world and environment. We are working longer and harder than years ago. The workplace is certainly not conducive to senior health, and the pollution that exits today is certainly a contributory factor to emphysema and other lung conditions, as is smoking.

Many seniors today retire to different cities, where they can enjoy their lives in the comfort of friendly small towns; filled with recreational activities they’ve enjoyed throughout their lives. Others remain in the same city, and try to find ways to maintain keep active by engaging in group activities specifically designed for them.

There are also those who, without family, either live on their own or decide to live in an assisted living dwelling, where they can enjoy their lives but at the same time know there will always be someone around to help them if need be. And then there are those who are in ill health, remanded to a nursing home, and spend their days staring at a ceiling from their corner bed.

Life is supposed to be lived. Seniors, more than anyone, know how to live. For some, the notion of illness is inconceivable. For others, it’s a reality faced daily.

Keeping healthy and staying healthy is everyone’s hope. Looking forward to retirement is everyone’s dream. In order to attain both, senior health requires proper diet and exercise.

Moreover, senior health also requires a healthy state of mind in order to combat any health condition that may arise. Staying active in one’s community by attending social events, outings and workshops is a wonderful way to keep your mind and body in balance.

In Japan, for example, every school child and every adult perform meditative exercises or Qi Gong every morning before school or work. Seen outside in courtyards or streets, massive numbers of people line up and perform this daily ritual.

The healing and calming affect for senior health is well known, and it prepares them for their day in ways we cannot conceive. If your community has a group in which these exercises are performed, join! It is not only relaxing for the mind, but for the body as well.

Improving Memory

What day is it? Do you find lately that you are forgetting where you put things; can’t remember names, dates, events? Don’t panic, you’re not losing it – it’s just there are so many things going on you mind can’t absorb it all. Here are some great tips for senior health to improve your memory:

• Eat blueberries. They have been known to increase memory function

• Work on jumbles or crossword puzzles in your daily newspaper

• Play scrabble with your family

• Use meditation to rid your mind unnecessary thoughts

• Rest often and get at least 8 hours of sleep

• Stick to a proper diet filled with leafy green vegetables and fruits

• Exercise as often as you can

• Read books and magazines

• Try not to stress over things you cannot control

• If you are feeling stressed over a particular task – stop, take a walk and return

• Try to keep organized; get rid of the clutter in your mind

• Start your day on a happy note

• Don’t dwell on things which bring you down

• Listen to soothing music or sounds of the sea

You know, memory is a funny thing. Sometimes we remember things from twenty or thirty years ago but can’t remember yesterday. Notwithstanding Alzheimer’s or other brain injuries which can adversely affect memory; we can perform certain tasks such as the ones described above which will help improve memory. Yes, we may forget here and there, but we always seem to remember the forgotten thought about two in the morning.

We tend to get so wrapped in everything around us, that our thoughts seep into our unconscious at night and we either wake up or dream about it. It’s not unusual, but it does signal that we have to make changes in our lifestyle so that only the important things matter, such as our children and grandchildren.

For Grandparents

If you are a grandparent you, more than anyone, know the joy and love you feel when spending time with the grandkids. The exuberance they exhibit envelops you, and you become a kid again, right?

As a grandparent, you are able to impart a world of knowledge; enjoy places you’ve been with an entirely new perspective; learn about current fads and music; talk with your grandkids about school, friends and life; engage in sports activities such as fishing, bowling, playing ball; going to the movies or ballgames. You can spoil your grandkids galore, but more than that – you are given a renewed purpose for living and therefore, you want to stay as healthy as possible for their sake.

Spending time with your grandkids does keep you young; in heart, mind and body. Their zest for life is catching, and you want to enjoy as much time with them as you can. A man who had been smoking all his life was told by his grandson to stop because he didn’t want him to die. Out of the mouths of babes! The man stopped that day, and never smoked again.

At a time when, as a grandparent, you feel the years slowly slipping away – it is the grandchildren who immediately bring you back from depression; worry; and angst. They become your strength, your reason to keep on going. As a grandparent who may have just had a new grandchild, you find you have changed your lifestyle; started a new diet regimen, began an exercise program – all this because you know you have to be in the best shape possible to be able to keep up with your grandchild.

Why wait until them? You know, it is often said that we need to give ourselves a hug every once in a while. By doing so, we are really hugging the child in us, and it makes us feel good. Well, the next time you hug yourself – pretend it is the grandchild in you. This will give you the impetus to start taking care of yourself well before the new child is born; well before you gain all those pounds or notice the paunch; and well before you limbs begin creaking when you walk.

It’s never too late to start; and the should have’s; could have’s, and would have’s will be eliminated from your thought process.

Some say you are as young as you feel. Then feel young; look young; by eating healthy; exercise more; and it will be so.

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