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Aging

How to comfortably live to 90 and beyond

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Want to know the aging secrets of folks who’ve hit 90 years old and over? Well, in 2003 The 90+ Study set out to discover the answers.

Researchers at the UC Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND) followed 1,600 people who reached this ripe old age. Every six months, researchers visited these 90-year-old participants to perform mental and physical tests.

Of course, the participants also documented their diets, activity, medications, and more. And after all these years of study, we now have answers to how these folks manage to live as long as they do.

But before we reveal some of the surprising aging secrets, did you know the “oldest old” are the fastest-growing segment of the American population? In fact, by 2050, it’s estimated that there will be over 10 million Americans who are old enough to say they were alive when JFK was elected.

Now, here are a few of the factors contributing to their longevity, especially the healthiest among them:

  • Hobbies. Those who practiced hobbies around two hours a day were 21% less likely to die than those who didn’t.
  • Exercise. The more exercise the better! Physical activity up to 45 minutes a day earned a 10–25% reduction in mortality; anything longer kept the benefit steady (a 21-25% reduction).
  • Weight. People who were obese or underweight both were at greater risk of passing away.

 

These may not be surprising factors in longevity. But the next three factors have all had their share of controversy in the past. (Of course, talk to your doctor when it comes to your particular situation):

  • Another cup please! Moderate amounts of coffee (two cups a day) actually increased longevity.
  • Alcohol… good? Just like coffee, the data revealed those who drank two or more glasses of alcohol a day reduced mortality risk by 15%. (And the study wasn’t limited to wine.)
  • Overhyped vitamins? Antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E didn’t contribute to longevity at all. NOTE: I don’t recommend ignoring these important vitamins for overall health and bone density. The study simply didn’t find these three correlated with the oldest people in the research.

 

So, what do you think? Have these seniors discovered the secret to longevity? If these findings don’t describe your life, maybe it’s time we all take a page from The 90+ Study.

Now, it’s not all sunshine and roses for some of these long-lived seniors. According to the researchers, over 40% of those 90 and older suffer with dementia. Nearly 80% are in wheelchairs or can’t move independently. And women are more likely to suffer with these issues.

And while there is no known “cure” for many age-related ailments like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, we can try our best to prevent them from happening in the first place.

What are some good ways to maintain quality of life over time? Well, you can always turn to Senior News for the latest science and tips on how to live happier and healthier. And who knows… you could be the next 90-year-old living life on your terms and feeling great doing it.

(I hope to see you there one day!)

By Dean Neuls

Dean Neuls is the Co-Founder and CEO of AlgaeCal. He is a natural health author and student of bone health science who is passionate about helping people & bettering lives.

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How Continuous Learning Helps Aging Seniors
Healthy Living

How Continuous Learning Helps Aging Seniors

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

Why are doctors and lawyers made to go out and get continuing education credits? It keeps them sharp, exposes them to new ideas, and keeps them growing and progressing in their fields. How Continuous Learning Helps Aging Seniors
This doesn’t only work for folks with jobs that need expensive degrees. Everyone benefits from continuing their education throughout their life. How Continuous Learning Helps Aging Seniors
Making education and mentally challenging activities a regular part of your routine significantly lowers your risk of dementia later in life. How Continuous Learning Helps Aging Seniors
Here we talk about how to incorporate more continuous learning into your everyday routine in an easy and manageable way.

Continuous Learning Outside of A Classroom: Get A Hobby

One of the easiest ways to continue stimulating your brain is learning new skills and starting new hobbies.
Scientists used to think that doing simple crossword puzzles or listening to classical music in the evening would greatly benefit the brain. New studies have been showing learning how to do something new is even better.
Now, your new hobby doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. It should challenge you though.
Try something like counted cross-stitch which uses different parts of the brain at the same time. The fine needlework not only needs focused concentration but logical reasoning while you count, plus the beautiful results light up the brain’s pleasure centers.
Even something as simple as puzzle building can be complex enough to start encouraging cell growth.
Not good with your hands? Take up photography or start going to acting classes. The arts engage the whole brain, not only different levels memory but high-level cognitive centers, so they are the most beneficial.

Using the Latest Technology to Your Benefit: Learn How to Use a New Piece of Tech

Another amazing way to keep your neurons firing is learning new technology. While it can be scary to learn how to use something new, it’s super great for your brain.
Technology doesn’t just give you a new learning challenge. Getting the newest smartphone or tablet gives you unlimited access and connection to your loved ones.
Getting familiar with learning technology and being flexible not only helps your mind but gives you a direct connection to your entire family.

What If Dementia Has Already Begun?

Even if you or a loved one are in the beginning stages of dementia these strategies can still help.
Focusing on engaging activities for the brain is a great place to start for continuous learning.
Even cooking and basic household cleaning can help an aging brain. These activities require many levels of brain activity to be successful. Encourage whoever is suffering to do all they can.
If you find yourself struggling with taking care of someone who has dementia, or simply want some techniques to cope better with aging yourself, don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional for help. A counselor specialized in aging and seniors consulting is even better!
Have your own techniques on how to keep your brain young? Found some things that have worked for someone you love? Comment below and tell us all about it, we would love to hear from you!

How Continuous Learning Helps Aging Seniors

How Continuous Learning Helps Aging Seniors How Continuous Learning Helps Aging Seniors How Continuous Learning Helps Aging Seniors How Continuous Learning Helps Aging Seniors How Continuous Learning Helps Aging Seniors How Continuous Learning Helps Aging Seniors

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5 Ways To Stay Healthy When Life is Busy
Healthy Living

5 Ways To Stay Healthy When Life is Busy

by Andrew Vertson
written by Andrew Vertson

A few weeks back some of our patients were chatting and the conversation was all about wanting to get fitter, but why sometimes it’s so hard to stay in shape. They all agreed that they knew they needed to exercise, sleep more, and eat healthier – but knowing and actually doing, are two different things. 5 Ways To Stay Healthy When Life is Busy

So it got me thinking about the real reason why it can be so difficult to keep active and healthy, and these are the three things that always come up in conversation:

  1. People are too busy, either because they work full time and have kids… Or have Grandchildren to look after as well on top of the daily chores to do.
  2. They plan to make healthy decisions, but when the time comes, they feel too tired to cook, exercise, or resist the temptation of reaching for the biscuit tin.
  3. In social situations and with family, people feel the pressure to eat like everyone else and join in.

I know finding the time to keep active and stay on board with being healthy can be hard. Life isn’t always so predictable, and it’s easy to let things spiral out of control when it feels like you’ve got a million things to do – it happens to all of us!
But here’s the bright side – it’s actually a lot easier than it seems to incorporate healthy habits when you’re on the go and when life feels busy.
It’s not about being ‘perfect’, it’s just about being ‘prepared’.
So here’s 5 simple things you can do, to stay in shape even if you feel like you haven’t got the time…

  1. Make Water Taste Better

A lot of people find drinking water ‘boring’…sometimes I do too!
Drinking enough water not only quenches my thirst, but also prevents me from feeling hungry when I’ve already eaten, helps keep me feeling awake through the ‘afternoon slump’, and keeps me in a good mood.
To make it easier to drink more and to make it less ‘boring’, I stick some lemon in it overnight to add flavor.
And if lemons aren’t your thing, you can add anything you like! Berries, limes, mango’s!.

  1. Make Sleep A Priority

Most people need 7-9 hours of sleep a night, and if they don’t get it, the next day doesn’t always feel so great!
It’s a known fact that when people don’t get enough sleep, their mood drops, they overeat and they’re unproductive.
I know it can be tough. Sometimes you feel like there’s too much to do before you can call it a day and finally rest your head, but when you sacrifice sleep for your routine, that’s when you get caught up in the cycle of under-sleeping, being unproductive, and when mood swings kick in.
Making sure you get enough sleep each night (making it a habit), will help things fall into place and keep you feeling alert and energized.
Plus, when you’re in a good sleep routine, the odd late night won’t affect you as much as it does when you’re not getting enough.

  1. Fill Up On Your Veggies

Include a rainbow of vegetables with every meal, and eat as many as you like, in any way you like!
Filling your plate full of vegetables will help you get more fiber and more of the good nutrients your body needs to feel great.
You’ll also find when you go out to eat with friends and family in restaurants, there’s usually vegetable based appetizers to choose from before your main meal, if you want to order a starter.
So even when you’re socializing, there’s always a way to stay healthy and on track.

  1. Double Up On Dinner!

Whenever you cook your evening meal, double up on it! (Or cook even more).
Cooking more than one serving at a time will mean you’ll have something healthy on hand in the fridge to take to work the next day, or pop in the microwave to heat up during the week.
Tip: choose times to cook extra meals when you know you’ve got time, like a relaxing Sunday or as soon as you get home from work. Don’t choose a time when you know you won’t feel like doing it, such as a late Saturday night, or when you’ve been running around all day.
When you’re prepared, there’s less of a chance of going off track.

  1. Walk When You Talk

My rule is no phone calls sitting down. I put my headphones in and walk around for every call I take during the day.
Also, getting up and walking and talking on your feet can lift your mood and energy, which is great for any telephone conversation.
Still think this won’t work for you and you’re worried you don’t have enough time?
Of course you do!
Staying in shape only takes a couple of hours a week – and when you can include these simple tips above in your daily routine, you don’t have to change much in your routine, or even put any extra time aside.
Most of the time when people say they ‘don’t have time’, what they really mean is, they don’t have the energy.
But that’s exactly why we make sure to get movement in with our daily activities – like walking to the farther parking spot…
…and making sleep a priority and cooking enough healthy meals for your week, to keep your energy levels high.
There’s no reason to not make your health a priority, no matter how busy you are. Life can get in the way for all of us.
But being healthy and active is a win-win; it gives you more energy so you can be more productive, feel great, and have more time to do the things you enjoy.

5 Ways To Stay Healthy When Life is Busy

5 Ways To Stay Healthy When Life is Busy 5 Ways To Stay Healthy When Life is Busy 5 Ways To Stay Healthy When Life is Busy 5 Ways To Stay Healthy When Life is Busy 5 Ways To Stay Healthy When Life is Busy 5 Ways To Stay Healthy When Life is Busy 5 Ways To Stay Healthy When Life is Busy

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Keeping Caregivers Healthy
Caregiving

Keeping Caregivers Healthy

by Kathy Macaraeg
written by Kathy Macaraeg

Take Steps to Maintain Your Health Now for your Long-Term Well-being

Caregivers have demands on their physical and emotional energy, but what you don’t realize is the impact on your health. It can be easy to put your health maintenance at the bottom of your to do list since there isn’t an outside force demanding your time or energy. Keeping Caregivers Healthy
The problem is, chronic stress leads to major health problems such as headaches, heart disease, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, weight gain and memory problems. By constantly putting your needs at the bottom of your list, you run the risk of one or more of these serious conditions. Keeping Caregivers Healthy
Being a good caregiver means caring for yourself. If you let your health decline, you can’t care for others. Before you think, it can’t happen to me, I’m healthy/strong, consider these facts: Keeping Caregivers Healthy

  • Studies consistently report higher levels of depressive symptoms in caregivers than non-caregivers.
  • Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease caregivers suffer from depression and emotional stress 30-40% more frequently than non-caregivers.
  • Caregivers have less self-acceptance and feel less effective and less in control of their lives than non-caregivers.
  • Caregivers who experience chronic stress may be at greater risk for cognitive decline including loss in short-term memory, attention and verbal IQ.

So what can you do, when you have so little time? Here are simple ways to take better care of yourself to ward off health issues. While it can be difficult squeezing self-care in to your day, remember that you can’t care for someone else if you don’t first care for yourself. You can also try to work it into your care routine and include your caree.

  • Eat a balanced diet. Poor nutrition or rushing through meals can endanger your health in the long run. Eating well doesn’t have to be difficult. There are cooking shortcuts to work it into a packed schedule.
  • Get regular health check-ups by your health care providers. Caregivers are most likely to cancel their own medical appointments and not fill a prescription due to cost. The long-term effect can be damaging.
  • Avoid extra work. Prioritize your tasks and keep a list of what needs to be done each day and a “maybe someday list.” Be kind to yourself. Recognize that there are only so many hours in the day and you can’t do it all. It is OK to leave the clean laundry in the baskets or eat scrambled eggs for dinner.
  • Don’t feel guilty about setting limits for yourself. It is OK to say no. Not everything is an emergency and not everything is a need. When I am stressed out, I decide what is a need versus a want. A need is that I need to feed my family. A want is that it has to be a complicated home-cooked meal. Sometimes a rotisserie chicken and bagged salad from the grocery store is perfectly OK.
  • Take a walk, ride a bicycle, swim, stretch or even work in the garden. Just get your body moving. You don’t have to do it alone. Involve your caree in physical activities. Even if he/she is wheelchair bound, a walk around the block is great for both of you. You get exercise, he/she gets fresh air.
  • Take time for yourself to enjoy a hobby, read, or do something nice for yourself. Having things to look forward to can improve your outlook. You don’t have to take on big tasks. Try to read a few pages of a book before bed or watch a YouTube tutorial on a hobby you’d like to try.

Be kind to yourself. Being a caregiver is challenging and isolating. It can also be a thankless job. Your caree may not be able to express thanks, but know that you are doing great work.
Taking care of your well-being will not only benefit you now, but it will help your long-term health. Don’t put yourself last.

Keeping Caregivers Healthy

Keeping Caregivers Healthy Keeping Caregivers Healthy Keeping Caregivers Healthy Keeping Caregivers Healthy Keeping Caregivers Healthy Keeping Caregivers Healthy Keeping Caregivers Healthy Keeping Caregivers Healthy Keeping Caregivers Healthy Keeping Caregivers Healthy

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Healthy Lifestyle
Healthy Living

Easy Affordable Tips To Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Easy Affordable Tips To Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle

Today’s baby boomers are growing older gracefully. And although more than 10,000 boomers each day will turn 65, most are not letting their age stop them from maintaining active and healthy lifestyles. Easy Affordable Tips To Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle
Healthy LifestyleHere are a few ways to ensure that you (or the ones you love) stay healthy, active and safe:

Maintain regular health screenings and immunizations

While it is important to have regular check-ups with your family doctor, it’s equally important to monitor vitals more frequently. Luckily, most local pharmacies offer free blood pressure and cholesterol checks, as well as seasonal flu shots.

Fight against falls

Falls are the most common cause of hospital visits for those older than 65, according to the Home Safety Council. To help prevent falls in the bathroom – while maintaining stylish decor in your home – add new Grab Bars from Senior.com.

Travel safety

Once you’ve updated your own bathroom with safety features, be sure that you are surrounded with these safety devices when you’re visiting others or on vacation. Products such as the Suction Balance Assist Bar from Moen Home Care offer a suction design that easily attaches directly to smooth, flat surfaces for a firm, secure grip in danger zones – and easily unlocks from the wall for convenient transport when traveling.

Ensure help is a call away

Cell phones are not just for social uses, they are a valuable emergency response tool – and they don’t have to come with a pricey monthly bill. In fact, plans are available for as low as $10 per month without a contract to AARP members .

Cease bad habits

Smokers will die 14 years sooner than non-smokers, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. No matter if you’ve been smoking for years or decades, your body will be better off if you kick the habit.

Instill healthy habits

Being healthy doesn’t have to involve major lifestyle changes. For example, swap high-fat or high-calorie versions of your favorite foods with lower-fat, lower-calorie versions. Or, stock your fridge with healthy fruits and vegetables for snacks. These small diet changes can make big differences in your overall health.

Boost your activity levels

This doesn’t mean running a marathon – but it does mean getting your body moving. Walking, playing golf or any other enjoyable activity that boosts your heart rate is a step in the right direction.

Keep your mind moving

Cognitive performance levels drop earlier in countries that have younger retirement age, according to a study published by the RAND Center for the Study of Aging and the University of Michigan. But if you’re no longer in the workforce – don’t fear. Just be sure to keep your brain busy by engaging in activities that combine social, physical and intellectual stimulation.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure the golden years will be happy, healthy and safe.

Provided by: ARA Content
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Health Lessons Learned from Past Presidents
Health Tips

Health Lessons Learned from Past Presidents

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Health Lessons Learned from Past Presidents

Health Lessons Learned from Past PresidentsHappy Presidents’ Day! Since its establishment in 1885, Presidents’ Day has given us the opportunity to reflect on our former presidents’ wisdom and the change they have brought about in this great country. But that’s certainly not the only thing we can learn from them! Health Lessons Learned from Past Presidents
Amid all the attention that comes along with sitting in the oval office, it can be easy to forget that presidents can experience the same health problems as the rest of us. But the way they handled them should motivate all of us to live our healthiest life possible – today!
Health Tips from the Oval Office
Below are some health lessons learned from past presidents:

  1. Falls can happen to anyone. Just last summer in 2015, President George H.W. Bush experienced a fall, showing that everyone – including former presidents – can fall in their home. As a result of his fall, he broke a bone in his neck and was hospitalized for four days to treat his injury. At 91 years old, George is currently the oldest-living president, and his young-at-heart attitude helped him make a full recovery like a champ!
  2. De-stress daily. It’s not hard to imagine why the presidency is often referred to as the most stressful job in the world, and this is proven by the amount of presidents who have suffered from stress-related illnesses. Presidents Grover Cleveland, William Taft, Woodrow Wilson and Dwight D. Eisenhower all experienced various (and sometimes multiple) heart health problems including high blood pressure, strokes and heart attacks both during and after their presidency.
  3. Do what you love. We know that Jimmy Carter has been in the news a lot recently after he was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 90. Fortunately, he has responded well to his treatment – partly because he has always been so active. After serving as the 39th president, Jimmy never let his age slow him down. He was an avid runner until the age of 80 when he received two knee replacements, and even after that he would regularly swim. Between painting, woodworking and just being active around the home, he kept doing exactly what he loved doing, which has helped him courageously battle cancer.
  4. Fitness and a healthy diet can go a long way! President Bill Clinton’s struggle with heart disease has been in the public eye since he underwent heart surgery back in 2010, but now his efforts seem to be paying off. At 69, Bill has lost more than 30 pounds as a result of a vegan diet and walking four times a week – a great reminder that you are never too old to turn your life around and begin living a healthy lifestyle.
  5. Pinpoint your potential health risks. Despite the fact that he has lived a healthy lifestyle, 69-year-old George W. Bush has undergone various heart and knee surgeries, proving that we are all affected by genetics and age. It’s a sad reality that genetics can sometimes affect our health, but there is some good news: your doctor can help you determine any potential health risks based on your family history.

These health lessons learned from past presidents are all great reminders, but presidents aren’t the only ones we can learn from! Many senior celebrities, including our current First Lady Michelle Obama, are making a positive impact by promoting the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
We may not run a country, but we are in control of our own lives, so be sure to keep these health lessons in mind while celebrating the lives of all U.S. presidents.
Author Meghan Orner
Medical Guardian
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Links Used in Article:
http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/diseases-of-presidents#1
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/jimmy-carter-now-88-on-aging-and-health/2013/05/03/84f67db8-9ae8-11e2-9bda-edd1a7fb557d_story.html
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2014/03/chelsea-clinton-heart-surgery-radically-changed-my-dad/
https://www.medicalguardian.com/medical-alert-blog/fitness/senior-celebrities-promoting-fitness

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