Senior Health

It wasn't so very long ago that the term "senior health" was virtually unheard of. Within the next 20 years adults over the age of 65 in the US alone will reach 20% of the population. That's 1 of every 5 Americans. It's the same in countries all over the world. Senior health is now in the mainstream.

Life prolonging advances in science have contributed greatly to our longevity. We are living longer and fuller lives mostly due to very recent discoveries in medical science and related fields. However, the fact that we are living longer is placing a tremendous strain upon the infrastructure currently in place to meet the demands of older adults.

Quite frankly there is a huge lag in senior health and it just doesn't make good sense to wait for the various sectors involved with senior health to catch up with the demands of a rapidly aging population when seniors can easily help themselves. One of the best ways to do this is to commit to healthier lifestyle practices and the first step is to find out just what kinds of practices are best for seniors.

Attention to nutrition, exercise, rest and relaxation form the basis for any good health program but for seniors, maintaining family and community interaction as well as staying vital in meaningful work or volunteerism need to be part of a well rounded senior health program that involves regular and consistent habits performed each and every day.

Healthy habits add quality to life no matter at what age. It only takes three steps to start or stop a habit. The information below is for seniors who want to know more about how to start taking charge of their own health. Each section can be accessed via the topic link for more detailed information. Using three simple steps (Awareness, Skills and Motivation) you can incorporate the health information presented via the accompanying links to personalize a change plan and start improving the quality of your own life today.

Nutrition for SeniorsWith aging comes challenges to nutrition. Caloric needs decrease. Fewer nutrients are absorbed while greater amounts are excreted. Changes to taste and smell may make eating less appealing. Dental problems may make chewing difficult. Loss of friends and loved ones may cause loneliness and depression and take away our desire to eat. Financial problems may put healthy food beyond your reach. Click on the above link to learn more about the nutritional needs of older adults and then use the three-step change process to improve your eating habits.

Exercise for SeniorsMany of the problems that people associate with getting older are actually not due to aging at all. Instead, they are due to a lack of physical activity. As people get older, they may exercise less. Chances of developing heart disease and other circulatory problems could probably be reduced if people exercised more regularly. Fitness is having the health, strength, endurance, and range of body movements that are needed to do physical work without becoming exhausted. Regular moderate physical activity can help older people feel better and enjoy life more.

Rest for SeniorsMany older adults complain of sleeping problems and it's no wonder why. A once seemingly ageless body is beginning to show signs of wear and tear. Major life events such as retirement and loss of friends and loved ones are unraveling lifetime habits and schedules. Routines are being shattered by uncertainties. The toll comes in the form of sleepless nights. Click on the link above to view more information on how you can get a better night's rest.

Relaxation for SeniorsOlder adults are not exempt from stress. In fact, there might even be an increase in stress due to new or unexpected changes in later life. It's important that seniors give serious attention to recognizing stress and knowing how to deal with it. Stress is responsible for many physical ailments. Knowing how to handle stress through various relaxation techniques can help seniors lead a fuller and happier life.

Work and Volunteerism - Counter Measures to Aging and LonelinessNeeding to feel vital and important does not disappear with age. Loneliness can affect health dramatically. Seniors who feel isolated due to their loneliness are subject to poor nutrition, depression and gradual wasting away. Even the early onset of dementia has been definitively associated with loneliness. Work and volunteerism are two ways that seniors can counteract the feelings of isolation that loneliness can bring on.