Understanding Aging

 

"Birds who fly faster, live longer"

• Positive Aging
• Sociologic Changes
• Physical Changes
• Metabolic Changes
• Physiological Changes in Sedentary Adults
• Long Term Care
• A Positive Attitude
• Overcoming Obstacles to Happiness
• Healthy Aging
• Remaining Socially Active
• Creating Better Lives for Seniors
• Adjustment to Retirement Study
• Education for Senior Citizens
• Drunk Driving Awareness
• National Health Care Support Organizations
• Resource Links

Positively Getting Older

We hear much about the negatives of aging - the pull of gravity and wearing down of systems. What are the positives?

• Creativity learned early, does not diminish with age.
• Stimulating living causes brain cells to grow more branches.
• We are sexually more relaxed.
• Our ability to cope increases and stress levels decrease.
• We take more responsibility for our health.
• We understand ourselves with better perspective.
• We are more confident and care less what other people think.
• We know better what it takes to satisfy ourselves.
• Our capacity to love increases, as does curiosity and altruism.
• Levels of anxiety diminish.
• Gratitude deepens.
• Sense of humor is heightened so keep your Aging Funny Bone tuned.

Sociologic Changes

With age, sociologic changes occur between aging individuals and family and friends due to the loss of peers and contemporaries -- a spouse, siblings, other relatives, old friends and neighbors. This can lead to isolation unless a concerted effort is made to stay socially active. Getting out and being involved presents opportunities to meet new people. New friends may never replace the lost closeness shared with someone who knew you before your hair turned grey, or before your first child was born. But the support network that comes with sharing life with peers can counter loneliness and goes a long way toward dispelling feelings of isolation. The more people you interact with daily, the more chance there is to form new bonds. The more people there will be to bond, with in years to come.

Being involved and busy, focuses on the present and future.

If we lose close contemporaries we have less opportunity to touch others. As babies thrive when cuddled and touched, so do adults. Opportunities to hug and be hugged diminish with losses. It's important to create new ones. A handshake, or pat on the back helps. Go out of your way to practice these, making it okay for others to touch you. Grandchildren can provide opportunities for physical closeness. If you don't see them often create opportunities through surrogate grandparenting. Retirement can be a beginning not and end.

Physical Changes of Aging

Physical changes of aging are the easiest to recognize. Diseases that effect the elderly are not the same thing as changes which occur as part of the aging process.

• Vision Hearing Temperature Sensitivity Touch
• Taste

Want to better understand some of the changes that accompany aging?

• Look through a pair of glasses sprayed with hairspray. Put un-popped popcorn kernels in your shoes. Wear a blindfold and a nose-clip and try to tell the difference between a barbecue potato chip and a plain one. Turn the pages of a book wearing cloth gardening gloves.
• Look through the wrong end of binoculars and try to follow a right turn line on the ground.

Metabolic Slowdown with Age

The slowdown and changes in metabolism that occur with age can result in more than needing to eat less and exercise more to keep the pounds from piling on.

As we age we may process drugs more slowly, or become more prone to drug reactions and interactions, than the younger population.

Add to this the fact that many of the elderly are seen by a variety of specialists, each who prescribe drugs that treat their field of expertise. But some of these drugs interact with other drugs. Each physician, or one physician needs to accept responsibility for reviewing the regime of drugs taken, and reviewing it against possible drug ­drug interactions. Drug­Drug, Drug­Food and Drug­Laboratory Test Interactions information is available at www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/ucm163354.htm

Physiological Changes in Sedentary Adults

from American Fitness, Sept/Oct 1997
• Aerobic capacity decreases 10% per decade. Pulmonary function decreases. Maximal cardiac output decreases. Muscular strength is reduced. Substantial loss of muscle mass. Number of muscle fibers decrease 10% per decade. Size of muscle fibers decrease. Movement time and reaction time decrease. Bone mass decreases.
• Body fat increases.
Physically active people are able to reduce the course of the physiological effect of aging.

I enjoyed surfing around your site, very interesting.
Sid Ewing
VitalityMedical.com

A Positive Attitude

New stimuli and a positive attitude are attributed to "successful" aging. (It's not enough to just tick off the birthdays.) Specifics to think about to achieve this are:
• Take risks in life.
• Respect your own opinion.
• Be flexible and adaptable.
• Take on new challenges and learn new things.
• Treat retirement as a beginning
• Deal with pain and losses, but don't hold on to the suffering they bring.
• See the half full glass.
• Take care of yourself with healthy eating and regular exercise.
• Don't accept societies myths as true about you.



New Attitude on Successful Aging Researchers have defined successful aging as an absence of or low level of disease and disability. Now, a fascinating new study of more than 500 elders aged 60 to 98 challenges that notion. It turns out that people who think they are aging well are not necessarily the healthiest individuals. Optimism and effective coping styles (or attitude) were found to be the keys to aging successfully rather than traditional measures of health and wellness. The study used subjective reports by the participants, all of whom lived independently, and the sample of individuals matched the national averages of medical and mental health conditions. Also, those who regularly engaged in such activities as reading and writing and community socializing gave themselves higher scores than those who did not. And in contradiction to longtime received wisdom, volunteer activities were not found to exert the same influence on participants. Thus, those things leading to successful aging are well within an individual's control. The key is adopting personal coping mechanisms as difficulties come along, and remaining as physically, socially, and mentally active as possible in one's circumstances. (Released at the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology's (ACNP) Annual Meeting, the research was conducted at and funded by the Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging at the University of California-San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine.) 806

Overcoming Obstacles to Happiness,

Can seniors who are unfulfilled and dissatisfied find new and effective methods to achieve happiness? The answer is YES. For most people a conscious desire to change plus learning a few techniques is all it takes. Whether you wish to become more creative, more loving, develop new friendships, or find new and inspiring hobbies, such changes are within reach.

You must become a believer in the power of your mind to change negative attitudes to positive ones in all that you do. Now is a time to look at growing older as a blessing and not a handicap. Retirement is a truly unique period in our lives; not to avail yourself of ways to become more creative and happy is tantamount to giving away your greatest opportunity to achieve fulfillment and well-being.

You need to overcome any residual belief that your life is now impoverished. It isn't and won't be. You haven't lost your spirit or inner resources that have guided you during your life. You must not become a victim of conditions that are now mainly out of your control. You need to believe that you can and will rise above any difficulties through the power of your own thinking.

Learn to use mental imagery exercises to overcome negative mindsets or beliefs and convert them to positive mindsets. Similar techniques are used by artists, actors, athletes, writers, teachers, sales people and others. By believing in the exercises and in your own power you can change your mind and behavior. It is not difficult to achieve.

The following is an example of a mental imagery exercise:

Surmount negative mindsets.

Sit in a comfortable chair. Close your eyes. Take several deep breaths and feel your body relax. Now breathe normally. Visualize your entire body relaxing. Feel the tension draining from your mind, as well as your body. Focus on any negative beliefs that you feel are making you uncomfortable, less efficient, negative or disturbed. Whatever your beliefs are, such as boredom, laziness, or procrastination, see yourself as bored or lazy or unable to do anything. Exaggerate how you look and feel.

In an instance quickly change your feelings and appearance and see yourself as very positive, upbeat and the opposite of your negative self. You have completely changed into a positive person. Some people see themselves as leaping into the air or even flying.

Now, convincingly, repeat, "I will never feel bored or lazy again. I feel wonderful and ready to find my place in the world."

Imagery is a powerful mental tool. If the idea appeals to you then you need to practice every day. The entire exercise takes about ten to twelve seconds and can be repeated several times at a sitting. I suggest you do it 5 to 20 times a day and continue it as part of your program to make your retirement fulfilling and satisfying.

By realizing that you have the power within you to change, you will already have started on a new path. You will be surprised at what you can accomplish and the gratification you will achieve.

Marvin H. Berenson, M.D,. Clinical Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at the USC Keck School of Medicine. For more about Dr. Berenson visit: http://www.drmarvinberenson.com

 

Loving Life in Retirement

Dr. Berenson's book, "Loving Life in Retirement", offers further information about mental imagery, changing mindsets and overcoming obstacles in retirement.

Healthy Aging

Getting enough fruits and vegetables is essential to maintaining a healthy diet as you age. Still, many seniors find it important to add a multi-vitamin to help round out their diets. Whether you choose women’s vitamins formulated for seniors, or you simply choose a vitamin that meets your specific needs, vitamin supplementation can be a great way to help support immunity and improved overall health.

Remaining Socially Active

For you females, the Red Hat Society™ offers an excellent venue to stay socially active. This society has evolved into the largest women's movement worldwide changing the perception of aging women. This organization uses the iconic Red Hat to have fun and bond as sisters as they travel through life together.
Red Hatters are focused on women over 50. This worldwide sisterhood has nearly 40,000 chapters across the US in all 50 states and in more than 30 foreign countries. Each chapter averages about 20-25 members. Their full regalia for outings include red hats and purple clothing. Membership includes a diverse network of women including working women and retirees, grandmothers, golfers, attorneys, teachers, Olympians and entertainers.

Seniorresource.com provides a convenient adjunct to its Senior Bazaar to buy Red Hat items for yourself our as a gift. See Seniorresource.com Red Hat Items

For more information contact:

Red Hat Society "Hatquarters":
431 S. Acacia Ave., Fullerton, CA 92831
Phone: 714-738-0001 or 866-FUN-AT50 (toll-free)
Fax: 714-738-0005

Creating Better Lives for Seniors

As can be seen in our Housing Section there is a wide range of housing options open to Seniors.

In England, ExtraCare Care Homes enables older people to live a healthier, active and independent lifestyle in a network of inspirational communities that represent a modern alternative to the traditional care home. The trust operates 12 retirement villages and 17 smaller housing developments across the Midlands and the North. Each ExtraCare resident can expect a safe, secure future, renting or buying a spacious and affordable home with care and a wide range of social opportunities to enjoy. ExtraCare was established in 1988. The Charity supports over 3,700 older people in 17 housing schemes and 12 villages across the Midlands and the North of England.

Education for Senior Citizens

Did you know that taking a class in just about any subject can improve your cognitive abilities, rejuvenate your memory, and have fun all at the same time? Recent scientific studies clearly show that senior citizens who stay mentally active enjoy all of these rewards. Get more information with links to low cost classes here.

Drunk Driving Awareness

Drunk driving is one of America's deadliest problems. In 2007, 41,059 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes. There were 12,998 people who were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.
Too many people still fail to understand that alcohol and driving don't mix. Impaired driving is no accident-nor is it a victimless crime.
Officers will be out in full force during the Fourth of July holiday period, cracking down on drunk drivers with an aggressive enforcement blitz.
Much of the tragedy from drunk driving can be prevented with a few simple precautions before going out to celebrate:

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
• Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and give that person your keys;
• If you're impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely.
• Use your community's Sober Rides program
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don't hesitate to contact your local law enforcement.

And remember, Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

To learn how to provide grassroots support for impaired-driving law enforcement crackdown efforts click here.

National Health Care and Resource Organizations.

• Communities, housing options and help resources in your state
• Aging Medical conditions, videos and medicine info
• Alzheimer's Association
• American Heart Association or call 800.242.8721
• Arthritis Foundation
• The Braille Institute
• American Cancer Society
• American Diabetes Association or call 800.342.2383
• American Parkinson Disease Information & Referral Center
• Diabetes Patient information
• Eldercare Locator for local resource number 800.677.1116
• National Osteoporosis Foundation 202.222.2226
• National Cancer Institute CancerNet website
• The American Urological Association for Prostate Cancer Awareness
  
  

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Resources Links

Age in Place with a Federally-Insured Reverse Mortgage - With a Federally-Insured reverse mortgage from ALLRMC.COM you can use your home to stay home. Learn more at All Reverse Mtg.

• Age Of Reason with over 5,000 links to sites of interest to those 50+.
• www.Aging-Parents-and-Elder-Care.com Advice, comprehensive checklists, and links to key resources ... designed to make it easier for caregivers to quickly find the information they need ... and avoid missing things that are important in the care for their loved one.
• Fit For Life provides all the knowledge, equipment and motivation needed to get "Fit for Life"
• Glucosamine-arthritis.org Offers articles on arthritis and it's treatment with a leaning toward the use of glucosamine for coping with the disease.
• Oh My Aging Funny Bone, A huge collection of seniorresource.com visitor submitted jokes.
• MedicAlert Foundation International has more than 4 million members around the globe for whom they provide secure and seamless transfer of identification and medical information to health and safety professionals 24/7 worldwide. Headquartered in the United States, MedicAlert has affiliates in nine countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand that help serve more than 4 million members around the globe.
• Senior Job Bank a non-profit referral site, creating opportunities for those 50+ seeking work, businesses and homeowners to link up.
• Third Age A web community of active adults, 50+ and seniors, featuring chat, free stuff, discounts, health care, computers, retirement, investing, caregiving, travel, news and more! and selector of "701 Special Sites", of which seniorresource.com is one of the chosen.
• 99 Travel Tips for Mature Travelers free from Vantage Deluxe World Travel 1.800.784.0935.