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Health and fitness tips for seniors
How to make lifestyle changes as you age?
 As we
get
older, our bodies change. Accordingly, to stay healthy as
long as we live, we must take a few simple steps.
The number of senior citizens is growing rapidly worldwide
and at a much faster rate in the developed world.
With low birth rates and exceedingly
high cost of healthcare, we have to learn to take
better care of ourselves. (Related:
How to lower back pain)These
tips, provided by Carmel Dyer, M.D., member of the
American Geriatrics Society, will not only reduce the
number of trips you make to the doctor, but would also
enable you to
enjoy your life. (Related:
Personal finance for empty nesters)
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Challenge |
Solution |
| If you take more than eight
medications a day, including vitamins/supplements,
there is a likelihood that some of the drugs will
interact with each other. |
Ask your doctor to explain what
each of the medications does. Consult your physician
before taking any over-the-counter medications. Do
not take
medications prescribed for others. Ask your
doctor if there are any non-drug treatments for your
illness. |
| Many people without health
insurance have difficulty accessing the appropriate
health care. In fact, such people are most likely to
file for
medical bankruptcy. |
Know your community resources.
Many residents are also served by federally funded
health centers, hospital districts, and city
clinics. |
| The risk for diabetes increases
with each year that we grow older. |
Older persons should undergo
screening for diabetes on a yearly basis. If you
notice excess urination, thirst or hunger, see your
doctor. |
| Older persons are more prone to
falls. Muscles and joints feel stiff and persons
note decreased flexibility. A fall can diminish
self-confidence and rob seniors of their
independence. |
Have regular eye examinations and
get your glasses changed when needed. Stretching
exercises and exercises that increase strength help
decrease falls. Simply walking can greatly improve
strength and balance and help with weight loss and
the prevention of heart disease and diabetes.
Consult your doctor and physical therapist for
exercises that are tailored to your needs.
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| As we age, our
metabolism slows and we
tend to gain weight and
weight loss becomes more difficult. We need less
food as we age and may not be able to
maintain
weight with the same portion sizes we used to eat.
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Although exercise can help a
great deal, weight loss or weight maintenance
depends on food intake. Be mindful not only of
portion sizes but the calorie in foods. Consult your
physician or dietitian for the right types and
amounts of foods for you. |
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