We all want to exercise a
certain amount of control over our lives. In order to do this it is often necessary
to make changes. With a little bit of optimism and hard work it is possible to
change even the most ingrain habits.
Being in charge of your health is an area where most can excel, and it
is comforting to know that it is never too late make positive changes. I like reading articles that focus on our
ability to make changes and I thought “Turn Over a New Leaf” by Camille Noe
Pagan in the latest Arthritis Today magazine (November/December 2009) was very
down to earth and inspiring.
Seniors often shrug their
shoulders and figure that the damage is already done so why bother. Contrary to popular opinion this isn’t
necessarily true. Research shows us that
adopting healthy behaviors at any point will reap rewards. People in their 60s, 70s, and beyond who stop
smoking and start exercising can improve strength and mobility, improve their
outlook and in many cases live longer (and more productively). The human body is very resilient and you can
improve your health even in the last decades of your life.
Change isn’t easy at any age
but at least seniors can approach it a little more philosophically than most. If you believe that you can change, you can.
The article touches on four areas that you can do something about: losing
weight, quitting smoking, joint replacement, and exercising.
Weight gain in older adults
has more to do with inactivity than with any decrease in metabolism. Studies show that when adults between 50 and
90 increase their activity level and eat carefully, they can keep their weight
under control. We are all aware that weight control can help lower the risk of
heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis related complications.
It sounds like a big
undertaking but a few basic changes can put you in the right mindset. It never hurts to get some professional help
to add a little extra impetus either.
- Lift Weights:
resistance exercises are especially helpful for weight loss in
older adults because it builds muscle.
- Learn new habits. Gradual weight loss due to changed
eating habits is better than trying to crash it off.
- Be consistent and make this a ‘forever’
commitment.
Spending your final years
hooked up to an oxygen tank is not cool.
It is never too late to quit smoking.
The minute you quit, you start improving your health. Quitting stops the
progression of disease and damage in some cases actually reverses the risk.
How can you possible quit now?
- Get medical help.
- Keep on trying.
Studies show that the more often you have tried to quit, the higher
the chances of succeeding this time.
- Let others help you. Quitting with a friend can help you
through the struggles.
You are probably wondering
how a joint replacement figures into the grand scheme of things. To start with, there is no age limit on joint
replacement. Older adults with
osteoarthritis who undergo knee replacements have at least a 50% chance of
improving their ability to perform tasks of everyday living. Even adults in their 80s and 90s will enjoy a
significant improvement in their life quality.
The words exercise rears it
head in every article relating to health issues so isn’t it about time that you
sit up and notice? People who start
exercising, even at advanced ages, will improve strength, decrease incidents of
falls, have stronger bones, and experience lower rates of depression and heart
disease. Studies show the people in
their 50s, 60s and 70s who exercise at least 10 min a day increase their energy
levels as much as younger exercisers do.
Start slowly, find a program that you enjoy and set realistic goals.
The New Year is coming up so
when you make your resolutions this time seize the moment and take charge. Who is the boss of your life anyway?
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