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Posts Tagged ‘senior exercise’

Too often, seniors mistake the concept of retirement planning to only include the financial dimension of the plan. This is a mistaken perspective.Senior Retirement

The complete retirement plan considers all aspects of retirement including financial needs, personal pursuits, estate plans, legacy gifting, travel, hobbies and of course health care.

One critical aspect of planning for retirement is giving thoughtful consideration for “Advanced Directives”.

What are advanced Directives? Retirement Plan

In the simplest terms, Advance Directives involve preparing the legal documents needed to accurately present your desires and expectations regarding personal health care treatment if circumstances occur where you can’t make your own decisions.

Most Advance Directives are offered in the form of a Living Will or a Durable Power of Attorney. This article is only informational and is not intended to provide legal advice. Check with an attorney to determine what type of advance directive is appropriate in your state.

Essentially, a Living Will is a legal document whereby a patient can state in advance their personal wishes to either receive, or to have withheld, active life-support if they are deemed to be permanently unconscious or terminally ill and lack the ability to make informed choices.

To be applicable, the Living Will is valid when at least two doctors confirm that a patient is in an irreversible coma or has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and can not make critical personal health care decisions.

If a patient can make an informed decision, the requirements of the Living Will are not in effect.
What differentiates a Durable Power of Attorney for health care from a Living Will is the patient can identify in advance who is authorized to make critical health care treatment decisions if they can’t make them independently.

The person specified in a Durable Power of Attorney may also be known as the “attorney in fact”, “surrogate or proxy decision maker” or simply “agent”. Some have also used the term “patient advocate”.

Also, the Durable Power of Attorney is a legal instrument used solely for the health care treatment decisions of a patient that is unable to make them.

And the inability to make health care decisions does not have to be resulting from a coma or terminal illness when a Durable Power of Attorney is used in contrast to a Living Will.

The inability to make health care decisions should not be confused with mental incompetence. In the instance of mental incompetence, most courts will appoint a legal guardian empowered to make all financial, legal and health care decision. This appointment will only occur if adequate proof of incompetence has been presented to the court for consideration.

In most locations, the Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney both require at least two doctors to confirm that a patient does not have the capacity to make informed health care choices but the Living Will further requires the patient be in an irreversible coma or diagnosed with a terminal illness.

When a patient is being checked in to a hospital or clinic, most will inquire about the existence of an advanced directive.

Some states have laws requiring hospitals to ask about advance directives and provide documents if the patient doesn’t possess the documents. These directives must be well documented in the patient’s medical chart.

Every senior should take steps through the use of advance directives to ensure their personal health care treatment choices are honored even if circumstances occur that prevent a conscious choice.

The use of Advance Directives is not a replacement for active and honest communications between health care professionals, patient and family members. As circumstances change, these important directives should be amended to always align with the wishes of the patient.Senior Advisors

For more than 20 years, Karl Edmunds has been a noted author within the business and management consulting arena. As a senior, he now engages his curiosity and observations about life to write about key issues of importance to the growing community of seniors (Boomers), and the value of living life to the fullest every single day. Give me your comments and suggests at http://Plan-Retirement.org or http://For-Seniors.org

Perhaps it is a bit simplistic to suggest that you can drink your way to better health, but that is what I am about to say.

Over the years, one natural remedy that has been confirmed through the direct experience of many seniors is the use of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). Nutrition for seniors

Health improvements for a wide range of ailments including various allergies, sinus infections, some forms of acne, high cholesterol, chronic fatigue, acid stomach, arthritis and cold symptoms to name a few.

In addition, Apple Cider Vinegar is reported used among weight loss advocates. Many people believe that ACV is a good “fat-burner” and a natural appetite suppressant. There is an apple cider vinegar diet suggesting daily consumption of ACV prior to meals to suppress appetite. But more research is needed to scientifically valid these claims.

Certainly each person seems to be affected differently, but if you are suffering and in pain, there is little harm and nominal cost in giving this natural remedy a try.

And you won’t have to worry about dangerous side affects that accompany so many of our recommended drugs.

First, you must think of Apple Cider Vinegar as medicine because you are not likely to take it as a taste delight.

Try it and let the results guide you on the amount to use and the frequency of use. Most seniors and elderly people that are convinced of the value take apple cider vinegar routinely. Senior Health

Over time, seniors that consistently use the product speak of better complexion and energy. Some elders and seniors also give a daily drink to their dogs and cats and celebrate improvements in mobility, and disposition.

If you give ACV a try, go for an organic brand. Many devoted users recommend the BRAGG brand as a solid product to use. ACV from some providers can be too acidic for some users so try a smaller than recommended dosage first and then move up to the full dosage if you don’t experience any side effects.

Also, some people with sensitive teeth have some difficulties drinking ACV. If sensitive teeth are a problem, try warming your ACV slightly or drinking through a straw.

Any natural remedy with broad claims of healing and benefit must be evaluated with care and caution. Despite personal health stories, there has not been extensive formal study of ACV over the past 10 to 20 years. The lack of formal review of ACV doesn’t invalidate personal health claims it simply affirms the importance of using care. Nutrition

Janet Shapan, has been a publisher, writer and media designer in the special interest magazine and TV production business for over 25 years. A Boomer, her passion is identifying and sharing current innovations in health, wellness and other lifestyle categories of interest to Seniors. For more information on Senior Living, visit: http://For-Seniors.org

It is about time we toss out an old, worn out rule of thumb. That rule held that anxiety disorders declined with age.

The theory was that seniors would report mental issues less frequently due to their focus on physical pain and problems. This assumption may be somewhat valid but does it mean we should simply ignore seniors that complain of anxiety issues? Health For Seniors

This is how we sweep problems under the rug. Rather than face the real possibility that seniors do actually struggle with anxiety more with age, we make unfounded assumptions and then pay little or no attention to the problem.

Unfortunately the growing senior population has forced our health care professionals to concede that aging and debilitating anxieties go together.

And many seniors contending with anxiety disorders have fought with them for years. According to the American Geriatrics Society Foundation, anxiety becomes more common as we get older, because medical, psychological, and social problems tend to build up.

Until now, mental health professions lacked any standardized scales or measurements that would accurately and swiftly measure anxiety within a patient.
Senior Health

And a tool was needed that could effectively be used in day to day clinical practices dealing with mental health problems.

Studies suggest that only 11% of psychiatrists use any type of standardized measurement tools to evaluate results when dealing with depression or anxiety disorders so a significant opportunity for improvement exists.

With this in mind, Mark Zimmerman, MD, director of outpatient psychiatry at Rhode Island Hospital, and his colleagues developed the Clinically Useful Anxiety Outcome Scale (CUXOS).

Using the CUXOS scale, patients were able to complete the test in less than two minutes and the clinician scored the test in less than 15 seconds.

The scale has been found to reflect high internal consistency and test-retest reliability and correlates well with other known self-report measures.

Zimmerman says, “We believe that the use of standardized scales should be the standard of care and routinely used to measure outcome when treating psychiatric disorders. Only in this way can we ensure that we are having an impact on our patients.”

Researchers acknowledge the need to question any new self report scale since there is no shortage of similar scales available now, but the CUXOS distinguishes itself in several respects and is intended as a general measure of the severity of psychic and somatic anxiety.

The study was based on work in the Rhode Island Methods to Improve Diagnostic Assessment and Services (MIDAS) Project, for which Zimmerman is the principal investigator. It is a unique integration of research quality diagnostic methods into a community-based outpatient practice affiliated with an academic medical center.

Along with Zimmerman, other researchers in the study are Iwona Chelminski, PhD, Diane Young, PhD, and Kristy Dalrymple, PhD, all of Rhode Island Hospital and Alpert Medical School.

Communication with aging parents, patients and senior friends is the best way to identify life changes that often drive escalating levels of anxiety. Pay attention to the following key indicators:
● Sudden changes in daily routines and activities;
● Unusual levels of worry that is out of proportion to the circumstances;
● Sudden changes in moods or behavior due to medication;
● Changes in outlook on life or loss of interests;

The results to date for the CUXOS scale gives hope for many seniors suffering with anxiety. Faster and more accurate measurements of anxiety will reduce long term health care costs and provide relief to care givers. But most importantly, seniors that suffer anxiety disorders will enjoy life more. Senior Living

Janet Shapan, has been a publisher, writer and media designer in the special interest magazine and TV production business for over 25 years. A Boomer, her passion is identifying and sharing current innovations in health, wellness and other lifestyle categories of interest to Seniors. For more information on Senior Living, visit: http://For-Seniors.org

Over the years seniors have been told that aches and pains that come with exercise are just part of the deal and in time they will go away. This may be true to some extent, but it is possible to learn from these pains.

What is the body telling us? For Seniors

Many seniors have jumped into a new fitness program with great enthusiasm and felt the stabbing pain of a headache before the first session is complete.

Studies suggest that roughly 45 million people suffer from chronic headaches but did you know that 70% of these people feel headache pain while exercising.

When you begin an exercise program and you have not exercised for quite a while, you are 1.5X more likely to experience a headache than someone that works out 3X per week.

Beginning a new exercise program causes the body to respond in two ways. First the increased blood flow around the brain inflames the vessels and stretches the nerves in the vessels creating pain. In response, the body releases endorphins, a sort of natural pain killer to counter the pain.

Regular exercise lessens this response because consistent exercise increases blood flow to the brain area and your muscles become more responsive and less fatigued over time.

Exercise Tips… Senior Health

Breathe: A common response by many seniors during intense exercise is to hold the breath. Doing this once in awhile is not a problem but if you habitually hold your breath to accomplish an exercise, you are likely to get headaches. If you need to grunt or make noises to get through it, do it but stay attentive to your breathing.

Be Careful of Exercise Bursts: One minute you are cooling your jets setting on the sidelines of a group volleyball game and the next minute you are on the court sprinting to save an errant pass without any warm up or stretching as if you were 25 years old. Cardio burst like these can cause problems for any age but are especially harmful for seniors. It is important to stay warm and avoid the intensive bursts when your body is unprepared.

Watch What You Eat: Don’t jump headlong into an intense exercise program with an empty stomach. Try having a 100 to 300 calorie snack maybe 30 to 60 minutes before you begin. You will love the energy burst. But be careful of soy, citrus fruits, yogurts and nuts if you are prone to headaches.

Stay Hydrated: Too often seniors think a short brisk walk or lifting a few weights doesn’t call for active fluid intake. Not true. Dehydration is a common cause for headaches during exercise among seniors. Before you even begin your exercise, drink an 8 ounce glass of water and bring another 8 ounces with you to drink during the exercise. And if it is hot, drink more or consider an indoor program.

These are just a few tips to help you have a better experience during your exercise. Speak to your doctor and be clear about the steps and precautions you should take before you begin exercising. What is most important is that you actually begin. Stay active. Stay engaged. As you see improvement you won’t have any problems being motivated to continue. Senior Living

Janet Shapan, has been a publisher, writer and media designer in the special interest magazine and TV production business for over 25 years. A Boomer, her passion is identifying and sharing current innovations in health, wellness and other lifestyle categories of interest to Seniors. For more information on Senior Living, visit: http://For-Seniors.org

Exercises designed for seniors increase mobility and get the blood pumping. There are exercises available to help seniors get in better shape, feel good, and strengthen joints and muscles. As we age, our bodies weaken, but with specific senior exercise routines, joint aches can be relieved, you be able to become stronger and increase your activity.

Safety is very important, usually elderly exercises are very low impact and uncomplicated. But, with regular exercise, seniors can regain some of their lost physical abilities, such as, balance and coordination.

Some best exercise routines to increase heart rate are aerobic exercises, but seniors need to be aware of their limitations! Commonsense aerobic activities should include non-invasive continuous and simple movements.

Many seniors live alone elderly help, which can be detrimental should a medical emergency arise after or during exercise. Having a personal security and medical alert device is a good idea. If an emergency should happen, or if you can’t get to your phone, these little alarms can be a life saver. These innovative devices are worn a necklace or bracelet. Help can be summoned by just a touch on the built-in button.

Maintaining your weight or losing a few pounds doesn’t happen overnight. Daily exercise can help. If aerobics seem to be more than you want to do, walking is another perfect exercise for seniors. Walking also strengthens muscles, increases flexibility, mobility and circulation.

Another fitness routine you might want to explore is Yoga yoga. This is exercise for seniors. Yoga is suitable for anyone that is mobile, but take things slowly, and don’t go beyond your comfort zone. This type of exercise includes stretches, poses, and breathing techniques, and you’ll find you achieve deep and satisfying relaxation. In addition to relaxation benefits, your muscles will be elongated, you’ll be be more flexible, mood swings will disappear, and you have more energy. You might want to join a yoga class as you begin to feel your body responding. Safety is very important, so look around for yoga classes that are designed and tailored to seniors.

As your muscles become stronger, your body frame will be better supported, and balance and movement will become natural again.

If you decide you’re ready to begin exercising, bicep curls (with light weights) is a good place to start. You don’t need to run out and buy expensive weights, a can of soup is perfect for beginners. Arm curls can be done while you sitting or standing. There are exercises that work on specific body areas. Depending on your current strength and flexibility levels, a program can be designed that is right for you. Perhaps you have a fitness center that caters to the senior crowd. Interacting with members of your own age group, not only is enjoyable, but you’ll make new friends.

Movement of any kind is goal, but it must be performed regularly, to be beneficial. Seniors are healthier and more active than they were a few years ago. Exercise and diet are the only ways to discourage and prevent aging problems. And, besides, getting some exercise everyday is fun. In addition to maintaining muscle strength and flexibility, exercise not only energizes you, but lifts your spirits and adds to mental functions.

You can find videos and DVD’s that are designed for exercising in your home, but be sure they are especially for seniors! If you haven’t exercised for quite awhile, ask your doctor about any health concerns, or physical limitations. Usually, doctors are happy to learn you’re interested in getting some exercise, and can answer your questions.

Don’t over do, or get too tired from your exercise routine. Over exerting yourself too soon, can cause disappointing results or setbacks. Getting stronger and more flexible should only bring you enjoyment and pride in your new found freedoms.

Grab competent suggestions in the sphere of boosting immune system – welcome to your own knowledge base.