Seniors' Health

The most common health problems in seniors are are cardiovascular disease (heart attack and stroke), osteoporosis, dementia, depression and cancer. The main key for living a long and healthy life is genetics.  But, we can significantly reduce some of the risks for having most of these conditions with a few simple changes.

A low fat diet, exercise and reducing stress as much as possible seems to slow the aging process to some extent.

Exercise reduces the risk heart disease and stroke by lowering cholesterol levels and improving circulation.  It is best to exercise 30 minutes three to four times per week.  Studies have shown that walking only a total of an hour a week cuts the risk of heart disease in half for women.  It reduces the rate of bone loss and risk of fractures in women with osteoporosis, but does not replace bone loss.

Small meals eaten throughout the day with lots of fruit and vegetables for optimum health. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish and flavonoids, found in many fruits and vegetables prevent heart disease and cancer. Your body needs less calories as it ages, so you should adjust your meals accordingly. 

If you still smoke, stop.  Studies have shown that in less than one day, there is a significant decrease in cardiovascular risk and it improves the longer you refrain from smoking.

Make sure your doctor checks your blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides.  Ask them about screening for prostate, breast and bowel cancer. If you or your family has a history of heart disease, ask whether an aspirin would be beneficial for you.

We hope to keep you around for a long time to come and that you will enjoy the time you have in a healthy body.

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