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This page provides information on senior citizen lifestyles and local support services.
Boomer Men: Looking At Gray In A New Way

(PRNewswire/MS) — As the Boomer Generation embraces its 50s and 60s, it is saying forget what tradition says about this age, we’re the generation that refuses to get old. Gone are the days when approaching 60 signaled men were over the hill. Instead, the first wave of Baby Boomers is embracing this stage of life not only on the inside through exciting life experiences but also on the outside through new grooming products developed specifically for them that make them feel their best.

“Boomers are by no means ready to kick back and relax,” says Michael Kimmel, a sociology professor at SUNY Stony Brook in New York and an expert on male boomers. “This generation is the most driven set of men and they are very dedicated to their jobs, social and family life.”

Boomers may still be vital, but they also hear the march of time as their hair and skin begin to age. “There is a sense of wanting to live life to its fullest and men often feel that maintaining their appearance by controlling their gray hair is a way to keep the party going,” Kimmel says.

The key is finding the right balance, says celebrity men’s grooming expert Losi, who has styled boomer stars such as George Clooney and Al Pacino. She offers these tips to help men achieve the look they desire.

• Go for the right product: If you don’t have much gray, you may want to consider a product to get rid of all your gray. It won’t be a big change at this stage of the graying process, says Losi. If you have more gray, choose a product that will reduce the gray gradually while still keeping some of the gray. Products like this will tone down your gray hair and help keep you looking your best, explains Losi. Losi suggests an at-home product such as Touch Of Gray™ by Just For Men® available at drugstores, all mass market chains and www.touchofgray.com. This hair treatment is designed to gradually reduce and control the amount of gray with an easy-to-use comb applicator.

• Learn to care for gray hair: Gray hair can be coarse and oily. Look for clarifying shampoos and conditioners that exfoliate your scalp and help dissipate oil buildup. Opt for lightweight oils and serums to keep gray hair soft and manageable. Also, keep in mind that environmental factors, such as chlorine or hard water can discolor gray hair, Losi says. Rinsing in non-chlorinated water is essential, especially if you’ve been swimming.

• Get the right cut and style: Choose a styling product that will enhance gray hair and offer shine. Lightweight shine sprays and serums are good choices. Losi suggests trying a light pomade applied from back to the front of your head. When visiting the salon, opt for a short style, as gray hair is more manageable at this length.

• Protect your skin: Use a sunscreen and moisturizer every morning to protect your skin and keep it moisturized. EL086003

 



With Touch Of Gray™ there’s no mixing, no mess. It takes just 5 minutes, then just shampoo out. Looking and feeling great has never been easier for the boomer generation that refuses to get old. Touch Of Gray™ not only lets you keep some gray, it lets you decide how much gray to keep. And it works gradually. The product is available in every shade you need, from Light Brown-Gray to Jet Black-Gray.

10 Non-Financial Tips For Retiring Boomers

(MS) — A lot of the more than 76 million Baby Boomers headed toward retirement are losing sleep at night, not because they’re worried about having enough money to retire. They’re wondering what they want to do with the rest of their life, according to Joan Carter, cofounder of Life Options Institute, an organization devoted to helping people plan for life after age 50.

If you’re one of the millions of BabyBoomers beginning to think about retirement,here are tips from Ms. Carter:

1. Life’s about more than money. Start thinking seriously about your retirement about five years before you expect to quit the workforce.

2. Make life plans. It is important to plan for the non-financial aspect of retirement by considering what willmake you happy. Maybe you’ll climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, or go dog sledding in Alaska, or have time to write the next great American novel, or even continue to work part-time. Make a life plan and tick off your experiences as you move ahead.

3. Find a purpose. Find something on an ongoing basis that provides you with joy and structure to your life. This can involve travel, hobbies, or even new career training.

4. Keep sharp. You may feel the need to replace the intellectual stimulation of work. If so, try learning a foreign language or musical instrument, or joining a retirement group that offers ongoing educational courses.

5. Volunteer. Getting involved in the community is a great way to give back, as well as a wonderful opportunity to interact and meet new people.

6. Develop new friendships. A measurement of whether people have a successful retirement is the strength of their social network — that includes family and friends.

7. Spousal input. Retirement often means a shared experience. Therefore make time to share your dreams withyour spouse—you might be pleasantly surprised to learn that he/she wants to join you on that Mt. Kilimanjaro climb.

8. Remain healthy. There’s an old adage: A lean horse for a long race. That means eating well, watching your weight and remaining active.

9. Financial stability. If you can’t afford to retire yet, consider partial retirement — which can include working part-time in your current job or finding something new and exciting from which you can earn some money.

10. What’s next in your life? Go to a helpful Web site such as www.WhatsNextInYourLife.com to locate non-financial retirement planning tools. EL086971

 



Baby boomers should take inventory of what they want to do after retirement and the options available to them.

How To Regain Freedom From Bladder Problems

(MS) — They say that men are from Mars and women are from Venus. Despite their differences, one similarity both men and women share is the propensity for bladder health problems, which can put undue stress in their lives.

From urinary incontinence to lower urinary tract (LUT) symptoms to erectile dysfunction (ED), both men and women at times in their lives experience urinary tract problems. These may include trouble holding or controlling urine, or frequent urges to run to the restroom. Men may have the added concern about poor prostate health and subsequent troubles with sexual function.

These common issues can turn a normally active person into one who is afraid to stray too far from home. Incontinence can be embarrassing and life altering as can compromises to sexual health. Bladder problems can also eat away at a fixed income. Absorbent undergarments and bedding materials found at the pharmacy can be expensive.

Medical experts are continuing to unearth new treatments for these conditions, some of which have a natural and/or holistic approach — treating the entire body in the process.

Stress brought on by bladder problems can be minimalized when you consider the following facts:

• 33 million Americans have incontinence issues. If you thought you were alone in this, you’re certainly not. Rest assured that urinary incontinence (UI) is more common than you would think and certainly nothing to be embarrassed about or a topic to be avoided when speaking with a doctor.

• While UI is largely a condition of the aging population, it can occur at any time. That’s because there’s no one cause for UI. It can be the result of illness (including diabetes, Alzheimer’s, depression and cardiovascular disease, say recent findings); it may arise after childbirth or from pelvic surgery; and it can also be a side effect of stress. Therefore, worrying about UI and other bladder issues may only compound the problem.

• Surgery, harsh medications, or other invasive procedures are not the only options for treating bladder issues. In fact, supplementation, dietary changes, exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, and other easy steps can go a long way toward easing symptoms. These are long-term, effective solutions that improve the mind, body and general well-being.

An efficacious product offers another natural alternative. BetterMAN and BetterWOMAN are supplements tailored to the unique needs of men and women with relation to their overall health and bladder health. They’re comprised of a proprietary blend of all-natural herbs as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices.

BetterWOMAN is the first clinically tested natural supplement shown effective in improving female bladder control. It naturally improves blood circulation, promotes hormone balance and modulates neuromuscular functions. It rejuvenates the tone and strength of muscle systems that control the bladder functions. The stronger the muscles, the better the bladder control.

Studies have shown BetterMAN’s ability to increase blood circulation in penile tissues, an important finding for men looking to combat erectile dysfunction (E.D.), and it also helps promote urinary and prostate health.

While there are no known side effects or medication interaction factors to these supplements, a doctor should be advised before beginning treatment.

Education is the first step toward treating bladder health issues and making strides toward a more active and healthier life. Supplementation with BetterMAN and BetterWOMAN is a safe way to regain control over bladder issues and feel younger and more rejuvenated in the process. Visit www.BetterMANnow.com or www.BetterWOMANnow.com for an in-depth description of the products along with testimonials and research information, or call 1-888-686-2698. TF086988

 

Live life to the fullest and leave worries of bladder problems behind.
Grandparents Raising Grandkids Should Find Stress-Reducing Strategies

(MS) — The concept of grandparents raising grandchildren is nothing new. For many years extended families have relied on grandparents helping out with sound advice and childcare assistance. Today it seems the trend continues and may be growing.

As of the latest U.S. Census Bureau report, 2.4 million of the nation’s families are maintained by grandparents who have one or more of their grandchildren living with them — an increase of 400,000 (19 percent) since 1990. These families comprise 7 percent of all families with children under 18. Of the children living in a grandparent’s home, 42 percent are white, 36 percent are African American, 17 percent are Hispanic, and 5 percent are Asian or Pacific Islander or American Indian or Alaska Native.

There are a variety of reasons behind the trend of grandparents raising their grandchildren as “kinship caregivers,” as they are sometimes called. The rising divorce rate in this country, which has surpassed the 50 percent mark in recent years could be a contributing factor. Grandparents may be looked upon for financial support by newly single parents who may have a tough time making ends meet on their own. Also, with the rising costs of food, healthcare, transportation, and many of life’s other necessities, single parents must work full-time jobs to afford these necessities. Grandparents routinely step up to provide childcare so that their own children can be viable in the workforce.

Other reasons behind the trend could be that the child’s parent (or parents) is stationed away from home in the military, or perhaps a parental death results in grandparents or another relative getting custody of the children.

Grandparents may have mixed emotions about being put in the situation to raise a younger generation of children. Some are off-put by it, seeing it as a chore and something that they shouldn’t be burdened by at this stage in life. The feelings of, “I already raised my kids,” is very common. Other grandparents welcome the situation with open arms. Grandchildren can add a spark back into a lifestyle that may have been growing bleak or stale.

Regardless of how grandparents feel, the end result is that the children must be the priority and deserve the best forms of care. Experts say this can be potentially taxing and stressful to grandparents. No matter how much they love their grandchildren and are willing or even eager to raise them, their lives have changed and with major changes come stress. Stress needs to be addressed so that it doesn’t escalate into bigger physical or mental issues. For grandparents looking for coping devices, consider these tips:

• Always put your own physical and emotional health at the top of the list. Proper exercise, relaxation, a healthy diet, limited alcohol, enjoyable activities, and humor are all important to consider.

• Ask for help when it is needed. Realize that you can’t do everything yourself.

• Support is important, so find a local support group, church family, or good friends who understands and can listen to you in an unbiased way.

• Find out what services are available in your community to provide financial help, legal services, and free or low cost counseling. FP085819

 
Adapting to a Fixed Income Essential to Enjoying Retirement

(MS) — Thanks to advancements in medicine and an increased emphasis on physical activity and fitness, people are living longer than ever before. While that’s a good thing, longer life expectancies mean money now has to go longer as well.

For most people, retirement is a chance to sit back and enjoy the fruits of a life’s worth of labor. However, caution, especially with respect to finances, is an important element of retirement, as no retiree wants to outlive their money. But living on a fixed income doesn’t mean you have to pinch every penny. Instead, the following tips can help you enjoy retirement while also decreasing the likelihood your money will run out too early.

• Consider reducing insurance costs. Seniors who are parents often have life insurance policies that will pay out to their children in the case of their death. However, as you get older and your children cultivate their own wealth, you can begin to carry less insurance. While you’ll still want to carry some life insurance should you predecease your spouse, if your children have established themselves financially, you can save money by reducing your life insurance coverage.

Another way to reduce insurance costs is by raising your deductible. If you currently have a small ($250) or standard ($500) deductible on auto or home insurance, consider raising the deductible to $1,000. While you’ll have to pay more money up front in the case of an accident, you’ll save money on your insurance every year.

• Ask about generic prescriptions. Many seniors earmark a substantial amount of money each month for prescriptions. For some seniors, monthly prescription bills can be jaw-dropping. Ask your doctor if the drug you need is available in a generic prescription, which is often far less expensive while just as effective. Also, don’t use the neighborhood pharmacy simply because it’s nearby. Prices on medications vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. A little leg work can save you money each month.

• Inquire about senior discounts. Many seniors will say one of the best things about being a senior citizen is the numerous discounts available on everything from hotels to restaurants to movie admissions. However, if you don’t ask about a possible discount, you probably won’t be told. Some credit card companies even lower the interest rates for senior citizens, a discount that could save you more money than the rest of the discounts combined.

While discounts can be great, it’s also important not to just accept the senior discount as the best offer out there. For example, a senior discount on an airline flight might seem like a great deal, but might not look so great when compared to the host of online booking Web sites that offer far bigger discounts. Before you make any big- ticket purchases, be it for travel or anything else that has a price tag in the hundreds or thousands of dollars, be sure to shop around. Just because some retailer offers a senior discount doesn’t make it the best deal out there.

• Avoid using credit if possible. Many retirees discover in retirement that they spend more than they ever thought they would before they retired. This is due to several factors, from having more free time to spend and shop to having more leisure to pursue activities that can be expensive. Also, many seniors love to travel, which is almost always expensive. If you find yourself spending more than you thought you would, avoid using credit when making purchases. Using credit too much can lead to large interest charges, especially if a medical emergency arises and you don’t pay the balance in full by the due date. While it’s a good feeling to spend all that money you saved during your working years, it’s better to avoid spending so much of it on interest fees. FP085775

 

Learning to live on a fixed income is a key element to enjoying retirement.
Women Can Feel Younger And More Vivacious, Naturally

(MS) — With 50 the new 40, and 40 the new 30, women are continually seeking ways to look and feel younger. In fact, anti-aging products are a billion-dollar industry. While age spot and wrinkle treatments do have merit, some women may fail to address the anti-aging issues for their bladder incontinence.

Women and even health professionals are not aware of how common a problem urinary incontinence can be. Women of all ages experience incontinence, ranging from slight leakage to larger accidents, due to a variety of reasons. These include side effects from medications, childbirth, surgery such as a hysterectomy, or the normal progress of aging.

Research indicates that involuntary urine loss affects at least 16 million American women, and the incidence increases dramatically as women age. There are three major types of bladder control issues: (1) leakage of small amounts of urine while you sneeze, cough or exercise; (2) leakage of large amounts of urine while you feel a sudden urge to urinate; and (3) frequent urination. Many women have mixed types of bladder control issues. These issues mostly happen to menopausal and post-menopausal women, but they can also occur in younger women after multiple childbirths. Hormone changes and the birthing process may weaken the tone and strength of the muscle systems that control the bladder functions.

For some, the condition doesn’t seem like a big problem. It’s just a “natural sign of aging,” what happens when “I laugh too hard,” or it’s just because “I have a small bladder.” But for many, urinary incontinence can be a debilitating condition, one that leaves them embarrassed or at the most extreme, homebound. It can cause sleep deprivation from rising to visit the bathroom frequently at night, impact employment, impact intimacy, limit active lifestyles, or lead to depression. In fact, 50 percent of women living in nursing homes are there because of incontinence. As one may imagine, this can negatively impact the quality of life well beyond just some annoyance. With the warmer seasons upon us, no woman wants to be stuck sitting at home due to incontinence.

Jennifer’s story is one of the typical cases told by women in their 50s to 60s:
“I am 59. My bladder started to bother me about 5 years ago. In the morning, when I drink a cup of coffee, I have to use the bathroom every 15 minutes afterward. At night, this problem disturbs my rest — I need to get up four or five times. I know every bathroom location in my neighborhood. You can bet I avoid long car trips at all costs. I waited and wished the problem could go away. But the reality is it is getting worse every year.”

In seeking a solution and preferring to steer clear of prescription drugs or more invasive treatments like potential surgery, Jennifer dis BetterWOMAN, a proprietary formula made of 20 natural Chinese herbs. It is the first clinically tested natural supplement shown effective in improving female bladder control. In a recent study of 45 American women, aged 34 to 74, the majority of women reported noticeable improvements after just 3 bottles (2 months) of BetterWOMAN. Some women even started to notice improvements within 10 days.

“I have been taking BetterWOMAN for a year now,” says Jennifer. “I sleep much, much better. I no longer worry when I sneeze or laugh. Plus, I can get out and play tennis again. I’m full of energy and feel I am 10 years younger! Really, BetterWOMAN is worth every penny to me.”

The product naturally improves blood circulation, promotes hormone balance and modulates neuromuscular functions, based on Traditional Chinese Medicine theory. It rejuvenates the tone and strength of muscle systems that control the bladder functions. The stronger the muscles, the better the bladder control. While there are no known side effects or medication interaction factors, pregnant or breastfeeding women should check with their doctor before beginning treatment.

Improved Energy, Youthfulness

Urinary incontinence is one of the common side effects of aging but there are some other conditions that can also be helped by making lifestyle changes and supplementing with BetterWOMAN. Typically, as women grow older, they notice a decrease in energy levels, sexual libido and vaginal lubrication. Too often, as in the case of urinary incontinence, women accept these side effects as natural and something they’ll need to adapt to and live with. However, long-term users of BetterWOMAN have reported benefits in addition to increased bladder control, including improvement in energy levels along with an increased sexual libido and vaginal lubrication. The supplements contribute to an overall healthy living plan which means some women also experience relief from the annoying symptoms of menopause. These benefits can be some of the best anti-aging effects that can make a woman feel 10 to 20 year younger.

For more information on the natural ways to manage incontinence and the benefits of BetterWOMAN toward general women’s health, visit www.BetterWOMANnow.com. Or call toll free 888-686-2698. TF084713

 


A whole-body health makeover helps women to increase energy and feel younger.
What Most People Fear About Their Aging Bodies
New Series Shows How You Can Alleviate Common ‘Problems’

(MS) — Aging is something everyone around the world must face. Each year time ticks by and changes take place — some good, some less desirable.
Certain common fears arise over and over in studies conducted about the fear of aging. But thanks to simple steps most people can take, quality of life doesn’t have to be compromised just because there are a few extra candles on your birthday cake.

Common Fears Assuaged
1. Memory loss: “I’m afraid that one day I will wake up and have little memory of the people around me or won’t be able to remember what I watched on TV a few hours earlier,” says Susan, 65. “I don’t want to end up being put in a home because I cannot be trusted to care for myself.

According to a study conducted by Elizabeth L. Glisky, Ph.D., Susan R. Rubin, M.A. and Patrick S. R. Davidson, M.A., researchers from the University of Arizona, memory loss is not an inevitable part of aging. Despite the stereotypes of seniors walking around aimlessly because they cannot remember anything, the study has found that only some people over 65 suffer greater losses in “source (contextual) memory” than in memory for facts and items. Source memory is memory for the broad contextual aspects surrounding an event, such as who was speaking, or whether you learned something from a book or TV.

Solutions:

• Get writing: Write things down to reinforce memory.

• Make associations: Put medications next to breakfast cereals so you remember to take them.

• Challenge yourself: Do puzzles or other challenging games to help boost brainpower.

• Pay full attention to tasks at hand: Supposed memory loss may really be the result of being distracted.

2. Urinary Incontinence: “I fear that the incontinence issues I’m beginning to have will get worse and that soon my quality of life and freedom will be greatly compromised,” says Bill, 57.

Roughly 33 million Americans have urinary incontinence issues. This can happen both to men and women of all ages, but bladder problems have higher occurrence with advanced age. Frequent trips to the bathroom are bothersome and can impede sleep schedules and quality of life. Incontinence can be the result of illness, medications, childbirth or problems of the urinary system. While it’s common for older adults, it’s not a problem exclusive to the elderly.

Solutions:

• Dietary changes: Some foods and beverages can be harder on the bladder than others. Citrus fruits, carbonated beverages and coffee are some of the more common offenders. A doctor may be able to suggest changes to your diet to improve health.

• Behavioral modifications: These may include Kegels, which are exercises designed to strengthen the pelvic floor; and other techniques such as bladder retraining, a behavioral technique that involves scheduling bathroom visits and gradually increasing the time between urination.

• Supplementation: BetterWOMAN and BetterMAN are proprietary formulas made from a blend of natural Chinese herbs and are supplements based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. The products naturally improve blood circulation, promote hormone balance and modulate neuromuscular functions. Studies have shown that the majority of users saw improved control within two months of taking the supplements. Circulation improvement and rejuvenation of muscle tone are also improvements from BetterWOMAN and BetterMAN. The stronger the muscles, the better the bladder control. To learn more, visit www.BetterWOMANnow.com or www.BetterMANnow.com or call 1-888-686-2698.

3. Lack of mobility: “I don’t want to end up a couch potato because my legs just don’t want to work as well as they used to,” says Barbara, 72.

One of the biggest fears seniors have is a lack of independence. This can stem from reduced mobility, whether trouble walking or a decision to give up driving. While certain impairments to motor function may be a result of illness or injury, in general, a healthy senior may be his or her own worst enemy when it comes to mobility issues. That’s because regular exercise and a balanced diet is essential to maintaining proper fitness.

Solutions:

• Watch your diet: If you’re on a special diet (for example, diabetic) maintain that diet. Eating the right foods will stave off excess weight gain, reduce the chances for edema and give you the fuel to make it through each day.

• Exercise: Check with your doctor about a fitness plan. If you want to start slowly, simply taking a walk each day (indoors or outside depending upon weather), and building up your distance can maintain a healthy heart and improve muscle tone.

• Supplementation: Bone loss and other skeletal problems may be the culprits behind mobility issues. Calcium supplementation and other suggestions from a doctor or pharmacist may be able to help. TF083558

Fitness After 50 - World's Fastest Over-50 Runner Teaches Boomers How To Get Active

(MS) — While the X and Y generations are at home uploading their iPods and arguing the merits/disadvantages to Nintendo's Wii or Sony's latest Playstation incarnation, a different generation of people are steering clear of the couch potato mentality and becoming more physically active.

Folks over 50 are the fastest-growing segment of the fitness population, say recent reports. There are several reasons behind this trend. Most Baby Boomers don't want to feel "old‚" as they grow older. So, they're putting an emphasis on cultivating a greater quality of life in a number of ways. In addition to establishing financial security and acquiring the creature comforts they couldn't afford in their youth, the 50+ set is also focusing in on physical health — making it a top priority.

"A lot of the problems once believed to be associated with aging, like aches, pains, fatigue, and lack of strength, really aren't side effects of getting older … they're from disuse of the body‚" says Bill Collins, 57, a master sprinter and world's fastest human for his age. "I am a prime example of how you can be in the best shape of your life while getting older. On the track, I've beat my best times from when I was 30 years younger."
Collins has won 91 American Masters crowns at the USA Masters Track and Field Championships as well as 18 World Track Championship titles as a master sprinter. His 33 world records in the 100 meters, 200 meters and 400 meters make him the fastest runner alive for his age. "By remaining physically active, and doing the right activities for the body — in ways that are age appropriate — other silver-haired people can enjoy a better quality of life, too," says Collins.

Collins' Tips to Getting Active

1. Fitness centers: "You probably won't step into a gym and hear them pumping The Grateful Dead or Motown favorites through the sound system, these days," says Collins, "but gyms are doing a lot to cater to the over-50 crowd." Many gyms are refocusing attention from the hard-body athletes to the "everyday people" who desire a natural, healthy body. Through this, gyms are attracting a greater percentage of Boomer clientele. Several fitness center ad campaigns are targeted toward Boomers, and fitness instructors are being schooled in the ways older adults should be reintroduced to a fitness routine. "With these changes in place, hitting the gym can be a great way to get back into shape‚" says Collins.

2. Determine your physical age: Fitness instructors should help you tailor a program right for your level of ability. Your "physical age" may not be the same as your chronological one, and workouts should be based on your physical ability. "If you've been out of the fitness loop for a while, you'll want to build up gradually to the fitness level you desire‚" offers Collins. "I suggest slower warm-ups and routines that focus on long-term consistency and building stamina."

3. Performance Wear: Even though aches and pains aren't necessarily the result of aging, suffice it to say that a 50-year-old's body has a few more miles on it than someone in his or her 30s. Therefore, it's important to support joints and muscles to reduce the chance of injury while working out, regardless of activity. "I'm never without CW-X® Conditioning Wear® when I'm on the track," says Collins. In fact, by wearing his signature CW-X tights, and due to his record holding speed, Collins is affectionately known as "Superman‚" in some running circles. CW-X Conditioning Wear, tops and tights, features a patented Conditioning Web™ that cradles muscles and joints, protecting them from jarring impact and injury. Apparel even features UPF 50+ sun protection, nanotechnology fabrics that maintain core body temperature in colder conditions or wick away moisture to keep the skin dry and comfortable, and antimicrobial fiber technology to reduce odors. All of this technology allows fitness enthusiasts of all ages to maximize their performance. CW-X performance wear is not just for running, Collins even wears it while hiking and biking. Visit www.cw-x.com to learn more about fitness apparel.

4. Clue-in your doctor: Don't forget to run your fitness regimen by your doctor before beginning. He or she can point out activities that may be helpful (or harmful) for your condition. "I know it sounds cliché, but definitely check with your doctor before jumping into physical activity. You don't want to risk injury that will sideline you for weeks or months," warns Collins. If exercising ever causes you to have excessive shortness of breath, light-headedness or difficulty with balance, stop and consult your doctor. TF083536

 


Bill Collins (foreground) pulls ahead of the competition.
Aging Healthily Not A Mystery

(MS) — Whether it’s fruitful or not, people tend to worry more about their health as they age. For some, the worrying can be productive, forcing them to overhaul a lifestyle that might not be healthy. For others, the worrying might only compound existing problems.

While it’s understandable and necessary to focus more on health as the aging process progresses, taking care of oneself and aging healthily doesn’t have to be as hard as it seems. Instead, having an understanding of the human body and what happens to it as it ages can go a long way toward maintaining a healthy lifestyle well into one’s golden years.

Whenever health comes into question, the first thing to cross most people’s minds is their diet. Dietary changes are necessary as we get older for a variety of reasons.

• Shifting energy levels: One of the foremost reasons diet changes are needed as we age is the loss of energy that comes with age. Because the body’s energy levels decrease over time, fewer calories are needed to function on a daily basis. If caloric intake is not reduced as we age, weight gain and other negative physical consequences can result.

• Weakening bones: Dietary changes are also necessary to defend oneself against injuries that can result from bones weakening as the body ages. As we get older, bones begin to lose mineral content, making them more susceptible to breaks and other injuries. In addition, the body is more susceptible to osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become brittle and fragile, as it ages. Calcium can help prevent injuries to bones and osteoporosis, emphasizing the importance of making calcium a part of your daily diet.

• Shift in production: Ever wonder why a middle-aged man can eat the same diet as a young man but the physical evidence (namely the difference in body type) will not indicate this to be true? This is because as a body ages it begins producing more body fat and less muscle. This means reducing the amount of fat in your diet as you age and exercising more to combat the reduction in muscle tissue production is necessary. It’s best to consult a physician for any specific dietary changes, but in general reducing fat intake while including more protein in your diet is a good start toward combating the production shift that takes place as the body ages.

Another thing to expect as you age is changes to your cardiovascular system. The most noticeable change is the heart loses some of its efficiency with respect to pumping blood. Part of that loss of efficiency is due to blood vessels losing some of their elasticity, making it harder for blood to be pumped. With the heart now working harder to do the same job it’s been doing for years, certain changes must be made to reduce stress on the heart. One is reducing fat intake. Someone who has a diet high in fat runs the very dangerous risk of having fatty deposits form on their artery walls, stiffening those walls as a result while increasing blood pressure and making it even harder for the heart to pump blood. This is another reason to reduce fat intake as you age.

While much of the discussion thus far has focused on ways to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight, many people, particularly the elderly, find themselves underweight as they get older. Unbeknownst to many, being underweight can be just as damaging as being overweight.
Perhaps the biggest risk you run when being underweight is associated with turning a cold or other short-term illness into a much bigger problem. Keeping a healthy weight helps ensure that your body is resilient, fully capable of handling some ailments, such as cold or flu, that can afflict anyone, regardless of age. Being underweight lessens your energy reserves, meaning you won’t be able to bounce back as quickly should you get the flu or a cold. Sometimes, you might not be able to bounce back at all, leading to permanent disability or, in some cases, death.

For those who are underweight, be sure to eat three meals a day. Underweight people can find that finishing a meal is tough. If you’re in that boat, this is okay, but make sure you eat the highest calorie foods on the plate first. If you need to leave anything on the plate, don’t leave the items that will help you get back to a healthy weight. TF082439

 

Daily exercise, regardless of age, is one way to ensure the aging process is a graceful one.
   
Over 60? Feel Like 40 Again When You Fight Free Radicals

(MS) — While people may try to fight the hands of time, growing older is an inevitable process. As people age, certain physical and cosmetic changes take place. But while growing older might be a fact of life, feeling older doesn't have to be.

One of the most common ways in which people feel older is fatigue, which can rob the country's aging citizens of the active lifestyle many have grown accustomed to. For some, fatigue is merely accepted, seen largely as unavoidable. However, as more people are finding out, aging and fatigue need not go hand in hand.

Contrary to popular belief, increasing feelings of fatigue are a reflection of a person's health, not their age. That's due in large part to mitochondria, which are tiny compartments inside individual cells. Responsible for converting oxygen and food to energy, mitochondria determine how quickly a person ages or gets sick. Therefore, if mitochondria wear down, energy levels decrease, and the aging process is accelerated.

What's important for many people, young and old, to realize is that mitochondrial function can be maintained regardless of age. In other words, fatigue doesn't have to be a part of getting older, and aging doesn't have to be a study in energy loss.

Reduce Your Risk of Cancer, Diabetes and Heart Disease
More than 50 million adults in the United States alone suffer from diseases in which mitochondrial dysfunction is involved. These diseases are often debilitating, and can include cancer, diabetes, and heart disease among others. However, mitochondrial dysfunction does not always cause a stir among patients or doctors because it is not a direct cause of disease, but rather a contributor or side effect. In addition, the effects of mitochondrial dysfunction, such as fatigue, are often mistaken as accepted signs of the aging process.

But as recent research has shown, mitochondrial function can be maintained well into older adulthood, helping to decelerate the aging process. One way to both maintain and restore mitochondrial function is with a dietary supplement such as Rejuvacore-NT. Rejuvacore-NT restores lost metabolism and nutrient absorption, eliminating two common contributors to fatigue.

Maintain and Restore Cell Function … And Turn Back The Clock
Scientists have long accepted the notion that many chronic debilitating diseases are the result of damage to cell membranes. Such damage is often caused by free radicals. A younger body has the ability to combat these radicals through the production of enzymes and proteins that act as anti-oxidants. However, as a person ages, cells often lose the ability to combat these free radicals. That can be due to a number of reasons, from poor diet to increased stress levels as people get older. What's more, as cell membranes begin to deteriorate at the hands of free radicals, the process only escalates, increasing in frequency and accumulation. Such a rapid deterioration lends credence to such statements as, "She aged overnight!"

What supplements like Rejuvacore-NT do is restore lost membrane vitality, essentially reversing the aging process. In a process researchers referred to as "Lipid Replacement Therapy," healthy cell components replace dehydrated and deteriorated membranes. In as little as eight weeks, a University of California study found, a typical 70-year-old had regained a level of membrane activity typical for that of a young adult. Moderately fatigued subjects experienced an increase in mitochondrial function ranging between 15 to 27 percent after taking the supplement for 4 to 8 weeks. Furthermore, use of the supplement for 12 weeks revealed even further restoration of function, while those who were taken off the supplement experienced a gradual reduction in mitochondrial function in the weeks following. Such findings, researchers noted, suggest the continued use of the supplement is not only necessary to maintain mitochondrial function, but can lead to further restoration of functionas well.

To learn more about Rejuvacore-NT and receive a risk-free, 30-day in-home trial from the company, contact them through a special toll-free number 1-866-753-6129 and mention offer code VYD1. HM081381

 



Thanks to advancements in medicine, seniors no longer need to accept fatigue as a symptom of aging.