How to Live Better Longer
All seniors want to live better, of course, but most of us want to live longer only if our quality of life is a good one. This area explores some of the ways that should help you have a better quality of life as you age and directs you to resources that will assist you to do so.
Living longer is not always better if your quality of life is not a good one
Medical advances allow people to live longer lives but longer, in many cases, is not better. Unfortunately, in many instances, it is not easy to die well and countless people suffer needlessly at the end of their lives. This suffering also affects their loved ones and friends.
There are many ways to avoid this difficult and heartbreaking situation and end of life planning is one of them. Talk with your family about your wishes. Talk with your attorney about the legal documents necessary to execute. Discuss your wishes with your spiritual advisors. Discuss hospice and even locate hospice choices prior to need of their services.
Remember that quality of life is important but so is quality of death. You should be the one to determine both, and you can only do so by planning ahead. When you approach end of life you should be allowed to “die gently” with every medication possible administered to keep you comfortable.
For more information read: The Best Care Possible: A Physician’s Quest to Transform Care Through the End of Life and What Really Matters, 7 Lessons for Living from the Stories of the Dying.
Check the Lifespan Calculator to estimate out how many years you may live in retirement.
There are many ways to avoid this difficult and heartbreaking situation and end of life planning is one of them. Talk with your family about your wishes. Talk with your attorney about the legal documents necessary to execute. Discuss your wishes with your spiritual advisors. Discuss hospice and even locate hospice choices prior to need of their services.
Remember that quality of life is important but so is quality of death. You should be the one to determine both, and you can only do so by planning ahead. When you approach end of life you should be allowed to “die gently” with every medication possible administered to keep you comfortable.
For more information read: The Best Care Possible: A Physician’s Quest to Transform Care Through the End of Life and What Really Matters, 7 Lessons for Living from the Stories of the Dying.
Check the Lifespan Calculator to estimate out how many years you may live in retirement.
Using "the Arts" to Promote Health Aging
From a New York Times article by Jane E. Brody
Throughout the country, the arts are pumping new life into the bodies and minds of the elderly. A study sponsored by the N.E.A. showed that when older people become involved in culturally enriching programs, they experience a decline in depression, are less likely to fall and pay fewer visits to the doctor. In another study among people with Alzheimer’s disease, a sculpting program improved the participants’ mood and decreased their agitation even after the program ended. The arts open people up, giving them new vehicles for self-expression, a chance to tell their stories. The programs capitalize on assets that remain, not on what’s been lost.
A remarkable documentary called “Alive Inside” showed how much music can do for the most vulnerable older Americans, especially those whose memories and personalities are dimmed by dementia. At a nursing home, a man named George with advanced dementia refused to speak or even raise his head when asked his name. He was outfitted with an iPod, and suddenly George came back to life, talking freely, wiggling to the music in his wheelchair and singing along with the songs he once loved.
To read the entire New York Times article click here
Throughout the country, the arts are pumping new life into the bodies and minds of the elderly. A study sponsored by the N.E.A. showed that when older people become involved in culturally enriching programs, they experience a decline in depression, are less likely to fall and pay fewer visits to the doctor. In another study among people with Alzheimer’s disease, a sculpting program improved the participants’ mood and decreased their agitation even after the program ended. The arts open people up, giving them new vehicles for self-expression, a chance to tell their stories. The programs capitalize on assets that remain, not on what’s been lost.
A remarkable documentary called “Alive Inside” showed how much music can do for the most vulnerable older Americans, especially those whose memories and personalities are dimmed by dementia. At a nursing home, a man named George with advanced dementia refused to speak or even raise his head when asked his name. He was outfitted with an iPod, and suddenly George came back to life, talking freely, wiggling to the music in his wheelchair and singing along with the songs he once loved.
To read the entire New York Times article click here
Palliative Care
Palliative care has been thought of as only for older patients with terminal illnesses prior to their entering into a hospice program; however palliative care is now focused on providing patients relief from pain and stress and to improve their quality of life. Although Palliative care can help patients of all ages it is particularly helpful for older Americans. It can be provided at the same time as curative medical treatment and helps patients cope with the side effects of both their disease as well as their treatment for specific disease. It helps patients and their families make medical and life decisions and better understand the patient's condition and the treatment they are undergoing.
Many hospitals now provide palliative care programs and others have created outpatient clinics to help patients handle and even prevent crises. These programs often help avoid trips to the ER and make patents more comfortable physically and mentally at home or in a non-hospital environment.
Examples of palliative care:
Stroke
HI 81.3
MS 75
MN 81.1
WV 75.4
CA 80.8
AL 75.4
VT 80.5
LA 75.7
MA 80.5
OK 75.9
Many hospitals now provide palliative care programs and others have created outpatient clinics to help patients handle and even prevent crises. These programs often help avoid trips to the ER and make patents more comfortable physically and mentally at home or in a non-hospital environment.
Examples of palliative care:
Stroke
- Symptoms include loss of memory, speech, use of limbs and visual impairments.
- Treatment includes depression and/or anger therapy and counseling/explanation to assist the patient understand the recovery process and the time frames involved.
- Symptoms include swollen feet and ankles usually coupled with breathing problems.
- Treatments include lymphatic draining to reduce leg swelling and pain.
- Symptoms include confusion and worry about treatment decisions and associated pain, nausea, loss of hair, etc.
- Treatment includes counseling and help with eating problems, fatigue and mental anguish during chemo and radiation.
HI 81.3
MS 75
MN 81.1
WV 75.4
CA 80.8
AL 75.4
VT 80.5
LA 75.7
MA 80.5
OK 75.9
Companionship
Many of our visitors have told us they are seeking people in their age demographic with similar interests to join them at social events or for occasional dinners and functions.
SeniorMatch focuses on users over 50 years of age and is the largest site of its kind serving boomers and older Americans. Their database allows you to connect with hundreds of thousands of singles who are seeking someone to share their experiences from casual companionship to serious relationships. It is totally free to place your profile and start connecting online.
Click for more information on SeniorMatch.
SeniorMatch focuses on users over 50 years of age and is the largest site of its kind serving boomers and older Americans. Their database allows you to connect with hundreds of thousands of singles who are seeking someone to share their experiences from casual companionship to serious relationships. It is totally free to place your profile and start connecting online.
Click for more information on SeniorMatch.
Living Longer
According to most research, if you wish to prolong your life, you should increase your physical activity. Those who are physically fit are projected to live 8 years longer than those who are not according to Jarett Berry , a cardiologist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. This is based on an analysis of 1,765 men and women who had physical examinations performed during the 1970s and 1980s at the Cooper Institute.
Take 10 minutes to view a video that could save and extend your life prepared by noted physician Dr. Mike Evans. Click here.
Take 10 minutes to view a video that could save and extend your life prepared by noted physician Dr. Mike Evans. Click here.
Physical activity and health
This report also indicated the importance of physical activity in maintaining overall health. The findings also indicated the combination of being physically fit, not smoking and having low blood pressure was an excellent predictor of longevity
National guidelines recommended Americans get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times a week or 20 minutes of intense physical activity three times a week to maintain fitness and health..
Research has shown that controlling a combination of risk factors—including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, smoking and diet is the most effective way of extending life.
In the great majority of cases, regular exercise results in lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and lower blood sugars. According to the American Heart Association activities that qualify as moderate intensity exercise include:
National guidelines recommended Americans get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times a week or 20 minutes of intense physical activity three times a week to maintain fitness and health..
Research has shown that controlling a combination of risk factors—including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, smoking and diet is the most effective way of extending life.
In the great majority of cases, regular exercise results in lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and lower blood sugars. According to the American Heart Association activities that qualify as moderate intensity exercise include:
- walking at a brisk pace
- mowing the lawn with a power mower
- ballroom dancing
- doubles tennis
Happy People Live Longer and Better
A review of more than 160 studies of human and animal subjects has found "clear and compelling evidence" that -- all else being equal -- happy people tend to live longer and experience better health than their unhappy peers.
"We reviewed eight different types of studies," Diener said. "And the general conclusion from each type of study is that your subjective well-being -- that is, feeling positive about your life, not stressed out, not depressed -- contributes to both longevity and better health among healthy populations."
Laboratory experiments on humans have found that positive moods reduce stress-related hormones, increase immune function and promote the speedy recovery of the heart after exertion. In other studies, marital conflicts and high hostility in married couples were associated with slow wound healing and a poorer immune response.
"I was almost shocked and certainly surprised to see the consistency of the data," Diener said. "All of these different kinds of studies point to the same conclusion: that health and then longevity in turn are influenced by our mood states."
"Happiness is no magic bullet," he said. "But the evidence is clear and compelling that it changes your odds of getting disease or dying young."
Current health recommendations focus on four things: avoid obesity, eat right, don't smoke, and exercise. It may be time to add 'be happy and avoid chronic anger and depression' to the list."
From an article in Science Daily (Mar. 1, 2011)
"We reviewed eight different types of studies," Diener said. "And the general conclusion from each type of study is that your subjective well-being -- that is, feeling positive about your life, not stressed out, not depressed -- contributes to both longevity and better health among healthy populations."
Laboratory experiments on humans have found that positive moods reduce stress-related hormones, increase immune function and promote the speedy recovery of the heart after exertion. In other studies, marital conflicts and high hostility in married couples were associated with slow wound healing and a poorer immune response.
"I was almost shocked and certainly surprised to see the consistency of the data," Diener said. "All of these different kinds of studies point to the same conclusion: that health and then longevity in turn are influenced by our mood states."
"Happiness is no magic bullet," he said. "But the evidence is clear and compelling that it changes your odds of getting disease or dying young."
Current health recommendations focus on four things: avoid obesity, eat right, don't smoke, and exercise. It may be time to add 'be happy and avoid chronic anger and depression' to the list."
From an article in Science Daily (Mar. 1, 2011)
How Patients Really Can Help Heal Themselves
Wall Street Journal by Llaura Landro
The key to better health is being more actively involved in your own care.
New tools make that a lot more likely.
It's the last mile in the race to fix health care—getting patients more involved. Hospitals, doctors and public-health officials are pushing patients to keep track of their medical data, seek preventive care and stay on top of chronic conditions. They're measuring how motivated patients are to manage their own health and adopting a wide range of strategies to help them do better, a concept known as patient engagement.
President Truman and health
Harry Truman was a brisk walker an exemplified why this type of exercise is worthwhile.
Truman's favorite form of exercise was walking; early each morning he got up and circled the White House at such a brisk pace that reporters and Secret Service men found it difficult to keep up with him. These walks continued during Truman's retirement.. He was reported to have said "Brisk walking is my only exercise and is keeping me fit." He lived a long and health life and used a cane for his walks as he approached 85.
Take Vitamin D
Physicians now agree that taking a vitamin D supplement (600 international units) is beneficial to maintaining strong bone health as well as helping to prevent many chronic health problems including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, prostate, breast and colon cancers, auto-immune diseases, infections, depression and even cognitive decline.
People over the age of 50 are at an increased risk for vitamin D insufficiency as when people age their skin is less efficient in synthesizing the vitamin and their kidneys are less able to convert it to its active hormone form.
Get a dog Get a Cat
Studies have shown that the relationship that often develops between an older person and their furry family member not only improves the quality of life, but extends life as well.
Visit here for information on getting a dog or a cat and the joy they will bring into your life.
Keep Active & Eat Better (the right diet)
Research has shown that keeping active (physically and mentally), eating healthy, and taking care of your body by not smoking, not drinking excessively, and not eating too much are all contributing factors to quality of life. Diets low in sodium and fats and high in fruits and vegetables, particularly those high in fiber and antioxidants, help many people live longer; in some cases, limiting caffeine intake does likewise. We have read that people who regularly drink red wine or regularly eat certain kinds of fish live longer, healthier lives.
Deciding what to eat and what not to eat is difficult with so many conflicting studies. Below under dietary guidelines you will find some recent information along these lines that we hope is not too confusing. I, for one, have been eating this way for some time now: The right fish with a dish of tomatoes, and washing it down with a glass of red wine is both health and satisfying.
A number of studies and research recently conducted suggest that eating certain kinds of fish is inversely related to the risks of stroke and heart attacks. Even if you eat fish as little as two or three times a month you may get some protection. Fish like tuna reduces the risk of coronary heart disease because of its content of omega-3 fatty acids. On the other hand, fish like swordfish, orange roughy, red snapper, shark, and mackerel often have high mercury levels that can cause other medical problems.
Foods that contain lycopene, like tomatoes, help to reduce the risk of developing arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease, according to some research, and also help with LDL cholesterol. Still other research has shown that drinking red wine in moderation decreases the production of a protein that causes blood vessels to reduce the flow of oxygen to the heart.
Take just 10 minutes to save your life… and enjoy a better quality of life. Click here to view information and a video from Dr. Mike Evans. (This is not an ad but informative information)
The key to better health is being more actively involved in your own care.
New tools make that a lot more likely.
It's the last mile in the race to fix health care—getting patients more involved. Hospitals, doctors and public-health officials are pushing patients to keep track of their medical data, seek preventive care and stay on top of chronic conditions. They're measuring how motivated patients are to manage their own health and adopting a wide range of strategies to help them do better, a concept known as patient engagement.
President Truman and health
Harry Truman was a brisk walker an exemplified why this type of exercise is worthwhile.
Truman's favorite form of exercise was walking; early each morning he got up and circled the White House at such a brisk pace that reporters and Secret Service men found it difficult to keep up with him. These walks continued during Truman's retirement.. He was reported to have said "Brisk walking is my only exercise and is keeping me fit." He lived a long and health life and used a cane for his walks as he approached 85.
Take Vitamin D
Physicians now agree that taking a vitamin D supplement (600 international units) is beneficial to maintaining strong bone health as well as helping to prevent many chronic health problems including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, prostate, breast and colon cancers, auto-immune diseases, infections, depression and even cognitive decline.
People over the age of 50 are at an increased risk for vitamin D insufficiency as when people age their skin is less efficient in synthesizing the vitamin and their kidneys are less able to convert it to its active hormone form.
Get a dog Get a Cat
Studies have shown that the relationship that often develops between an older person and their furry family member not only improves the quality of life, but extends life as well.
Visit here for information on getting a dog or a cat and the joy they will bring into your life.
Keep Active & Eat Better (the right diet)
Research has shown that keeping active (physically and mentally), eating healthy, and taking care of your body by not smoking, not drinking excessively, and not eating too much are all contributing factors to quality of life. Diets low in sodium and fats and high in fruits and vegetables, particularly those high in fiber and antioxidants, help many people live longer; in some cases, limiting caffeine intake does likewise. We have read that people who regularly drink red wine or regularly eat certain kinds of fish live longer, healthier lives.
Deciding what to eat and what not to eat is difficult with so many conflicting studies. Below under dietary guidelines you will find some recent information along these lines that we hope is not too confusing. I, for one, have been eating this way for some time now: The right fish with a dish of tomatoes, and washing it down with a glass of red wine is both health and satisfying.
A number of studies and research recently conducted suggest that eating certain kinds of fish is inversely related to the risks of stroke and heart attacks. Even if you eat fish as little as two or three times a month you may get some protection. Fish like tuna reduces the risk of coronary heart disease because of its content of omega-3 fatty acids. On the other hand, fish like swordfish, orange roughy, red snapper, shark, and mackerel often have high mercury levels that can cause other medical problems.
Foods that contain lycopene, like tomatoes, help to reduce the risk of developing arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease, according to some research, and also help with LDL cholesterol. Still other research has shown that drinking red wine in moderation decreases the production of a protein that causes blood vessels to reduce the flow of oxygen to the heart.
Take just 10 minutes to save your life… and enjoy a better quality of life. Click here to view information and a video from Dr. Mike Evans. (This is not an ad but informative information)
Useful Links
The National Society of Genetic Counselors has a data base to help you find a genetic counselor in your area: click here..
The American Academy of Family Physicians provides a list of recommendations for staying healthy.Click here.
Click here for physician information, pharmacy information to locate forms and mental health clinicians..
Go to Healthgrades.com to find a physican, dentist or hospital in your area. This site even lists physicians by specialty.. Once you have selected a hospital based on this rating system you may pay $9.95 for a more detailed report.
A recent study found that a regular exercise program (30 minutes of physical activity at least 3 days a week) can reduce your risk of dying n the next 8 years by 40%. Of course the genes you are born with are also a major contributing factor.
Information and longevity experts are quoted to help you live longer and better on this site: www.longevityalliance.com
The American Academy of Family Physicians provides a list of recommendations for staying healthy.Click here.
Click here for physician information, pharmacy information to locate forms and mental health clinicians..
Go to Healthgrades.com to find a physican, dentist or hospital in your area. This site even lists physicians by specialty.. Once you have selected a hospital based on this rating system you may pay $9.95 for a more detailed report.
A recent study found that a regular exercise program (30 minutes of physical activity at least 3 days a week) can reduce your risk of dying n the next 8 years by 40%. Of course the genes you are born with are also a major contributing factor.
Information and longevity experts are quoted to help you live longer and better on this site: www.longevityalliance.com
Dietary Guidelines
Diets that include at least ten servings of fruits and vegetables per day might help prevent age-related damage to cells. Fruits and veggies, the more colorful the better, contain protective substances that might help ward off diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Most longevity experts recommend cutting down on fatty, salty foods. Go for lean meats, poultry, and fish, as well as a wide variety of fresh fruits, veggies, and whole-grain foods.
The U.S. advisory panel revamping the government’s dietary guidelines now recommends that Americans eat at least three cups of dark green vegetables, like broccoli or spinach; two cups of orange vegetables, like carrots and squash; three cups of legumes, like lentils and chickpeas; six cups of starchy vegetables like potatoes, corn, and green beans; and seven cups of other vegetables, like tomatoes, onions, and lettuce per week.
As to losing weight the panel wrote, “The healthiest way to reduce calorie intake is to reduce one’s intake of added sugars, solid fat and alcohol—they all provide calories, but they do not provide essential nutrients.”
Living longer and having a better quality of life is a subject addressed by countless experts and non-experts alike. President Bill Clinton commented in his book My Life about a biology lesson at Georgetown University that stuck with him, and was later confirmed in a 2000 study. His professor claimed life was shortened by the body’s inability to absorb and dispose of food. He recommended greatly lowering the quantity of food eaten by older people.
The American Dietetic Association’s Web site, http://www.diet.com/store/facts/american-dietetic-association has a link for finding a nutrition professional. Also, to locate a registered dietitian in your area, ask your physician or call the consumer nutrition hot-line (800-366-1655) of the National Center for Nutrition and Dietetics.
Risk factors for heart disease. Cardiologists recommend that you should:
Medical Disclaimer: The information on these pages is not intended to substitute for the advice of a physician
The U.S. advisory panel revamping the government’s dietary guidelines now recommends that Americans eat at least three cups of dark green vegetables, like broccoli or spinach; two cups of orange vegetables, like carrots and squash; three cups of legumes, like lentils and chickpeas; six cups of starchy vegetables like potatoes, corn, and green beans; and seven cups of other vegetables, like tomatoes, onions, and lettuce per week.
As to losing weight the panel wrote, “The healthiest way to reduce calorie intake is to reduce one’s intake of added sugars, solid fat and alcohol—they all provide calories, but they do not provide essential nutrients.”
Living longer and having a better quality of life is a subject addressed by countless experts and non-experts alike. President Bill Clinton commented in his book My Life about a biology lesson at Georgetown University that stuck with him, and was later confirmed in a 2000 study. His professor claimed life was shortened by the body’s inability to absorb and dispose of food. He recommended greatly lowering the quantity of food eaten by older people.
The American Dietetic Association’s Web site, http://www.diet.com/store/facts/american-dietetic-association has a link for finding a nutrition professional. Also, to locate a registered dietitian in your area, ask your physician or call the consumer nutrition hot-line (800-366-1655) of the National Center for Nutrition and Dietetics.
Risk factors for heart disease. Cardiologists recommend that you should:
- Lower your cholesterol with proper diet, exercise, and medication if necessary
- Avoid abnormal obesity with proper diet and exercise Avoid depression
- Avoid excess stress
- Quit smoking
- Bring your blood pressure down
- Avoid diabetes; if you have it, make sure to treat it under doctor’s orders
Medical Disclaimer: The information on these pages is not intended to substitute for the advice of a physician