Live Longer and Love Every Minute

(ARA) – Today, Americans are living longer than ever before, enjoying more time for travel, family and hobbies. For today’s seniors and baby boomers looking to stay healthy and independent for years to come, practicing easy, proven healthy-living strategies can make a difference in their health and wallets. During these difficult economic times, just a little preventive health care can pay off and save money in the long run.

“You can take steps to prevent premature aging and to stay healthy as you get older,” says American Medical Association (AMA) President-elect Dr. J. James Rohack. “Healthy living and regular check-ups can help older patients focus on enjoying their lives instead of worrying about their health.”

The cost of making unhealthy lifestyle choices is staggering – both in terms of financial and human consequences. About 20 percent of those 65 and older who use Medicare for health coverage and have five or more chronic conditions, like diabetes and heart disease, see about 14 different physicians each year. Many of the associated costs can be reduced through preventive health care, early detection and treatment to avoid future complications and disability. Maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco use and risky drinking makes a huge difference in overall health and greatly reduces the risk for chronic conditions.

“It is never too late to start working toward a healthy lifestyle,” says Dr. Rohack. “Research shows that a healthy lifestyle can substantially reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke, as well as delay or stop the onset of type 2 diabetes. Quitting smoking at any age can improve circulation and lung function and greatly reduce cancer risks.”

Eating Right
Choosing the right foods is a major component of a healthy lifestyle. Healthy eating can help prevent and control many diseases, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, and improve your energy level. Many people think that this means going on a diet, but by making small changes over time, you can incorporate healthy habits into your normal routine. Aim to eat at least two cup-size portions each of fruit and vegetables daily, mostly whole grains, fish and other lean protein to get needed vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. Aim to eat smaller portions of foods high in sodium, sugar and saturated fat. Importantly, adults over 65 should incorporate added calcium and vitamin D to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Exercising Body and Brain
Regular exercise can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes, heart disease, some cancers and help relieve arthritis pain, anxiety and depression. It isn’t necessary to have a gym membership to get enough physical activity. For exercise, take a walk or ride a bike around the neighborhood. Swimming is also great exercise and easier on older patients’ joints. Gardening and playing with kids are also fun ways to be active. Muscle strengthening activities can also greatly benefit older adults to build muscle and strengthen bones. If you are over 50, check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Mental activity is just as important as physical activity. Activities like reading, playing cards, and doing crossword puzzles can keep your brain alert and responsive for the things you do every day like grocery shopping, cooking and handling finances. Staying mentally active may also lower the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease and help offset normal age-related decline in thinking skills.

Health Check-ups
Healthy habits are important, but don’t forget regular visits to the doctor for screenings and preventive care to help avoid chronic disorders in vision, hearing, bone density, cancer and obesity. Half of all American adults in 2005 did not receive recommended preventive care, including vaccinations, cancer screenings and blood-pressure checks. By getting a regular physical exam, a physician can catch health problems early on, treating them with efficiency and accuracy to maintain overall health. Healthier people spend less money on health care.

At age 50 it’s important to start annual exams for colorectal cancer, and men should have a prostate exam. Screenings for osteoporosis should start at age 60 for women who are underweight. It is also a good idea to keep a list of medications, including over-the-counter, herbal or nutritional supplements to bring to each doctor’s appointment to avoid any harmful interactions.

“Seventy-five percent of the total health care spending in the U.S. is linked to chronically ill patients,” says Dr. Rohack. “Many chronic health problems are preventable, and if we can help Americans live healthier, we can reduce disease and decrease health care spending. As the nation works to improve its overall health care system and get more value from our health care dollar, each person can help make a difference by taking steps to stay healthy as they age.”


Courtesy of ARAcontent