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37735392 - geriatric care with nurse and happy senior woman in a wheelchairPeople are living longer, so it is more important than ever to increase the quality while boosting the quantity of life. By 2020, the US Census Bureau projects life expectancy will reach 79.5 years (compared to 70.8 years in 1970). With this in mind, it becomes more important than ever to prevent or delay the onset of age-related disease and decline.

Although time is not always kind to the human body, many adults can be healthy and active well into their advancing years – if they make the right choices and have some luck.
We are just beginning to learn the possible impacts of antioxidants, calorie restriction and hormone supplements. Research is needed to learn more.

One thing that is clear, according to the National Institute on Aging, is that the best approach is to adopt a healthy diet and engage in regular, vigorous physical activity.

Here are their recommendations…

DO
• Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Exercise at least 30 minutes daily with aerobic exercises to make the heart and arteries healthier.
• Stretch to relieve stiffness and keep joints flexible.
• Talk to your doctor about any health problems or any changes in activities or medicines that you want to make.
• Get the shingles virus if you’ve ever had chickenpox.
• Brush teeth twice daily to prevent plaque buildup.
• See an eye doctor or hearing specialist if vision or hearing loss arises.
• Evaluate the increased risk factors for some diseases due to race or family history.
• Find out about the side effects of any medicines you take to lower your chances of falling.
• Get enough sleep.
• Inspect the home and remove tripping hazards.
• Get your blood pressure checked often.
• Check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• Get at least 1,000 mg of calcium every day to keep bones strong.
• Participate in hobbies and other social and leisure pursuits.

DON’T
• Drink alcohol or caffeine to excess.
• Smoke.
• Add salt to foods.
• Sit more than necessary.
• Spend more time than necessary outdoors under sunlight that can eventually lead to melanoma.
• Ignore health problems like incontinence or urinary tract infections.
• Ignore signs of mental decline or confusion that could be early stage Alzheimer’s.

These are just a few of the tips NIA recommends for those wanting to live meaningful, productive lives for as long as possible.

To learn more about Regency, call us at (256) 852-0033.