Healthy Aging

By 2030 there will be 71 million Americans older than 65 years of age. In the next 25 years the US population over the age of 65 will have doubled.
Poor nutrition and malnutrition occur in 15 to 50 percent of the elderly population. The symptoms are: weight loss, disorientation, lightheadedness, lethargy and loss of appetite. Often these symptoms are mistaken for an illness or disease. Thirty percent of the seniors skip one meal a day, 16% of the seniors consume less than 100 calories a day. Some of the common reasons for poor nutrition are: forgetfulness, financial burden, depression, dental problems, loneliness, frailty, decease in sensitivity, medications, transportation, or physical difficulty.
Some tips to help the elderly get proper nutrition: eat foods that are high in nutrition such as nuts, seeds, olive oil, brown rice, whole wheat bread, protein rich beans, legumes, meat and diary. Encourage your senior to eat healthy snacks. Oral health is essential to general health and well-being throughout one's life. Many seniors neglect their oral health needs due to Medicare not covering any oral health treatment.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of cancer, chronic disease and cardiovascular disease. Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, fiber and other substance that are important to good health. Five or more fruits and vegetables are the daily recommendation. Add fruits and vegetables to your regular diet as a snack. Choose foods lowest in calories, sugar, sodium, fat and cholesterol. Include a salad with your meals; include a lot of color to your salad to maximize the benefits. The best and healthiest thirst quencher is water. Water has many health benefits for you. Read the nutrition labels, sometimes what we think and what it is aren't the same. Healthier food choices can help us strengthen our immune system, manage symptoms more efficiently, prevent complications and feel more in control of our health.
Maintaining a healthy weight is a huge health benefit. Obesity is a risk factor for many chronic conditions, and can worsen conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, limits activity, and contributes to depression.
Eating regularly and eating something after you get up in the morning provides the body with the fuel it needs to function well throughout the day, and keeps you feeling energetic. The amount we eat each day will depend on many factors, such as; age, sex, body size, activity level and health needs.
Being physically active contributes substantially to healthy aging. Regular physical activity can help prevent or control many of the health problems that often reduce the quality and length of life for older adults.
Strength training is important to older adults, as it can provide relief from arthritis pain, improve balance and reduce risk of falling, strengthen bones and reduce blood glucose levels. Adults in the US tend to become less active as they age.
Exercise is a vital part to keep us living independent. Without mobility we loose our independence. Exercise can improve the quality of one's life and can also improve the length of one's life.
Take care of yourself - find ways to relax and unwind, this will help you reduce your stress level. Our bodies need sleep to feel our best, maintain a regular sleep pattern. Be sure to see your doctor for preventative check ups. Don't hesitate to ask questions, write your questions down so you are prepared when you go to see your doctor. The aging process is inevitable, how we choose to handle the changes through the process is up to us.

About the Author: Joanne Kanute is a Certified Master Life Coach, Certified Health & Wellness Coach, Certified Nutritional Consultant, and is certified in Fitness & Nutrition. Joanne also is a Master Certified Image Consultant. She is a member of the American Associate of Christian Counselors, Christian Coaching Alliance and Toastmasters. Joanne volunteers at Calvary Chapel bookstore, Pima Council on Aging as a certified/licensed leader of their Healthy Living Program and is a Health Coach volunteer for the Tucson Medical Center Senior Services. Joanne is a successful business owner, with 28 years of life coaching experience. Joanne's topics of interests are; How well is your Wellness Plan, Healthy Aging, 12- key Factors to Success and Sandwich Generation-Parenting your Parents. Her goal is to help people make the most of their choices in life and bring balance to your life. If you would like to contact Joanne for a speaking engagement or coaching sessions visit her website at www.unlimitedcreations.net or call 520-405-4587.