Boomer
basics: Easy and affordable tips to maintain an active, safe and
healthy lifestyle
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[October 01, 2011]
(ARA)
- Today's baby boomers are growing older gracefully. And although
more than 10,000 boomers each day will turn 65, most are not letting
their age stop them from maintaining active and healthy lifestyles.
Here are a few ways to ensure that you (or the ones you love) stay
healthy, active and safe:
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* Maintain
regular health screenings and immunizations. While it is
important to have regular check-ups with your family doctor,
it's equally important to monitor vitals more frequently.
Luckily, most local pharmacies offer free blood pressure and
cholesterol checks, as well as seasonal flu shots.
* Fight against falls. Falls are the most common cause of
hospital visits for those older than 65, according to the Home
Safety Council. To help prevent falls in the bathroom - while
maintaining stylish decor in your home - add new Grab Bars with
Integrated Accessories from Moen Home Care. These unique
products combine functional accessories, such as a shelf, towel
bar and toilet paper holder, with the safety of a grab bar.
* Travel safety. Once you've updated your own bathroom with
safety features, be sure that you are surrounded with these
safety devices when you're visiting others or on vacation.
Products such as the Suction Balance Assist Bar from Moen Home
Care offer a suction design that easily attaches directly to
smooth, flat surfaces for a firm, secure grip in danger zones -
and easily unlocks from the wall for convenient transport when
traveling.
* Ensure help is a call away. Cell phones are not just for
social uses, they are a valuable emergency response tool - and
they don't have to come with a pricey monthly bill. In fact,
plans are available for as low as $10 per month without a
contract to AARP members .
* Cease bad habits. Smokers will die 14 years sooner than
non-smokers, reports the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. No matter if you've been smoking for years or
decades, your body will be better off if you kick the habit.
* Instill healthy habits. Being healthy doesn't have to involve
major lifestyle changes. For example, swap high-fat or
high-calorie versions of your favorite foods with lower-fat,
lower-calorie versions. Or, stock your fridge with healthy
fruits and vegetables for snacks. These small diet changes can
make big differences in your overall health.
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* Boost your
activity levels. This doesn't mean running a marathon - but it does
mean getting your body moving. Walking, playing golf or any other
enjoyable activity that boosts your heart rate is a step in the
right direction.
* Keep your mind moving. Cognitive performance levels drop earlier
in countries that have younger retirement age, according to a study
published by the RAND Center for the Study of Aging and the
University of Michigan. But if you're no longer in the workforce -
don't fear. Just be sure to keep your brain busy by engaging in
activities that combine social, physical and intellectual
stimulation.
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