Boomer basics: Easy and affordable tips to maintain an active, safe and healthy lifestyle

[January 03, 2012]  (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:

* 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.

* 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.
 

Archived columns