Welcome to my new newsletter, ELDER TALK.
I hope that you will take away some insight into the Aging process and tips on how to age successfully and in a healthy manner. I will attempt to discuss up-to-date information that will help you in your daily lives and methods of changing your lifestyle to include healthy habits, a recipe or two, a tidbit about life and some fun ... enjoy!
Aging Recent research has pointed out that every 10 years the number of people living to be over 100 years will double. That means by 2017 about 160,000 people will make it to the 100-plus stage of life and encompassing the fastest growing segment of our society by that date. All of this is based upon the number of baby boomers, 1 to 3 million of us to be exact, who will have a shot at getting a letter form the President of the United States. Experts also predict that one in 10 girls and one in 20 boys born today will live to see 100 ... hurrah for them! Why 100? One would think that with our increased technology, medical system, drugs, lifestyles and diet many people will reach the centenarian mark. Smoking, drinking and illicit drugs can be a detriment but many "old-timers" have stated that they wouldn't have gotten to be 100 or thereabouts without the drinking, smoking and frolicking! And then again, I know a man who is 100 years old and he said he did not have any vices. He never smoked, never drank, and never took another man's wife. Then he qualified this by saying that he had one vice. When I asked him what it was, he replied, "I lie a lot!" Vitamins Many of us take a multi-vitamin but is it this enough? If you eat a regular, healthy diet then yes, it may be enough. If you don't then the answer is no. Many of us aging people need extra vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants because of the diets we have eaten for most of our lives. That is, red meat, and heavy foods. For those of us who have given up red meat ... that is great but don't forget to get your protein in nuts, soy, or beans. There are many supplements on the market that one may investigate such as Juice Plus (Trade Name), which I have taken for a year now. It has lowered my overall cholesterol by 40 points, given me energy and kept me form getting colds when many around me have suffered. Usana (Trade name) makes a good vitamin/mineral supplement as well. Try them and see if they help you. Take plenty of Vitamin C, B 12, 6, Folic acid and Co-Q 10. These may help keep possible cardiac problems away. Recipe for Arthritis Pain (as recommended by a 96 year old client) 1/2 banana, bowl of oatmeal, sesame oil-1 Tblsp, sunflower oil-1 Tblsp. Mix and eat daily to alleviate arthritis pain and suffering. She swears by it. You can substitute raw sunflower seeds instead of the oil if you like. And Remember ... Laugh daily. Hug someone at least once a day. Brush and floss at least twice daily. This = living longer ... Dr Eric Shapira Clinical Gerontologist Aging Specialist |
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