Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1503930
www.AbbysHealthFood.com | # 58| Page 25 your stress, and try some relaxa on techniques, such as circular breathing, yoga, or medita on. Remember to always keep things in perspec ve – try to accept and adapt to the things you cannot control. 4 . M A I N TA I N YO U R B R A I N 4 . M A I N TA I N YO U R B R A I N One in eight older adults (aged 65+) in the United States has Alzheimer's disease, and some cogni ve decline is a normal part of aging. Studies have shown that a lifestyle that includes cogni ve s mula on through ac ve learning slows cogni ve decline. TIPS: Never stop learning and challenging your mind! Take dance lessons, learn a new language, a end lectures at your health food store, learn to play a musical instrument, or read a book. 5 . G E T E N O U G H S L E E P 5 . G E T E N O U G H S L E E P Humans can go longer without food than without sleep. Older adults need just as much sleep as younger adults – seven to nine hours per night – but o en get much less. Lack of sleep can cause depression, irritability, increased fall risk, and memory problems. TIPS: Develop a regular schedule with a bed me rou ne. Keep your bedroom dark and noise-free— avoid watching television or surfing the Internet before bed me. Stay away from caffeine late in the day. 6 . C U LT I VAT E YO U R 6 . C U LT I VAT E YO U R R E L AT I O N S H I P S R E L AT I O N S H I P S Twenty-eight percent of older adults live alone, and living alone is the strongest risk factor for loneliness. Common life changes in older adulthood, such as re rement, health issues, or the loss of a spouse, may lead to social isola on. TIPS: Maintain communica on with your family and friends, especially a er a significant loss or life change. Schedule regular me to meet with friends and family – over coffee, during a weekly- shared meal, or around a common interest. Reach out to friends who might be isolated or feel lonely. 7 . PR AC T I C E PR E V E N T I O N 7 . PR AC T I C E PR E V E N T I O N Many accidents, illnesses, and common geriatric health care condi ons, such as falls, chronic illness, depression, and frailty, are preventable. TIPS: To prevent illness, take an immune support supplement and wash your hands a er using the restroom and before handling food. To prevent a fall, complete a home safety checklist, use assis ve devices, wear appropriate footwear, get your vision checked, take vitamin D (get your blood levels checked) and a food-derived calcium, and get some form of exercises into your rou ne. 8 . M A K E C O M M U N I T Y 8 . M A K E C O M M U N I T Y C O N N E C T I O N S C O N N E C T I O N S Older adults who engage in meaningful community ac vi es like volunteer work report feeling healthier and less depressed. TIPS: Join a planning commi ee, volunteer, take a trip with friends, play cards at your local senior center, or join a book club. Remember that par cipa ng in ac vi es should be fun, not stressful! 9 . TA K E C H A RG E O F 9 . TA K E C H A RG E O F YO U R H E A LT H YO U R H E A LT H Most of our health is not controlled by the health care system but by our own ac ons, our environment, our genes, and social factors. In addi on, physicians are not perfect; medical errors do happen. The more pa ents par cipate in their own health care, the more sa sfied they tend to be with the care they receive. TIPS: Think about the ways that your health can improve by changing your lifestyle, and make those changes. You are your own best advocate. Contact your primary care prac oner for an annual physical or whenever you have a concern about your health, and go to those appointments prepared. Bring a list of your current prescrip on and non-prescrip on medica ons, including herbal supplements; keep a list of your health concerns; and, most importantly, ask ques ons! 1 0 . C O N N E C T 1 0 . C O N N E C T S PI R I T UA L LY S PI R I T UA L LY A spiritual connec on can boost wellness. Spirituality is a significant part of many people's lives, and it can become even more important as we grow older. A study by the University of Chicago found belief in God tends to increase with age, especially for those older than 68. Luckily for these spiritual seniors, faith prac ces come with a host of health benefits. For example, spirituality can improve the quality of life for seniors with demen a. Prac cing a religion can help slow cogni ve decline and reduce or stabilize cogni ve disorders, according to Interna onal Psychogeriatrics. The use of spirituality in daily life enables those with demen a to preserve rela onships, maintain hope, and find meaning. TIPS: Get involved with a faith community. Another benefit of spirituality is the strong sense of community that is at the heart of most faith groups. People form and strengthen rela onships through their faith, whether it is by a ending group services or just praying with a friend. Tip 10 credit: Elder Care Alliance