| Your body didn't come with an owner's manual | | | | changing needs. For example, replace a tub with a |
| stacked with secrets on living a long and healthy | | | | sit-down shower or install easier-to-use cabinet |
| life-the kind that makes you want to get up and | | | | handles. |
| greet the morning. So as you transition into the | | | | Can I get the help I need but still maintain some level |
| golden years, you may have questions about how to | | | | of independence? |
| improve your mind, body, and lifestyle. Here are | | | | Need transportation to doctor's appointments? Do |
| answers to commonly-asked aging questions: | | | | you need an extra set of hands to prepare even a |
| Can I boost my memory? | | | | basic meal? Part of living a healthy life is knowing |
| It's true that aging naturally causes those memory | | | | when to ask for help. Fortunately, you don't have to |
| slips that make us feel older than we are. In reality, | | | | give up all of your independence at the first sign of a |
| though, there's a wide range of activities that can | | | | physical or medical challenge. |
| improve memory. For instance, keep a list of daily | | | | In-home care services can provide a variety of the |
| activities on a calendar or planner so you can check it | | | | non-medical assistance you might need to complete |
| throughout the day. | | | | the tasks of day-to-day living, from grocery shopping |
| Since blood flow to the brain is a key element in | | | | to letter writing to light housework. These caregivers |
| keeping it in tip-top shape, don't neglect | | | | can be an ideal choice if you need temporary help |
| cardiovascular health either. In other words, better | | | | while recovering from an illness or surgery. However, |
| brain power comes from sticking to the regimen your | | | | insurance doesn't always cover this type of |
| doctor already recommends: eat right, exercise, and | | | | caregiver, so be sure to check with your plan. |
| take cardiovascular medications exactly as they're | | | | Assisted living communities are just that-living with |
| prescribed. | | | | assistance. Residents are encouraged to do as many |
| Also, check the medicine cabinet. Both prescription | | | | tasks as they are comfortable with. A trained staff is |
| and non-prescription meds can create mental | | | | available for activities you may have trouble with, |
| confusion either by themselves or when combined | | | | such as dressing or taking daily medications. Many |
| with other medicines. If you think lapses are triggered | | | | assisted living communities offer general classes, such |
| by medications, talk with your doctor or pharmacist | | | | as art or fitness, but they may also specialized |
| about possible alternatives. | | | | classes for those with specific challenges like severe |
| While it's embarrassing to forget an old friend's name, | | | | arthritis. |
| it can be downright dangerous to forget to turn off | | | | How can I make connections? |
| a stove burner, so if lapses continue be sure to | | | | Old age isn't for sissies. One of the hardest parts of |
| check in with your health care professional. | | | | growing old is watching friends and family leave your |
| What can I do to improve my chances of living | | | | life. Some loved ones move; others lose touch; and |
| completely independently? | | | | yet still others pass away. This inevitable process can |
| One way to increase your chance for a completely | | | | create feelings of loneliness. |
| independent lifestyle is to boost functional flexibility. | | | | Research as shown that strong social connections |
| This isn't the kind of stretch that makes you kick like | | | | increase longevity. Experts say loved ones and |
| a Rockette. Rather functional flexibility is the type of | | | | friends provide emotional support and material aid |
| stretch that allows you to safely step into and out | | | | during rough times, such as the death of a spouse or |
| of the bathtub or reach into the back of a cabinet. | | | | a chronic illness. Studies have linked social support to |
| Gentle exercises such as yoga or Tai Chi can increase | | | | lower cardiovascular problems, lower levels of stress |
| your flexibility so you don't pull a muscle or find | | | | hormones, and fewer immune problems. |
| yourself sprawled on the floor after a fall. | | | | Group settings are a great way to battle those lonely |
| Functional strength is important for longevity, too. If | | | | feelings and increase longevity. Senior centers offer |
| you can't pull a bag of groceries out of the trunk, | | | | classes and activities that give you the social |
| you can find yourself relying on others more than | | | | interaction that's important for mental well-being. |
| you'd like. Weight training and weight bearing | | | | Assisted living centers and independent retirement |
| exercises, like yoga, can build the muscles you need | | | | communities are also an ideal way to connect with |
| to live life without assistance. | | | | others. Not only do they offer activities, from bus |
| It's not all about your exercise regimen, either. Make | | | | trips to fitness classes, they also offer the built-in |
| sure you create a safe and functional home | | | | companionship that comes from a community setting. |
| environment. Use jar or can openers to get into that | | | | Adding years to your life isn't rocket science. Simply |
| can of soup or use a handheld showerhead to make | | | | keep the mind sharp, build a healthy body, know |
| bathing easier. Also modify your house to suit your | | | | when to ask for help, and stay connected. |