It is never too late to begin an exercise program . Recent studies have shown that a balanced diet and an adequate exercise program are good for those of any age. Currently approximately 40% of men and women over the age of 70 do not exercise at all! Focusing on the current 'middle-age' population and older only makes sense as the baby-boomers are reaching a point in their lives that will set the ground work for how they will age. Will it be in and out of hospital rooms and doctor's offices? Or will it be outdoors walking with friends or keeping up with the grandchildren?
Exercise programs for seniors and the elderly are gaining in popularity and quantity. Gyms now offer special 'age-related' classes as well as offer personal trainers who have been specially trained to address issues of aging such as osteoporosis, arthritis, balance, and nutrition.
Benefits of exercise are not limited to fall prevention and balance but to a decrease in body fat, blood sugar levels, and an increase in HDL cholesterol, the plaque fighting kind, thereby increasing overall cardiovascular health.
Aerobic exercise is not beyond the capabilities of those over 65 either. Running, walking, swimming, and other aerobic activities are beneficial to the heart, lungs, and musculature systems. Maintaining an increased heart rate for at least 45 minutes at a time is especially helpful.
Call your local Senior Center, Chamber of Commerce or Social Security office for information about what is offered near you. If you are able look up information on the Internet or ask family members to help you. Sites such as the 'International Council on Active Aging' are extremely helpful to assist you to the right facilities and trainers to be found in your area. This site can be reached by typing www.icaa.cc/facilitylocator.htm into your searchbar.
There is too much to lose by not moving and getting started on your own personal fitness plan. So start exercising, get out there, have fun, and stay healthy!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Boomers- The "Sandwich Generation"
As we boomers approach late middle age, we become aware of a special challenge unique to our generation. Not only do we still care for our parents if we are fortunate to still have them with us, but we many times, also become caregivers to our children and grandchildren as well.
We often have children who, for one reason or another, have been unable to maintain their own homes, or have had to foreclose on properties or lost their mortgages, causing them to sometimes move back into their parents home just when boomers are set to embark on their ‘dream vacations’ or retirement plans. Not only does this put extreme burden on the parents finances and savings, but on their psyches as well, as they now become ‘parents’ again, and unnatural ones at that.
Housing adult children in the home entails another culture change as well as an inability of parents to not interfere or ‘stay out’ of their adult child’s personal lives. Oftentimes, adult children bring their own children into the home as well, causing a certain amount of chaos and disciplinary problems with them. What was once unacceptable behavior as boomers raised their children has now become acceptable to their Generation X children, causing added strain and emotional stress to the senior parents.
While there may be benefits to all parties concerned, such as live-at-home sitters for the adult children, transportation provided to the senior parents by their children, the focus should really be on the impact this has on seniors who have not planned on the added financial burden and un-natural progression from retirement to sudden parenting again.
While boomer parents may not feel able to turn down a needy child, great thought and discussion should be taken before anything is done. Honesty on the part of the parents and adult children should be expected, granted, and respected. Time limits should be discussed as well as respect for the elder parent’s ethics and moral behavior beliefs. Adult children should make every effort possible to not place extra financial burdens on their parents and do everything possible to make transition into other living situations as soon as possible.
We often have children who, for one reason or another, have been unable to maintain their own homes, or have had to foreclose on properties or lost their mortgages, causing them to sometimes move back into their parents home just when boomers are set to embark on their ‘dream vacations’ or retirement plans. Not only does this put extreme burden on the parents finances and savings, but on their psyches as well, as they now become ‘parents’ again, and unnatural ones at that.
Housing adult children in the home entails another culture change as well as an inability of parents to not interfere or ‘stay out’ of their adult child’s personal lives. Oftentimes, adult children bring their own children into the home as well, causing a certain amount of chaos and disciplinary problems with them. What was once unacceptable behavior as boomers raised their children has now become acceptable to their Generation X children, causing added strain and emotional stress to the senior parents.
While there may be benefits to all parties concerned, such as live-at-home sitters for the adult children, transportation provided to the senior parents by their children, the focus should really be on the impact this has on seniors who have not planned on the added financial burden and un-natural progression from retirement to sudden parenting again.
While boomer parents may not feel able to turn down a needy child, great thought and discussion should be taken before anything is done. Honesty on the part of the parents and adult children should be expected, granted, and respected. Time limits should be discussed as well as respect for the elder parent’s ethics and moral behavior beliefs. Adult children should make every effort possible to not place extra financial burdens on their parents and do everything possible to make transition into other living situations as soon as possible.
Seniors and Medicare Confusion
As we baby boomer are rapidly approaching the time to enroll in Medicare programs, how we make sense of the myriad of plans, programs, and services that are offered may become a major undertaking.
For the basic information and plans, information is targeted especially for seniors at local Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Offices. However, if you have visited the website, or visited your local Social Services office, one might need additional assistance to migrate through this large, and often confusing program. Even online information may be difficult for those of us not ‘computer savvy’, especially if you are not familiar with modern web design and site mapping tools.
A simple “Honey Do” list is the simplest and most user-friendly way to approach Medicare Services and the hundreds of drug plans offered through the new “Part D” prescription drug plan program. Here is a basic list of how to get started:
1.) Find out if you already have an insurance plan offered from an employer or union plan. Veteran’s medical plans may work in conjunction with Medicare Services.
2.) Medicare offers several types of plans to meet your specific needs. Find out which one will work best for you. You may request a 2008 ‘Medicare and You’ information booklet via telephone by calling 1-800-633-4227, or by visiting the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov and following the links for obtaining information. Among the three types of plans are:
a.) A Medicare Health Plan
b) A Prescription Drug Plan
b.) Supplemental Coverage Plan
3.) Quizzes are offered as well to find out what kind of coverage will best suit your needs. These quizzes/worksheets are available online, through the booklet, or many times, located at your local social security office as well. Call to obtain information.
4.) Visit your doctor and obtain information about what types of services you may need for the following year as far as preventative services you will need, for example, lab work, screenings or shots.
5.) Monitor and write down on your calendar yearly enrollment dates so that you know when you may change programs as your needs change.
Sifting through the Medicare system is not easy, but help is available from doctor offices, Social Security personnel and of course family assistance. Councilors are also available on request. Be responsible and proactive in your choices to ensure that your health and mental well-being are adequately cared for without additional stress or anguish.
For the basic information and plans, information is targeted especially for seniors at local Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Offices. However, if you have visited the website, or visited your local Social Services office, one might need additional assistance to migrate through this large, and often confusing program. Even online information may be difficult for those of us not ‘computer savvy’, especially if you are not familiar with modern web design and site mapping tools.
A simple “Honey Do” list is the simplest and most user-friendly way to approach Medicare Services and the hundreds of drug plans offered through the new “Part D” prescription drug plan program. Here is a basic list of how to get started:
1.) Find out if you already have an insurance plan offered from an employer or union plan. Veteran’s medical plans may work in conjunction with Medicare Services.
2.) Medicare offers several types of plans to meet your specific needs. Find out which one will work best for you. You may request a 2008 ‘Medicare and You’ information booklet via telephone by calling 1-800-633-4227, or by visiting the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov and following the links for obtaining information. Among the three types of plans are:
a.) A Medicare Health Plan
b) A Prescription Drug Plan
b.) Supplemental Coverage Plan
3.) Quizzes are offered as well to find out what kind of coverage will best suit your needs. These quizzes/worksheets are available online, through the booklet, or many times, located at your local social security office as well. Call to obtain information.
4.) Visit your doctor and obtain information about what types of services you may need for the following year as far as preventative services you will need, for example, lab work, screenings or shots.
5.) Monitor and write down on your calendar yearly enrollment dates so that you know when you may change programs as your needs change.
Sifting through the Medicare system is not easy, but help is available from doctor offices, Social Security personnel and of course family assistance. Councilors are also available on request. Be responsible and proactive in your choices to ensure that your health and mental well-being are adequately cared for without additional stress or anguish.
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