Physical Activity=Good Health

Research is now saying that being physically active can slow the onset of dementia, like Alzheimer’s disease. USNews and World Report recently reported on a study conducted at Columbia University; Dr. Yian Gu was the lead researcher, and said, “We recently published a paper using information of both current and past physical activity and found they both are associated with lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The current study is a step further to show that physical activity is also protective against brain volume loss.”

Studies over the past few decades have shown an association between physical activity and good health, both physical and mental. Recent studies are more conclusive, although Dr. Gu gave a word of caution. She said the study in question shows a relationship that is not causative; that is, the research does not prove physical activity causes good health, only that there is a relationship between the two.

Why Seniors Need Others

Seniors, indeed all human beings, need social relationships to remain healthy emotionally as well as physically. We know that anecdotally, and research has also shown that to be the case. When social needs are not satisfied, both mental and physical health problems result. As the senior population increases, the need for us to be healthy and enjoy life also increases.

Researchgate.net found there are four themes in studies of seniors and their social needs: diversity, proximity, meaning of the relationship and reciprocity. So what are those four themes?

Health issues are among the top concerns of senior citizens according to the National Institute on Aging. The NIA offers a plethora of information on concerns ranging from Alzheimer’s disease to end of life issues to A-Z Health topics. SCJ relies on the NIA website for factual information about seniors that we all can trust.

Following are just a few of the topics available for perusal on their site:

A lot is being written these days about the benefits of polyphenols, due to their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxident properties. Research is showing they are helpful to seniors because they fight everything from cancer to dementia and aging. So what is a polyphenol?

MedicineNet says this: ” Polyphenol: A kind of chemical that (at least in theory) may protect against some common health problems and possibly certain effects of aging. Polyphenols act as antioxidants. (Emphasis added) They protect cells and body chemicals against damage caused by free radicals, reactive atoms that contribute to tissue damage in the body.” So in layman/woman’s terms, polyphenols are chemicals that come from things like fruits, vegetables, nuts, tea and are really helpful in a number of biological processes in the human body. They are very good for us.

Eight years ago, a University of California San Francisco study revealed more than 40 per cent of seniors experience lonelinsss and a sense of isolation. As a result, they discovered these lonely seniors exhibited more health problems and even death.

Forty per cent is a lot of people. And now, during the COVID-19 Pandemic, seniors living along experience even more isolation than before the virus began spreading. We are ordered to stay home by local and state governments. We can’t go out and mix with people. We can’t see friends and family. We can only stay home. Alone.

As this message is being written, Planet Earth is in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Seniors are among the most vulnerable groups for experiencing complications from any virus and becoming seriously ill. Those over the age of 60 must stay home and away from people; we don’t know who may have the virus and not know it; as a result our habits must change, and that includes how we shop for groceries.

Sometimes we seniors need some reminders, and that’s the purpose of this message. In this day of staying at home and away from people, we still have daily tasks we must address. And grocery shopping is at the top of the list. Whether we order online or have someone shop for us, we have to make a list so we don’t end up with a bunch of groceries we don’t need and won’t use, and also so we indeed get everything we want for the week (or however long it is between shopping trips).

Look for the Obvious Over-medication issues are common in the lives of our elderly loved ones. They happen more often in nursing homes, but they can still happen with elders living at home and/or being cared for by a caregiver. The most important issue for seniors concerned about over-medication issues is to look for the […]

Health Considerations for Seniors The threat of West Nile Virus is of more concern for seniors than any other population group.  Many experts have said that if you are over 70 and develop symptoms of WNV, go to the hospital immediately.  Senior citizens have less ability to fight the disease, and immediate medical care is […]

Let’s Stick With the Facts, Please Senior Citizen Journal has been supportive of the Affordable Care Act since its inception. In the wealthiest nation on earth, every citizen should have access to healthcare.  In order for the private insurance system to work, everyone has to participate–thus the ‘individual mandate’.  It just makes good sense socially […]

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself Avoiding drug reactions is necessary for senior citizens to protect themselves and their good health.  Patricia Barry writes for AARP regularly, and offers seniors a lot of good advice about health issues.  In the September, 2011, AARP Bulletin, she has an excellent article on The Side Effects of […]