Happy Senior Citizens Day

In 1988 President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Senior Citizens day. In his explanation for the day he wrote:  “Older citizens are reinforcing their historical roles as leaders and as links with our patrimony and sense of purpose as individuals and as a Nation”. In honor of today being National Senior Citizens Day, we here at Mountainside Medical wanted to celebrate our senior citizens!

In today’s society more people are living longer than at any other time in history and baby boomers will soon number 78 million by the year 2030. Here is a list we put together of tips and tricks to help senior citizens stay looking and feeling their best:

1. Quit Smoking. This is a critical step you can take to improve your health and combat the aging process. Smoking can cause cancer, stokes and even heart failure.

2. Keep Active. Try to do something to keep fit each and every day. Do something you enjoy doing (this will help you stay interested!), that helps maintain strength, balance and flexibility, and promotes cardiovascular health. Staying active helps you maintain a healthy weight, prevent illness, provides better sleep, reduces stress and keeps you looking and feeling your best!

3. Eat Well. With all this great physical activity you’re doing, why jeopardize it with a crappy diet? Many illnesses, such as heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and even osteoporosis, often stem from or are affected by poor diet.

4. Prevent Falls. As we age, our bodies tend to become more vulnerable - especially after a fall. Prevent the risk of falling by removing any loose carpets or throw rugs in your house. If you can’t bear the thought of going without your favorite accent rug, try taping throw rugs so there is no chance of them moving under your feet. Keep paths clear of clutter and cords, use night-lights in hallways and bathrooms -  even try out non-skid socks to help give you more traction around your home.

5. Stay On Top of Doctors Appointments. By age 50, women should be getting mammograms and men should be checked for prostate cancer on a regular basis. In addition to those checkups, get regular dental, vision and hearing checkups.

6. Prevent Skin Cancer. Our skin tends to grow thinner as we age - wrinkles appear and cuts and bruises take longer to heal. Always protect yourself from the sun. Too much sun and ultraviolet rays can easily cause skin cancer, so be sure to apply sunscreen.

7. Manage Stress. Try adding some relaxation and meditation to your exercise routine - perhaps some yoga? Also, be sure to make time for friends, social contacts, fun and any hobbies you may have. Every one deserves a little fun!

8. Keep It Hot. When it comes to sexual intimacy and aging, there is no reason why you should limit your sexual enjoyment. If you choose, learn about the physical changes that come with aging and find some suggestions to help you adjust to them in your relationship(s).