The Secrets of Aging Well

This article is meant for informational purposes only. If you have questions about your health, you should consult your physician.

                                                             Dr. G. M. Siddiqui, M.D

                                                             CEO, Medical Services, Lifeline Healthcare.
 

With the passage of time, we recognize for the first time that we are not immortal. We're beginning to worry about old age and we are more and more concerned about our declining health, or of our loved ones.

Are there any ways to stay healthier as you age? You will be astonished to learn that most of the factors which are responsible for your health to decline as you age are within your control. You can take charge of your own health and enjoy your life to the fullest. This article tells you how we age and what we can do to slow down the process. 

The key elements of a long and better life are first to be healthy and second to be happy.

Health Tips: Stay Healthier as You Age

Everyone can make lifestyle changes that can move them in the direction of aging well by:
 
• Avoiding cigarettes, and limiting alcohol use.



Smoking increases dramatically the risk of cancer, hardening of the arteries, and heart disease. Excess alcohol use causes serious health problems like liver disease, stomach ulceration with risk of bleeding, and also causes mental problems like depression. Quitting cigarettes and limiting alcohol can make the difference between living longer and well - and not living at all. Learn how to quit smoking visiting http://www.lifelinehealthcarebd.org/At-Last-Quit-Smoking-for-Good

• Good adjustment or coping skills ("making lemonade out of lemons"). Visit http://www.lifelinehealthcarebd.org/Life-Live-it-up-full.-132 for tips on coping skills.
 
• Keeping a healthy body weight.



Overweight increases your risk of diseases and health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. The good news is that even modest weight loss can improve or prevent the health problems associated with obesity. Dietary changes, increased physical activity and behavior changes can help you lose weight.
Visit http://www.lifelinehealthcarebd.org/Understand-Overweight-and-Obesity to learn how.

• Eating well and maintaining a balanced healthy diet.



Reducing calories and practicing healthier eating habits are vital to overcoming obesity, and avoiding debilitating chronic illnesses which lead to poor health and low quality of life. Visit http://www.lifelinehealthcarebd.org/Healthy-Eating-Guide-The-Food-Pyramid to learn more.

• Practicing a regular, balanced exercise routine.



Regular exercise and physical activity are very important to the health and abilities of older people. When older people lose their ability to do things on their own, it doesn't happen just because they have aged, but because they have become inactive. Older inactive adults lose ground in four areas that are important for staying healthy and active: endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. Regular exercise and physical activity can restore functionality by improving in all those areas. Visit to learn more http://www.lifelinehealthcarebd.org/Exercise-Regularly-Stay-Fit-and-Healthy-138 

• Maintaining strong social relationships (including a stable marriage). The most important way of assuring the highest possible quality of life for your loved one is to assure that she is surrounded by loved ones and has contact with as many family members and others as possible. . Being around people "your own age" socializing and becoming engaged in day-to-day life will not only improve life's quality but also reduce risks of dependency and illness.

• Pursuing education and staying mentally active. Individuals who are always learning something new about the world, maintaining a playful spirit, and finding younger friends as they lose older ones also are making the most of the aging process.

• Avoiding chronic illness, rather than to live by enduring it. The chronic medical conditions people have at old age shorten their life expectancy to a very significant amount. Living with multiple chronic conditions also affects an individual's quality of life. Controlling chronic diseases and preventing other illness to develop allows an individual to live longer and well.

• Seeing your doctor regularly. Discuss your health goals and any problems with your doctor.

• Medicines: Use Them Safely.



One of the single biggest problems facing older persons is a condition called poly-pharmacy. Patients see multiple physicians, the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing, and too many medications are prescribed. Interactions of multiple drugs can cause serious health problems. It is very important that everybody be an educated consumer of healthcare, Question your doctor and make sure that what is being done for you is both appropriate and not risky. Visit to learn more http://www.lifelinehealthcarebd.org/Seniors-Tips-for-Safe-Use-of-Medicine

• Engage in frequent social activity, and try new ways to have fun. Those with satisfying social relationships remained more mentally alert over the course of life, with less age-related mental decline than people who were more isolated. Having people in your life can make you feel loved and cared for, which enhances your mental well-being and quality of life.

• Take life easy with ability to let go, and to hear both sides of any argument. Stress, depression, and anxiety contribute to problems with happiness, and there is no question that chronic stress is a major cause of ill health. Healing from a stressful life, treating anxiety and depression has the capacity to substantially prolong life, reduce risk, and most importantly, improve life's quality.

• A 'Purpose in Life' may extend your life, and can be rewarding to live. Having a sense of meaning and purpose in your life might do more than just give you focus -- it might help you live longer, too. People who actively search for meaning in life may be generally better at setting goals and making plans, including health care decisions. They take care of their health because they want to prolong a life -- and a healthy life -- that they find meaningful.