Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Healthy aging: Over 50



Healthy aging is a hot topic for baby boomers everywhere. Whether you're concerned about weight gain, sex drive or chronic diseases, the key to healthy aging is a healthy lifestyle. Eating a variety of healthy foods, practicing portion control and including physical activity in your daily routine can go a long way toward promoting healthy aging. Better yet, it's never too late to make healthier lifestyle choices.
If an interest in healthy aging leads you to consider anti-aging therapies — such as restrictive diets, supplements or expensive treatments claiming to postpone or even reverse the aging process — be cautious. There's no quick fix for healthy aging. Know what you're buying, and know how to spot suspicious schemes. Often, anti-aging therapies don't live up to the claims.
Most adults spend years looking forward to a healthy retirement. Whether you're still planning your retirement or you're ready to make the change, there's much you can do to ensure a healthy retirement.
Start by learning what to expect as you get older, from changes in muscle mass and sex drive to vision and cardiovascular health. After all, your dreams for a healthy retirement likely depend on good health. Then consider ways to maintain a healthy retirement, from reducing your risk of falls and staying safe behind the wheel to improving your memory.
Another important aspect of healthy retirement is long term care. Consider your options now — including type of long term care, as well as how to pay for it — to help prevent hasty decisions later.
For dependent seniors, ongoing care can often be provided at home. In fact, the right type of home care services for dependent seniors can promote independence and assure the highest possible quality of life.
If you're considering your needs as you get older, explore the breadth of services available for dependent seniors. For example, home care services can provide dependent seniors with a range of assistance — from medical care and physical therapy to nutrition counseling, housekeeping support, meal delivery and companionship services.
To help you sort through the options for dependent seniors, ask the right questions upfront. Find out about agency qualifications, quality of care, costs, and specific services provided. The more you know, the easier it'll be to choose the best agency or care provider for your needs.