Golden age (Aging Process)
Golden age has its own challenges in the form of physical, mental and emotions. The sunset period of life is all about connecting with children, enjoying memories and having a good time with friends and one’s spouse. It can also be a time to embark on a new adventure, whether it is travel, a new hobby or a fun job.
The negative side effects of aging are anxiety, issues with health. Social and emotional changes such as loss of near and dear ones, retirement, boredom and being alone and aloof. The unexpected nature of the aging process often makes people feel nervous and scared. Normal activities like eating, sleeping and exercise may become more difficult or just different as it becomes necessary to adjust your routines for health reasons. New events and big changes in your life may lead to depression, anxiety or loneliness.
The aging process doesn’t have to leave you feeling overwhelmed. The wealth of information and resources available today make it possible for people to manage many aspects of the aging process. With age your body, soul and mind need more caring, this can help you feel more comfortable as you greet the changes that come with aging. Being informed about healthy diet and physical activity can make a significant difference in how you feel. Additionally, getting a proper amount of rest and making sure your mind stays active, this will markedly increase your ability to have fun with yourself in your golden years.
Most important to Senior citizen health care successfully is your attitude and your willingness to stay active and involved socially. Humans are social animals and importance of social involvement and leading an socially active life cannot be overstated. The connections between healthy living and healthy aging are there, but your ability to enjoy the aging process will depend on your willingness to engage and be active. To avoid physical and emotional challenges seniors should be involved in day to day activities whole heartedly this will help them in leading a fun filled life. Don’t assume that because you are getting older, you need to sit on the sidelines – get involved and stay involved.
Aging Myths
A comprehensive study on Senior citizen health care, supports the notion that lifestyle choices are the key to healthy aging. Below are the myths, as well as some interesting facts from the study:
Myth #1: 3 Letter word Old is equivalent to 4 letter word Sick
The notion that old age brings disease and disability is not the case at all. The study found older people to be in remarkably good health, with fewer disabilities and infirmities, and in most cases, living on their own, rather than in nursing homes.
In fact, with changing technology and advancement of medical science very few elderly people avail nursing home services, some statistics give a better picture 5.2% of older generation is moving to nursing homes which is down from 6.3% in 1982. Of those 89% report no disability whatsoever between the age of 65 to 74.
Myth #2: Learning is only for young and old dogs can’t learn Dog New Tricks
If you think old age means that you can’t learn new things, think again.
Studies have shown if you have the will education and new knowledge can be attained in any age and old people can, and do, pick up new things in life. To be mentally fit 3 key points for old people:
(1) Active physical lifestyle;
(2) Socially strong support system;
(3) Will power, belief and positive thinking.
This myth also relates to the mistaken notion that seniors are set in their ways and won’t willingly move out of their comfort zone. Many seniors today are keeping up in a number of ways, evidenced by the fact that 13 percent of total online users are 55 and over. Attitude plays a key role here; seniors who believe in themselves and their abilities don’t find it so hard to learn new things, adapt to life’s changes, make new friends (young and old) and enjoy life.
Myth#3: Old Habits die hard especially bad ones
Are you convinced that the bad habits of your youth are irreversible? That it is too late to do anything about it? Wrong again. The study found that new habits of healthy eating, regular exercise, mental activity and a strong social life are remarkably effective in combating the by-products of yesteryear’s bad habits and unhealthy living. So, it is important to start changing your ways now.
Myth#4: Blame your parents for your genes.
These days, much has been made about the influence of genes. Contrary to popular belief, heredity isn’t everything when it comes to aging. In fact, one of the most important findings of the study by the MacArthur Foundation was that lifestyle habits are almost more important indicators of successful and healthy aging than heredity is.
Myth #5: Old people are living but with low energy levels.
Many people assume that mental and physical abilities decline with age. While this is true to a certain extent, the study found that everyone’s experience is different and that mental acuity and physical ability are greatly affected by attitude and lifestyle habits.
Myth #6: Old are more dependent on young.
This myth is tied to a couple of incorrect assumptions. One is that most seniors are unemployed and that non-working people don’t share the burden and the expense of society. The other is that older people are useless, that they have nothing to offer society. The study debunks these ideas and demonstrates the productivity of the older population.
- A third of seniors work and get paid.
- Another 3rd are volunteers in religious places, hospitals and some work for charity.
- A third of population helps and provides aid to neighbours, friends and especially children.
Seniors play some of the most important roles in society both in formal positions within the community, and, more importantly in their informal roles as parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors.
The most important idea to take away from any discussion on Senior citizen health care is that lifestyle and attitude matter. You can improve your chances of enjoying your later years by paying attention to your behavior and changing habits which might have been keeping you from enjoying life and being healthy.
Senior citizen health care Facts and Statistics
The landscape of North America is changing where the age of the population is concerned. Twenty percent of the total U.S. population is comprised of adults 55 and older, a group which numbers 54 million people. As Julie Winokur reports in Aging in America,
In the past hundred years, life expectancy has increased by three decades, a phenomenon that is reshaping our families, attitudes, work lives and institutions. The proportion of older people in the United States also is growing. Today, a baby boomer turns 50 every 7.6 seconds, and by mid-century old people will outnumber young people for the first time in history. America’s growing population of older people yields great influence on the economy and on the internet. The home healthcare industry is moving at a fast pace and more and more seniors are getting active on internet to look for information and home healthcare products.