Focus on aging!

Nowadays, thanks to advances in technology and lifestyle, people are living healthier and longer lives than ever before. From the miracles of modern medicine to possibilities for better nutrition across the board, there’s no shortage of tools helping us to age gracefully and actively, and to take our golden years by the horns! But to truly take advantage of all the incredible possibilities that life continues to offer us as we age, we need to be sure to follow some simple guidelines to stay healthy, lively and vital. Since September is Healthy Aging Month, we thought we’d provide a quick overview of important but basic and easy-to-follow recommendations to make sure that seniors continue to get the most out of life!

When it comes to healthy aging, first things first: make sure to maintain a nutritious diet and a steady exercise plan. When it comes to food, focus on fresh, organically-grown produce and lots of whole grains to keep up with essential vitamins and minerals, keep a lid on additives and pesticides, and get plenty of fiber, which is good for digestion and cardiovascular health. Calcium is also key to avoid bone problems; be sure to get around 1500 mg per day! Always take vitamins and medicines at mealtime, and of course, drink lots and lots of water--this goes for everyone! As far as exercise goes, be sure to maintain a steady but safe program with lots of walking to bolster circulation and mobility. Stretching is also essential as we age to prevent circulation and posture problems. And it’s a great way to keep active for its own sake!

Of course, there are plenty of age-related ailments that may come into play as we grow older, and we certainly should keep an eye on them. One of the most common--affecting more than 20 million Americans--is arthritis, or inflammation of the joints. Arthritis can affect the hands and fingers as well as knees, ankles, neck, shoulder and other joints throughout the body, resulting in discomfort and pain. Thankfully, however, this condition is more and more treatable: exercise to facilitate joint movement and flexibility, staying mobile with walking and running, and even working out to attain more muscle strength are all ways to tackle the problem. Luckily, these treatments also extend to other conditions that we need to be aware of as we age, including bone ailments such as osteoporosis (except for strength training, which you should consult with a medical professional about before attempting). Chiropractic care can also help to fine-tune your management of these conditions, helping you to retain range of motion, endurance and muscle tone.

Sciatica is also a somewhat common form of chronic pain that can arise as we age. Just as with arthritic patients, those suffering from this ailment--characterized by pain that runs along the sciatic nerve, from the lower back down the leg--can rest assured that there is plenty to be done in terms of preventing pain as well as managing it. On the prevention front, avoiding a sedentary lifestyle is key--this means staying active! A good posture and care and attention in stretching, exercise and lifting weights will also help ward off any sciatic pain. And once again, a chiropractic professional can help to develop an individualized treatment plan taking advantage of the many treatment methods available in the field.

Of course aging has its challenges, and ailments such as those above bring their own unique issues to the table. But for those who maintain the proper lifestyle, steady exercise, plenty of stretching and a great diet, the golden years can bring the finest that life has to offer. Stay active, keep moving, and live with the vitality that only a healthy way of life can bring! This Healthy Aging Month, keep up your commitment to enjoying those great years ahead!