It’s Entirely Natural - Articles

You cannot reverse the signs of aging but you can certainly make the process less painful. When you know what to expect, you can begin to prepare for it. Growing old is more than just wrinkles and gray hair. There are a few more aches and pains to go along with them!

The oldest documented living person was 122 years old. That is quite a life expectancy! Many people are living longer thanks to better health, medications and living conditions. At the turn of the century, the average life expectancy was around 55 years of age. My, how society has improved … with age of course!

You should expect that your body is going to show those signs of aging. However, you don’t have to take them lying down. You can take as many preventative measures as possible to greatly slow the process. Many older adults are successful. The key to success is a realistic view of old age, a healthy diet and of course, safe exercise for endurance, flexibility, strength and weight.

Brain power

Many older adults worry most about losing their minds to Alzheimer’s or dementia. As long as you eat healthy, exercise and challenge your brain frequently, you should be able to avoid this problem. Keep in mind that some forgetfulness is natural though!

The thinning process

As you age, there are quite a few things on and in your body that tend to thin. Your hair gets thinner as well as your skin. You lose a bit of elasticity as a result. Repeated sun block and moisturizers help a lot.

Your retina thins out affecting vision and your auditory canal thins affecting your hearing. Some blood vessels like capillaries thin, which along with thinner skin, makes you more prone to bruising.

Slowing down

Many body processes start to slow down. You digestion slows which may be the reason why you get heartburn or indigestion. In addition, your metabolism slows which means gaining weight, unless you keep up with exercise to burn calories.

Your joints, muscles and bones contribute to the slowing down process. Bones become less dense and weaker while your joints get stiffer and your muscles weaker. This slows down reflexes. Only through exercise can you greatly slow down this slow body downturn.

Other body issues

Some older adults may experience incontinence because bladder muscles weaken. Sex may be a problem thanks to menopause or erectile dysfunction. Sleep becomes disrupted and you may not get as much as you need to rejuvenate your body and mind. Heart, kidneys and bladder also work less efficiently so you have to compensate with better diet and exercise.

All in all, growing older seems like a raw deal all around. This doesn’t have to be true however. Many older adults have a great time in retirement and love being older and wiser. A lifetime a good habits will buy you a better lifestyle in retirement. Just remember that it is never too late to adopt healthier habits like a better diet and exercise.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Healthy Retirement.

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Tags: aging, brain power, exercise, healthy retirment, Menopause, older adults

Excessive stress and depression can shorten your life span and drastically reduce your quality of life. Stress can speed up the aging process making it harder for your body to fight off illness and serious disease. Stress and depression affect your immune system and you may find you have more frequent colds, stomach problems, and other stress related problems. You can age gracefully and maintain better health if you take steps to ward off depression and stress.

What are some fun and helpful ways of relieving stress and depression? There are a few tips that may help you make the most of every day.

• Eat healthy! This means stay away from refined sugar, empty calorie snack foods, and fatty meats. There are many choices of snacks and foods that will keep your body satisfied and feeling full. Eating chocolate or sugar products will not help depression. These foods may increase your symptoms of stress and depression. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains. You could be surprised how much better you will feel by removing processed sugars from your diet!

• Exercise regularly. Physical exercise is important for many reasons. It keeps your body from growing stiff, decreases stress, and allows you to take in oxygen that is needed for the body to work properly. Start out walking or doing low impact exercises or yoga. Walk around the block, listen to the sounds of nature and let your mind go blank. If you are just beginning an exercise program, check with your doctor before you begin. A little exercise is better than no exercise at all.

• Adopt a pet. It is well-known that a family pet will help relieve stress and anxiety. Nursing homes are allowing pets to be brought in because they have such a positive benefit on residents. Many senior communities and assisted living facilities allow pets and even encourage them. Play with your pet, stroke it or pet it, you will feel the tension slip away.

• Take time to relax. You may feel you always have to be on the go, or doing something. You don’t! Take the time to relax, drink a cup of tea or coffee and sit in a sunny room. Weather is gloomy? Watch the ever-changing patterns in the sky, the trees as they bend in the wind, and listen to the soothing sound of rain on the roof.

Does gloomy weather bring you down? Work each day to make yourself enjoy the day. Find something you are thankful for, call a friend, watch a favorite movie on TV, or take the time to engage in your favorite hobby or pastime.

Stress and depression will take a toll on your body both physically and emotionally. Think positive and make each day important. Enjoy your family, hold and look into the eyes of a baby, and treat yourself to a bubble bath or special outing. You will find you are aging in a healthy way and could give you a longer lifespan.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Healthy Retirment.

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Tags: coffee, Depression, exercise, fruits and vegetables, healthy retirment, immune system, stress, stress and anxiety, whole grains

Alzheimer’s disease is probably one of the most feared diseases by adults. A part of the dementia category, Alzheimer’s affects the brain’s cognitive thinking, memory and eventually the ability to function. While some people with this disease become violent or aggressive, others become meek and easily lead. These are two extreme behaviors on opposite sides of the spectrum and you will likely find that the disease is also somewhere in between.

Below is a list of the disease’s various stages of development. If you or a loved one develops this disease, for which there is no cure, you will know what to expect as time passes. These various stages indicate just how far along the disease is and many times doctors will use a particular stage in their diagnosis.

Stage one of Alzheimer’s disease is an average adult with no cognitive or any other noticeable impairments.

Stage two of Alzheimer’s disease shows some individual understanding of functional regression. During this period, adults complain about forgetting the names of people they know or where they put their keys.

Stage three of Alzheimer’s disease shows some soft regression, especially in intense situations such as work. Anxiety increases causing even more noticeable problems such as trying to come up with words while talking or writing, short-term memory becomes hazy or even getting lost when traveling to unknown places. Misplacing items is common and problems in concentration affect many areas of life.

Stage four of Alzheimer’s disease is still relatively mild and a person still easily recognizes the familiar such as close family and friends. They can still travel without anxiety to places they know. However, their reasoning skills and areas where in-depth planning is required take some assistance. Planning a special dinner and paying the bills are just two of many different small problems that creep up. This is one of the biggest denial periods because no one wants to believe that Alzheimer’s disease is becoming a problem.

Stage five of Alzheimer’s shows a medium descent into the disease. People afflicted now cannot live without assistance. Dressing, cooking and other every day activities require help from loved ones. There is some disorientation in regards to time issues. They may remember memories of family and close friends but they forget new acquaintances, what they had for dinner and even some important things about their lives now. Their minds are in the past.

Stage six of Alzheimer’s is rather extreme with a rapid decline in memory and where they are. People in this stage can no longer fend for themselves in any way and will need help going to the bathroom, dressing, making something to eat and even feeding itself. Sleep is a problem as is wandering around feeling lost. Emotional and personality changes may happen and in some people wild mood swings as present in dementia may manifest itself.

The final stage of Alzheimer’s disease, the ability of speech is almost gone and people will rarely talk. All ability to sit up, smile, walk or even holding up their head is gone. In this last stage, the brain cannot seem to tell the body what to do and can take a while to die.

Many adults are lucky and don’t have to experience Alzheimer’s disease. However, this primer gives you an idea of what you should expect if you or someone you love is diagnosed with the disease.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more informaton on Healthy Retirement.

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Tags: alzheimer, anxiety, dementia, healthy retirment

You cannot reverse the signs of aging but it certainly doesn’t have to be something to fear. When you know what to expect, you can take steps in advance in preparation of it. Growing old is more than just wrinkles and gray hair. There are a few more aches and pains to go along with them!

The oldest documented living person was 122 years old. That is quite a life expectancy! Many people are living longer thanks to better health, medications and living conditions. At the turn of the century, the average life expectancy was around 55 years of age. My, how society has improved … with age of course!

You should expect that your body is going to show those signs of aging. However, you don’t have to take them lying down. There are many preventative measures that can be taken to slow the process. Many older adults are successful. The key to success is a realistic view of old age, a healthy diet and of course, safe exercise for endurance, flexibility, strength and weight.

Brain Power

Alzheimer’s or dementia is a real and realistic fear for the elderly. As long as you eat healthy, exercise and challenge your brain frequently, you should be able to avoid this problem. Keep in mind that some forgetfulness is natural though!

The Thinning Process

As you age, there are quite a few things on and in your body that tend to thin. Your hair gets thinner as well as your skin. You lose a bit of elasticity as a result. Repeated sun block and moisturizers help a lot.

Your retina thins out affecting vision and your auditory canal thins affecting your hearing. Some blood vessels like capillaries thin, which along with thinner skin, makes you more prone to bruising.

Slowing Down

Many body processes start to slow down. Your digestion slows which may be the reason why you get heartburn or indigestion. In addition, your metabolism slows which means gaining weight, unless you keep up with exercise to burn calories.

Your joints, muscles and bones contribute to the slowing down process. Bones become less dense and weaker while your joints get stiffer and your muscles weaker. This slows down reflexes. Only through exercise can you greatly slow down this slow body downturn.

Other Body Issues

Some older adults may experience incontinence because bladder muscles weaken. Sex may be a problem thanks to menopause or erectile dysfunction. Sleep becomes disrupted and you may not get as much as you need to rejuvenate your body and mind. Heart, kidneys and bladder also work less efficiently so you have to compensate with better diet and exercise.

All in all, growing older seems like a raw deal; however, it doesn’t have to be. Many older adults have a great time in retirement and love being older and wiser. A lifetime of good habits will buy you a better lifestyle in retirement. Just remember that it is never too late to adopt healthier habits like a better diet and exercise.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more informaton on Healthy Retirement.

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Tags: healthy diet, healthy retirment, older adults

Pain is something we all deal with during our life times. It could be the pain of childbirth or the pain of a toothache. Breaking a leg, suffering from cancer, migraines … all are forms of pain. Pain interrupts sleep, causes fatigue, depression, irritability, work problems and loss of physical and social pleasure.

Talking with your doctor is the best way to learn how you can control the pain you are experiencing. Medications can work as well as meditation and other activities to help you gain the upper hand and control your pain.

There are a number of ways including medication, as listed above, that can help you. You just have to decide for yourself, along with the support of your doctor, what would work best for your lifestyle and level of pain. And speaking of pain level, knowing where you stand on a particular tolerance level can help your doctor come up with a pain management plan that would be best for you. For the most part, a doctor uses a scale from zero to ten. Zero means that there is no pain at all and ten is pain at its worst.

Prescribed Medication for Pain

There is an extensive variety of medications that are used to deal with pain. Some drugs are safe and effective when monitored and taken as prescribed. However, some people hesitate to accept pain medication for fear that they will become addicted. Yes, some pain medications can cause an addiction; however, this usually occurs when you take it improperly such as crushing and snorting it or over-medicating yourself.

Other Forms of Pain Management

Sometimes, pain can bring a plethora of other problems such as anxiety, depression, nervousness and fear. These things can lower your threshold to pain. However, by adopting some activities such as exercise, you can reduce your stress levels and increase your tolerance to pain. Here are a few other examples that may help:

1. Join a support group. Knowing that other people are in the same boat means you are not alone.
2. Practice meditation and other relaxation techniques like deep breathing and yoga.
3. Counseling and even hypnosis can help you deal with the pain as well.
4. Massage, acupuncture and chiropractic care may be beneficial as well in dealing with pain.
5. Herbal remedies may help or at least calm the severity of your pain.
6. Imagery and aromatherapy are other alternatives which might distract you from pain.

Before starting an alternative form of pain management, you should work with your doctor to ensure that it is safe for you. How long you have had the pain, when it started, and where it hurts are all part of creating an effective pain management plan.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more informaton on Healthy Retirement.

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Tags: fatigue, healthy retirment, nervousness, pain management, relaxation techniques

Aging is no fun for anyone. Your skin wrinkles, your hair turns grey. To stay healthy, exercise is a must. In addition, bruising occurs very easily. It is common to bruise and not remember how it happened. Luckily, most bruises go away in time without any medical treatment. However, keep in mind that if you bruise too easily, it could be a sign of something more serious and you should be examined by a doctor.

Normal Bruising Situations Caused by Aging

Bruises occur when capillaries close to the skin to break after being bumped. These little blood vessels are delicate and bruising is the result of these broken blood vessels leaking blood. In time, your body reabsorbs that leakage and the bruise fades away. Of course, with age come several factors which may contribute to a rise in bruising episodes. These include:

1. Thin skin - As you get older, your skin begins to thin and you lose the protection of some fatty tissue that normally would cushion and protect your blood vessels against bumps and other injuries. In addition, exposure to the sun can break down the integrity of your skin, making it more susceptible to bruising.

2. Weakening capillaries - These blood vessel walls become more delicate as the tissues that surround them weaken. This overall weakening threatens the integrity of the blood vessels causing more breakage.

For the most part, the harder the bump or injury, the bigger the bruise is going to be. However, if you find bruises on your body that you may not even remember getting, you might want to look further into the problem. Most bruises occur on the legs and arms because they tend to get bumped more frequently.

Bruise Causing Medications

Your doctor should inform you of side effects of your medications. Bruising is common for several classes of medications. For instance, if you have hypertension problems, you may be taking a blood thinner or even an aspirin a day to prevent heart attacks. These inhibit blood clotting and, therefore, even the slightest bump could cause a huge bruise when it normally wouldn’t otherwise.

Certain types of steroids and even dietary supplements can make your skin more prone to bruising. Some steroids will thin the skin while supplements can thin the blood. Speak with your doctor if you are taking supplements or before you discontinue medication due to the bruising side effects.

Knowing When Bruising is More Serious

If you don’t have a previous history of bad bruising and suddenly begin experiencing them, pay a visit to your family physician. If the bruises are painful or you are experiencing bleeding issues with your gums, stool, or even your nose, a doctor should be consulted. These are signs of a low blood platelet level and your ability to clot may be compromised due to medication or some other unknown health problem that needs to be diagnosed.

Avoiding the Black and Blue

Clean your house. Many bumps that cause bruising can be avoided by removing hazards in your home. Wear pants and long sleeved shirts when possible to add a layer of protection against bruising. And if you experience mild discomfort or pain, ice the area to reduce swelling and then apply a warm compress to hasten the re-absorption of blood.

Bruising can be a normal sign of aging. It can also, however, be a sign of something more serious. Take the necessary precaution but know when to visit your doctor.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more informaton on Healthy Retirement.

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Tags: aging, exercise, healthy retirment, hypertension

To many older adults, living alone means independence. Often times, however, a home can be filled with hazards that can impede the quality of life for a senior. With a few easy modifications, you can live independently for many years to come.

It is great to know that many changes to your home can easily fit into most budgets. The hard part is where to get started! It is important to look at what your lifestyle is and what your needs are. This will likely dictate the primary modifications you will need to implement. Of course, you have to keep your overall safety in mind as well.

The best way to determine what modifications you might need is to go through a checklist room by room. Here are some things you should think about in your planning:

1. Bathrooms and kitchen areas - If you are hindered by arthritis, you will want to ensure that the cabinet knobs are easy to manipulate. Can you turn the faucets on and off easily? If you have balance problems, you will need a bar in the bathtub and probably along the wall or near the toilet for assistance.

Can you easily reach the cabinets above and below your eye level? What about the height of the counter area? Being able to get in and out of the tub is also a consideration.

2. Check the traffic areas like the steps, hallways and stairways. If you have stairs, you will want to make sure that you have handrails on both sides should you lose your balance or need assistance going up and down. Look at the flooring. Is the carpet secure or will it likely trip you at some point? Is the laminate or tile floor fairly smooth? Do you need a lift installed that will take you up the stairs? Sometimes, stairs outdoors can slow down a senior and cause a potential fall. See if a ramp would be more advantageous for gaining entry into the home.

3. Storage areas such as closets can pose a big problem. If you have lost strength in your arms or you have joint issues, chances are that you cannot hold your arms above your head for very long. Therefore, you might want to reconsider any high shelving units in your closets or pantry in the kitchen. Could a storage bin system be more efficient? Look for ways to increase storage so that you don’t have to stoop too low or reach too high. In addition, avoid having to climb a step stool for anything.

4. Flooring options are important. If you have any step-ups or step downs, are these easily seen? Sometimes, seamless laminate or tile floors give the illusion of one floor when there is a graduated step. Are the places where different flooring materials like carpet and laminate or tile meet protected as tripping hazards? Are area rugs protected by slip-proof mats?

5. Ventilation and lighting can be important to maintaining independence. Check for sufficient light sources in each room. Do you have adequate light when you get up in the middle of the night? The lights should also be bright enough to see any potential hazards as well. Do you have good air circulation and vents for heat and air?

6. Assistant devices can increase your independence in living alone as well. Alarm systems help in case you need help. Special speakers throughout the home can ensure that you hear anyone ringing your doorbell. Installing telephones in strategic locations can ensure that you will get to them easily in case of emergency. Checking the electrical outlets and switches is also important too.

There are a variety of things to consider when modifying a home for independent living. However, most things can be easily done and will give you many more years in your own home before assisted living becomes an issue.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Healthy Retirement.

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Tags: healthy retirment, older adults