Use It Or Loose It!

Stay Active!

Exercise is very important as we age. Stats say you should be exercising 3 - 5 times a week. Walk, bike, swim, golf, anything that keeps you mobile, within reason.

We may not be able to do the same physical activities we could when we were 20 or 30, and we need to keep that in mind or run into unexpected injuries. Boomer bodies are a lot more prone to sports injuries than we care to realize.

I read an article that has a name for "replacements" called "boomeritis". The Hospital For Special Surgery states:

"... knee and hip replacements, surgery for cartilage and ligament damage, and treatment for tendinitis, arthritis, bursitis and stress fractures. The phenomenon even has a name in medical circles: boomeritis." Baby Boomers are saying something that can be done. And thanks to improved diagnostics and surgical advancements, often something can be done.

Some tips to avoid injuries:

- take time to warm up- space out your activity. Don't jump off the couch just on the weekend- "no pain no gain" is not true. If it hurts - stop!

So yes exercise. We all need strength, flexibility, etc., and exercise helps not only our bodies but also our sense of well being. Just be a bit more realistic about the type of exercise you chose especially if you are just starting to look at a physical fitness program.

Another plus, physical activity can slow down some aspects of the aging process.

Start moving!

Read more on Baby Boomer Health Issues and Tips at:

http://www.babyboomerhealthnetwork.com/

Baby Boomers Now Caring For Their Parents

I am sure this subject is not news for many Baby Boomers out there.

As the first of our generation start turning 60, and thinking of retirement and our own health issues, taking care of our aging parents enters the equation of where we go from here. Our parents, who we once thought never understood us, are now becoming our (role reversal) children. We are now responsible for their well being.

How can Baby Boomers deal in this new territory? Here are some tips.

- Try to enjoy your parents now as never before. As much as their care may be difficult remember they have a wealth of information to share. You may hear memories as never before, if it's not past that point.

- Give more of you than your time. This may sound a bit strange but giving of yourself is way more important than time you spend if you really don't want to be there. If the "caring time" is warring you down look for help with the care so you can spend quality time.

- Do not let your parents aging fear your own mortality. Try to rejoice in every moment and let fear go. Yes our time will come, but that is not what you need to think of now.

Am I an expert, no, but I took care of my Mother for years when she was dying of cancer and know that the experience, as hard as it was, is something I am so thankful that I did and had that special time with her.

Of course there are many more issues to deal with in this whole area. I invite you to read more at my friend's site (Peter Silin) http://www.diamondgeriatrics.com/