Seniors Site

I don’t know about you, my elderly friends, but I have been having memory problems for as long as I can remember. My mom used to tease me about the time I almost forgot to pick up my wedding dress had she not reminded me—she being the organized one, me being the careless bride. I had always depended on her to remind me of the things I needed to do:  kids’ vaccination day, doctor’s appointments, baseball games, etc. Annoying as it was then, you could just imagine how lost I became the moment I realize she can no longer fulfill this duty for me.

Along the way, I have tested and learned the best ways to help me remember and by sharing them, I hope to help seniors who are having trouble remembering as well. I know how frustrating it can be so here are some of my favorites:

1.    Concentrate. If someone is talking to you and you know there is something important in what the other person is saying, never let your mind wander, instead ask questions, clarify things. This will help you remember what was said.
2.    Write it down. Better yet, put them all together in one place. It can be a little notebook or a planner. You know a piece of tissue only works for one-night stands!
3.    Visualize. I have always believed that there are two kinds of people:  creative and critical thinkers. If you are the former, it will help you tremendously if you visualize a situation rather than focusing on details.
4.    Associate. Names are the hardest to remember! My trick is when I meet a person, I try to associate his name to the nearest, silliest thing I can think of. If he is a Rainier, I associate him with a reindeer.
5.    Designate a place for everything. Problem with missing keys? Set a wide-mouthed fishbowl right beside the door and put all keys there. Disappearing remote control? Place them all on the nearest end table. And how about your eye glasses? Buy a neck strap.
6.    Put out-of-place reminders around your work table or your house. My top favorite would be a large paper calendar—those with screaming, big numbers enough to catch your neighbor’s attention. This is for remembering schedules, appointments etc.
7.    Post-its. It may not be the prettiest things to see scattered around the house but the neon yellow colored sticky paper never fails to remind!
8.    Take advantage of what technology has to offer. Google for one has a calendar that comes with their email account, free to use upon signing up. It sends notification via emails so you don’t have to access them all the time just to see your “things to do”
9.    Prioritize. Sometimes things get so crazy, it becomes harder to remember. If this is the case, learn how to prioritize.
10.    Adapt a routine. If it’s a regular thing you need to keep, like taking your meds, adjust your everyday schedule and create a routine to keep you reminded. It’s like programming your body based on time and day.

If you have been on a strict maintenance drug for quite some time now, you probably know what “after/before meals” and “not to be taken with..” phrases mean. And somehow, you would have guessed at some point that drug reacts with food and there are some combinations you need to avoid in order to make the drug effective or in some cases, avoid complications.

The primary reason why your healthcare provider is adamant that you follow strict orders when prescribed is that sometimes, food interacts with drug in such a way that it hinders the drug’s effectivity making it almost a waste of time taking it. Furthermore, drug-food interaction is not limited to prescription drugs alone—although the odds are much higher—even OTC medications you thought were safe enough to be taken without having to evaluate what your body has as of the moment.

One good example of drug-food interaction is the level of absorption your body has if you take medication at the same time you eat. Naturally, your body is busy processing the food you’re eating thus making the drug you just took less absorbed than it should have been. Ideally, meds are to be taken with an empty stomach to guarantee its effectivity however, there are some drugs that go well with food so make sure you got your doctor’s instructions right before starting on it.

When dealing with drug-food interaction, it is important for seniors to always stay alert. Your first rule is to read labels and ask questions if in doubt especially if dealing with prescription drugs. Be especially aware of contraindications your drug may have since it clearly outlines when the drug is inadvisable to take. Be sure you get the exact dosage your doctor prescribed and not alter dosages at any point. While it’s a common practice to some seniors, breaking a tablet in half then taking it in halves is never a good idea. If, for some reason, you need to lower your dosage, talk with your doctor about it.

Vitamins may look harmless enough to be taken with medications—bad news is, it’s not. While it can be taken any time of the day, its component can react with your meds badly. If you are taking vitamins on a daily basis, it is best to mention the brand name or better yet, bring the vitamin bottle with you when consulting a doctor. This way, he will know exactly what he’s dealing with.

Lastly, it is a big no-no to mix meds with alcohol. For as long as human beings have existed, alcohol and medication never quite got together well—be it a century-old grass-and-bark medicine or the ever modern drug we know of.

If you have been on a strict maintenance drug for quite some time now, you probably know what “after/before meals” and “not to be taken with..” phrases mean. And somehow, you would have guessed at some point that drug reacts with food and there are some combinations you need to avoid in order to make the drug effective or in some cases, avoid complications.

The primary reason why your healthcare provider is adamant that you follow strict orders when prescribed is that sometimes, food interacts with drug in such a way that it hinders the drug’s effectivity making it almost a waste of time taking it. Furthermore, drug-food interaction is not limited to prescription drugs alone—although the odds are much higher—even OTC medications you thought were safe enough to be taken without having to evaluate what your body has as of the moment.

One good example of drug-food interaction is the level of absorption your body has if you take medication at the same time you eat. Naturally, your body is busy processing the food you’re eating thus making the drug you just took less absorbed than it should have been. Ideally, meds are to be taken with an empty stomach to guarantee its effectivity however, there are some drugs that go well with food so make sure you got your doctor’s instructions right before starting on it.

When dealing with drug-food interaction, it is important for seniors to always stay alert. Your first rule is to read labels and ask questions if in doubt especially if dealing with prescription drugs. Be especially aware of contraindications your drug may have since it clearly outlines when the drug is inadvisable to take. Be sure you get the exact dosage your doctor prescribed and not alter dosages at any point. While it’s a common practice to some seniors, breaking a tablet in half then taking it in halves is never a good idea. If, for some reason, you need to lower your dosage, talk with your doctor about it.

Vitamins may look harmless enough to be taken with medications—bad news is, it’s not. While it can be taken any time of the day, its component can react with your meds badly. If you are taking vitamins on a daily basis, it is best to mention the brand name or better yet, bring the vitamin bottle with you when consulting a doctor. This way, he will know exactly what he’s dealing with.

Lastly, it is a big no-no to mix meds with alcohol. For as long as human beings have existed, alcohol and medication never quite got together well—be it a century-old grass-and-bark medicine or the ever modern drug we know of.

Varicose veins are very common. It can strike young and old, rich and poor. No wonder, since varicose veins are basically your supposedly invisible veins beneath your skin gone wild! These large, unsightly, sometimes painful veins are usually found in the lower extremities, i.e your legs since they must be the most abused part of our body, carrying the weight of the entire body all the time.
However, varicose veins are doubly common in seniors. We all know that when the body undergoes the natural aging process, almost everything that can be found inside your body starts to break down or behave rather abnormally. Veins grow weaker by the second putting us, seniors, in greater risk of bursting it open or clotting the blood that flows inside it. Normally, the blood inside the vein must flow upward. In a varicose vein’s case, the valve that regulates proper flow fails to do its job causing blood to seep. The blood will then collect in that specific area causing that vein to show.
For seniors, there are many factors to consider when determining the cause of their varicose veins. It could be the lifestyle they lead, especially if they are carrying extra and unnecessary weight, or if they are predisposed to it, i.e genetically. Also, their working conditions can tremendously contribute to them having problems with varicose veins now and in the near future.
It is important to note that varicose veins can never kill you, unless it’s death by humiliation of having one. They are nasty yes, and thank heavens there are treatments available for varicose veins—safe enough even for older adults. Nonetheless, if left untreated, it can be very annoying since it can be painful when walking or standing. There is also an apparent discomfort in the affected leg which can be itchy at times. Varicose veins sufferers are noted to have some swelling around the ankle and some distention in the area where blood seepage occurred. If these symptoms are beginning to interfere with your life then it’s time to take your problems to the doctor as varicose veins can worsen overtime and if left untreated.
There are many types of treatment for varicose veins. It can be surgical, nonsurgical, and less invasive treatments. Your doctor will help you choose what’s the best treatment for your case. Non-surgical treatments include using compression stockings which keep your veins in check and without disturbance. Elevating the legs when resting is also recommended to help calm your veins and at the same time release pressure. These treatments are usually recommended for mild cases of varicose veins.
Surgical procedure to remove the damaged vein is usually recommended for severe cases. Vein stripping involves removing the vein just so it won’t cause any more trouble to the patient. Other less invasive treatments include laser treatments and radiotherapy ablation.

It is safe to say that with the way technology is working nowadays, keeping our body healthy the right way has become easier than it once was. Back then, we only have our mothers and our forefathers to depend on when it comes to life’s many trivial questions, especially when it comes to health. Now, we have hundreds upon hundreds of researchers working on proving—or debunking—these supposedly “facts” to help people find their way to healthy and fit bodies. As for us seniors, it would be harder to convince us since these myths are like “second skin” to us—but yes, we’ll see..
•    Knuckle-cracking leads to arthritis. I bet you think—especially our boys—your old cracking habit came haunting you as soon as your doctor suspected arthritis hurting your joints, however, studies show that knuckle-cracking has no bearing on you having arthritis later in life. Having reduced grip strength however, is a whole different matter.
•    Healthy, regular bowel movement means once a day appointment with “the throne”. Not so, there are many, perfectly healthy people who move bowels twice a day then there are those who do it once every other day. It all boils down to your diet. Nonetheless, seniors are strongly recommended to increase fiber intake since their digestion process may be faltering or slowing down.
•    Low-fat foods make you lose weight. Yes it will help but not entirely so, as you also need to cut back on your calories and make your body sweat a little if you want to lose weight. Low-fat foods you see in stores now are usually laden with other unhealthy stuff, needless to say, never depend on them.
•    Herbal preparations are harmless but very effective. They can be, but certainly not all of them. Also, you need to take into consideration that not all herbal preparations are good for you. Seniors should always consult their doctors when thinking of trying herbal preparations as it may interfere with their current medications.
•    Fresh fruits and veggies are healthier than frozen ones. Fresh is nice especially if they are handpicked—by you. Otherwise, it makes no difference if you go with frozen or canned ones, just make sure they are not soaked with unnecessary sugars and preservatives.
•    Breast cancer is purely hereditary. Genes are a factor but you can also get it if you are predisposed to it (that is, if you belong to the “high risk” group.
•    Increase fiber intake for digestion only. Fiber, in general, is good for you. There are actually two types:  soluble fiber lowers cholesterol while insoluble fiber is good for digestion. Consider fiber as the “wonder carbo” for seniors.

With age comes many foreign experiences to encounter every single day! These experiences usually demand seniors to do unusual tricks just to be able to live and cope with it. Sometimes, it feels like suddenly you’re pushed to a life of seniority you never knew it even existed. But like what I said earlier, you can still live your life to the fullest and not be bothered with these “foreign experiences”, that is, if you are willing to go the extra mile to make sure everything in your life is working the way it should be.
No matter how deep my first paragraph may sound, many seniors will agree: living in an aged body is like starting to know yourself all over again. Your body not functioning the way it used to; your living patterns are starting to go haywire–these are only some of the things you may notice as you go along however, the most annoying of all must be sleeping difficulties!
Sleep is very important especially to an aging body. It allows the body to recuperate. Without it, your immune system is weakened and bodily functions will start to run wild. Older people need 6 to 8 hours of solid sleep. Here are some relaxation techniques you can try to achieve better sleep:
·    Wean yourself from sleeping pills and other drowse-inducing substances. It may be hard at first but trust me, you’ll benefit more in the long run without these things. Your body can never relax if you are under these influences, yes, you may seem resting at the moment but in reality, your body and mind are more active than ever!
·    Try to limit your caffeine intake especially around sleeping time. It just hypes you up.
·    Play soft music as you lay in bed. Music is one of the most effective ways to induce a feeling, including “relaxed, sleepy” feeling. It is also the best way to drown your worries away, similar to meditation.
·    Take hot baths before sleeping. Not only will it make you smell and feel good, but it will also prepare your body for sleeping.
·    Prepare only light dinners that can easily be digested such as salad and soups. No need to keep your digestive system busy while you try going to dreamland.
·    Master the art of tuning out. When trying to sleep, tune out. Just plain tune out. Don’t think of anything—anything at all. Just enjoy the moment. Those that needed thinking can go wait tomorrow.
·    Exercise. A physically tired body leaves no room for thinking. Just make sure that you time your exercises well or else you’ll end up more active than ever.
·    Find a comfortable position. Sleeping on your own bed is way different than sleeping on the couch. This is because your bed knows your body well enough to provide you a good night’s sleep. This, you cannot get from the couch, I bet!

I am always conscious of what I eat. As an aging person, I know that my body’s nutritional needs differ tremendously from that of a younger person. Aside from that, an aging body is most likely to have digestion and metabolism problems making it hard to just enjoy the foods you have grown to love! Back then, my body knew how to properly respond to the things I eat, now it’s just plain confused and can no longer adapt adequately.  Furthermore, there are now “limits” on the type of foods we have to eat especially if we are in a certain kind of diet for health reasons. These things considered, seniors should really take it by heart to just make the most of it, and try to enjoy it without sacrificing our health.
Rule of thumb is, reducing calories to prevent obesity or other fat-related diseases and at the same time pack in nutrient –rich foods since your body needs them more than ever. If possible, the foods you eat should be less in calories but rich in nutrients, that’s what. A very puzzling combination indeed but the best one for seniors!
·    Fish, particularly lean ones. Seniors have salmon, mackerel and sardines to name a few. They are a great source of protein and have omega-3 fatty acids. Protein is important in a senior’s diet since it slows down muscle loss but should be taken in moderate amounts, on the other hand, omega-3s protect a senior from cardiovascular diseases.
·    Berries. They are good whatever way you decide to eat them! Berries like blueberries are reach in antioxidant, your best defense against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Blueberries also have vitamin C and of course, fiber. Strawberries, on the other hand, are not only naturally sweet but also free of saturated fats plus you get vitamin C, of course.
·    Vegetables especially green ones. Broccoli, for one is good for seniors, since it helps digestion and may help protect your eyesight. Spinach is also good, it is a good source of magnesium and it helps improve your memory.
·    Yogurt is good for supplementing your calcium needs and it is also good for digestion—two of the most important factors in a senior’s life!
·    Citrus. They are high in vitamin C which in return boosts your body’s immune system. Lemons neutralize acid-alkali levels in the body and have less sugar than most citrus fruits. Grapefruit promotes weight management and it cleanses the body, only you may have to watch out on the acidity level.

One of the usual concerns of an aging man is sex, that is, his sexual drive and his ability to perform with a partner. As men age, their testosterone levels begin to decline, to a point where symptoms begin to gradually show until it ultimately causes problem to the person. I remember I already talked about male menopause or what’s medically-termed as andropause. In that post, I have discussed about diminishing testosterone levels and how it can affect you as a person sexually. Of course, your sexual problems may or may not be caused by andropause as you need to get tested first before you can really be certain. Knowing the root cause of your problem can really help you and your doctor arrive in a better solution for your problem. With that said, senior men, once they experience sexual problems, should consult their doctors at once and not be ashamed of it at all as the problem may be a direct result of another underlying health condition that needs immediate attention.
A healthy sex life is needed– young or old–however, for some older men, sexual satisfaction becomes harder to achieve unlike when they were younger and things were less complicated. It was said that a healthy sex life benefits the overall outlook of a person, including his self-esteem and physical health. I have male friends who are old and mature enough to actually sit down and share with me their sexual experiences while aging and I must say, not being able to deliver well in bed takes toll emotionally. I have seen it in their defeated eyes. Some of their usual concerns are diminishing sex drive or sexual interest, achieving and maintaining an erection, and stamina. I even heard from a male friend that sex in seniors is more like “hit or miss”, sometimes you hit, sometimes you miss. While sexual problems in seniors don’t usually go away on their own, there are ways you can improve your sex life:
·    Learn to communicate well with your partner. A longtime partner is most likely to understand your problem since you already established a bond with her. She may even help you assess your situation and point out the things you have missed. Knowing where you are coming from without risking unfair judgment is essential in keeping you comfortable doing the act itself.
·    Befriend your doctor. There are many prescription medications for sexual concerns nowadays, especially for men and most certainly, your doctor will be the first to know of these things. These days, nothing is impossible with science.
·    Change the way you see sex. It’s not all about penetration, it also involves satisfaction. Women in general like to be cuddled and romanced which includes some sex—but not entirely sex, sex, sex. Open your mind to these possibilities, explore it and you’ll be amazed to find it can actually satisfy you more than just having sex.
·    Timing is important. Choose the time of the day when you’re in your most energetic. Also, gauge yourself what works for you best. Do you need more stimulation or perhaps some mood setting activity? By all means, do so.
·    Whatever happens, stay healthy, active and positive. These are the things what will help you boost your self-esteem, with or without sex life. After all, who in the earth would like to be called as “grumpy, old man”?

You know what’s funny? Almost all of these health threats to men are preventable. However, men are just either too stubborn or hard-headed to ever heed the call! As men get older, the abuse you’ve cast upon your body will definitely take its toll. However, the body indeed behaves in most unusual ways, sometimes, it won’t let underlying diseases to manifest until it’s too late—when all you can do is regret the things you have done to your body.
Bear in mind that prevention is still better than cure—and less expensive too! Also, undergoing treatments is no fun especially during a time when you should be out having fun with your friends and having the time of your life. If you feel you already lived most of you life and maybe it’s too late to change lifestyle now, then think again because when it comes to your health, it can never be too late to change! Here are some of the top health threats to men along with suggested ways to prevent them:
·    Heart disease. When it comes to men, heart disease must be scariest of them all. I personally believe that men have the weaker heart, maybe because most of the time, society denies them of expressing themselves emotionally in which their hearts take the direct effect. Aside from the stress factor, seniors should also take into consideration their activity levels. Train your heart by engaging in cardio activities such as running and jogging. Oh! And try to quit smoking while you’re at it!
·    Prostate cancer. There is no sure-fire way to prevent prostate cancer. However, your health care provider is most likely to suggest you adapt a healthy lifestyle to reduce your risk of getting one. Boosting your body’s immune system can also help you prevent cancer in general. Healthy lifestyle means healthy foods which include fruits and vegetables, cutting back on fatty ones, drinking in moderation, exercise and regular screening.
·    Stroke. Men are prone to stroke. There are many factors why stroke can happen. It can be the genetic, age, race and of course, your lifestyle. Two of the earliest signs of stroke are high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. If you already have one of these two, it is important that you take your maintenance medications.
·    Lung disease. Of course, you already know the answer to this one, you just need to stop smoking!
·    Diabetes. Once you get diabetes, you’re in it for life! Type 2 diabetes indeed causes health complications such as blindness, nerve damage and kidney failure. To prevent diabetes from happening, you must cut back on your sugar intake and yes, a little dieting can help you a lot!

If you are an incessant smoker, you probably know when you’re feeling down and depressed. Depression in a smoker is usually characterized by doubled amount of cigarette sticks consumed in a day. For ages, our health care community has been trying to solve this very alarming mystery: does depression cause smoking or is it the other way around?.. These two, even if taken separately, indeed can cause major health problems, even trigger underlying ones especially in seniors whose body’s defenses are weaker.  The medical community believes that if they are able to pinpoint which of the two comes first, they will be able to decrease the number of casualties for both cases.
Even if a strong link has been established between the two, it doesn’t really prove that one existed as a direct result of the other. In fact, there are quite a number of people who tried smoking for the first time not because they were depressed–just go ask a teenager! The same way as people who began smoking don’t automatically fall into depression. According to a survey done to establish connection between the two, a person who smoke is most likely to reach for a cigarette stick when depressed because of the calming effect a stick has, and because the feeling of depression doesn’t usually go away that easily—and the calming effect of a cigarette stick is all but temporary—he or she will surely consume another stick, in an attempt to somehow alleviate the bad feeling. In a way, depression doubles your cigarette consumption but it was never proven to be the cause of smoking. At present , experts believe that the best treatment for a person who is addicted to smoking and at the same time, experiences depression is to undergo treatment for both, either specialized treatment or separate courses.
It is also wise for the senior to recognize the signs. There are two major points to remember, smoking is an addiction and depression is a disorder. The soonest you recognize these and actually accept your condition—enough to get you to a specialist, the earlier you are saving your life from potentially health risks brought about by smoking and depression.
Nicotine dependence is notably marked by your inability to stop smoking, even in situations you know you are not allowed to. When a senior attempts to stop, he or she will experience withdrawal symptoms like cigarette cravings, restlessness and irritability, dry cough and even flu-like symptoms. On the other hand, depression symptoms are mostly emotional which extends to physical symptoms. Emotional symptoms are severe sadness, feeling worthless and sometimes even guilt, and loss of interest while physical symptoms are fatigue, lack of energy, and sleeping difficulties.

It is extremely important for seniors to find the right doctor to care for them. I believe that when you reach a certain age, a senior is most likely to see his or her doctor more often than their own children! Also, it is important for the senior and their doctor to establish that connection—and of course, more importantly, trust—before they can work together in fighting diseases and illnesses.
I, for one, swear that finding the right doctor can be tough—even tougher than one may think! I have done it not only for myself but for my parents, children and even grandchildren! Finding the right doctor involves awareness, a little research and a lot of gut feel. In my many doctor-searching years, I already developed a plan which I find useful when the need be, but of course, it’s not at all fool-proof, sometimes I still fell into the hands of wrong ones no matter how careful I was in choosing them. Let me share them with you:
·    Referrals are a great start. This should be your starting point. Call friends and relatives who have personal experiences with these doctors. Try to limit calls to only those who are reliable enough to provide information such as a friend who underwent the same situation. If the potential doctor is to work with your physician, it is best to seek referral from your doctor himself so he will be comfortable working with this other doctor. Get a maximum of 3 doctors in your list for your “screening process”.
·    Do your research. Nowadays, most doctors can be found online, even their clinics, if they have one. Just by using local search engines like Google, you will be able to see their credentials, the work they do, services they offer and most of all, feedbacks and complaints from past clients, if there’s any. In your spare time, join online discussions so you get a better idea of how things work.
·    On your first visit, bring all your necessary docs, lab results, recommendations and whatnot. Don’t be afraid to ask questions as this is the only way you can get to know this new doctor. This is when your gut feel must be on its most effective. By now you must have an idea of what your condition is all about, express your concern directly to the doctor. If he is not interested in making you feel comfortable then it’s time to get up and leave.
·    Consider accessibility. This includes the proximity of the doctor’s location and how “reachable” he is if and when an emergency happens.
·    As much as possible, choose a doctor whose clinic is sort of “one-stop shop” where everything you need is there or at the very least, in close distance with the clinic.