Who are SENIORS Citizens? They are those regal, self assured and confident people you pass every day. Why do some seniors have this aura of well being and others look and feel their age? There are factors we can control and factors we can't in our lives. This is the site that will accentuate the positive.

I am a "senior" who has all of the aches, pains, wrinkles and doctor's appointments that come with years of living. I like to call them "battle scars" because I earned them. Life is like that. It throws at lot at you and over the years it adds up. It is what you do with those "scars" that defines your life in later years.

At this point of life I am now in my third career. I am teaching computer classes for the community college at a local senior center and love every moment. In my very younger days, I taught elementary school classes, and, at the age of 35 went back to school and on the job hospital training for 4 years to train as a Cardiovascular Clinician. After doing 15 wonderful years of work with patients in hospitals and private practice, I spent 10 years in the management sector with a large hospital system. Retirement? Couldn't handle it. Over the years I had a love affair with computers and worked with them as much as possible and took the many classes that were offered. Age can define you or be just a number to be thought of as you celebrate each birthday.

Hopefully, I can help you work through some of the hopes and fears that aging brings. Be sure to click on the blue underlined links I have marked. I carefully chose those that contain very informative information. Use this "hub" to navigate to very good websites that can answer many questions.

Exercise should be one of the most important components of your daily living. Before you go "ho-hum" or "I can't do that", realize that you don't have to be a jumping jack, twisting in contortions or walking miles on a treadmill to reap benefits. The exercise must be something that you can do without pain and what you enjoy doing. Before we talk about different types of exercises, I will talk about how important it is that you have physical activity in your daily life. Remember to always check with your physician before starting any type of exercise program.

As your body ages, problems which may actually start as early as your 30s and 40s,can be diabetes, cardiac difficulties, arthritis, balance issues which lead to falls and broken bones, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, peripheral artery disease and autoimmune disorders. Exercise in its self is not a cure, but in most cases can make one feel much better both physically and mentally. The best exercise for you is the one that with your body and gives you a much better feeling of well being.There are some seniors who maintain a stringent and rigid exercise program well into their 80s and 90s. Always listen to your body and know how much you can do. Exercise, even if only chair stretching, loosens muscles and therefore your joints will feel less pain. Strength training can be tailored to your needs and builds endurance and agility. Special exercises for balance training are so valuable for greater confidence in walking and climbing steps. Always remember to stretch well before doing any exercise routine or program. Cardio training gives your heart and lungs a workout. Walking just 30 minutes a day is one of the best exercises that you can do. Most large malls offer hours early in the day for walking which is wonderful in the hot and cold weather. Take a companion or make up a group and you will find it is much more fun. The mental benefits are many. As endorphins are released from the body there is a better sense of well being. Blood pressure is usually better controlled and diabetics find their blood sugar is easier to manage. Those who suffer from obesity, the cause of many health problems, will find it easier to maintain their weight.

Those who belong to or have an organized exercise routine with set days and set times have a better chance of staying with their program and get more out of their workouts. Most gyms have special programs that are just for seniors or provide programs for seniors. There are private trainers who will come to the your home. Silver Sneakers is a gym that has many programs for seniors and also information about all health and nutrition concerns. More and more seniors are working at least part-time and The 24Hour Fitness gyms are open around the clock. Try clicking on www.gymticket.comto see how their program works. If you have a YMCA near you, check with them about their senior programs and a lot of them have pools. Pools are wonderful for seniors. Many exercises can be done in the water and therefore there is much less pressure on the joints. County or recreational pools almost always have water arobic classes which offer soothing exercises for those with arthritis problems. Using your computer you can go to many sites, such as Prevention Magazine, which have exercise and good wellness health information for all ages.

After you have seen your physician and he tells you the amount of exercise you can do and you have found a gym or trainer there is another important componant for your exercising. That's right-the proper clothing and shoes. Shoe companies, such as Nike, Reebock, New Balance, Rockport and most others, make many styles, sizes and types of exercise shoes. This is where you don't watch the "pennies". Your shoes can make the difference in how much pleasure you get from your program. There are shoes for any type of exercise you choose. Go to a reputable sporting goods shop and have someone to fit you. Explain the exercise you are planning to do and follow their suggestions. You need good support and a shoe that gives you a feeling of good balance. Your clothing should also fit whatever program you choose. Cotton may feel good but if you are going to sweat, some of the newer fabrics that wick the sweat from your body feel much better, Under Armour has a nice feel and requires no special care. There are many others, such as Nike or Champion, which fit well and are made to last.

I have found the Wii system which is hooked to your TV and used in your home has been a fantastic addition to my exercise program. Don't think the Wii is just for your grandchildren. It is being used by all ages and especially in senior centers and nursing homes. The system is very easy to set up. Also, you can have someone from a place like Best Buy or, this is where your kids come in handy, have them to set it up. Just think. You can bowl, play tennis, golf and so many other games in your own home. They have a Wii board that you can purchase and the exercises used on this can be Pilates, Yoga and many balance exercises. Remember, balance is imperative to help prevent falls. The greatest benefit is that you don't have to get out and go anywhere. You can also find your own level of the amount of exercise that you can do. Try it.

Click on the links (underlined in blue ) below for some very informative information.

KEEP MOVING TO KEEP GOING

Nutrition is one of the most important components of healthy aging.What we eat is the fuel that keeps us going, and as we age, some of the changes that we experience mean certain diet modifications. Diabetes, elevated cholesterol and hypertension are just some of the changes that may occur. Taking good care of yourselves with exercise, good nutrition, weight control and diligent medical care, will help you manage and have greater control your body health. In this article I will try to cover nutrition and give you links for the most common illnesses found as the aging process occurs. The links have been carefully researched to help you as much as possible.

Diabetes, especially type II, which is found most often in those who are aging is very difficult to control. Unfortunately, diabetes can lead to many serious medical problems that can be debilitating.This is where diligence pays off. If you have a family history of diabetes, are obese or have other medical problems which contribute to this medical problem there are many ways that you can change your lifestyle. NIH has published information that is helpful in answering some of your questions. If you have speakers, please leave them on.

All these years we have cooked for more than one. Here we are cooking for only one or two people. It is different and can lead to either eating out (lots of the wrong calories) or not cooking at all (not enough calories). I found that when my children were gone and I was cooking just for myself the motivation was not there. Anything that looked edible in the refrigerator landed on the table. After a long day at work, fixing a meal was the last thing I wanted to do. For some, the act of eating alone after cooking and eating with a spouse for so many years can be very emotional and daunting. One of the most helpful hints I can give you is-change your eating pattern. If sitting at the table is distressing, find a small table that fits in front of the TV or gives you room to spread out the newspaper, and, treat yourself to the things you would have never let your family do. Read and watch TV while you eat. If possible, rearrange you kitchen table with bright mats and candles and try a new recipe. There are several cookbooks on the market that are especially published for those who are only cooking for one or two. I developed a love for the cooking channels. This I thought would never happen. As we age, the nutritional demands for our bodies change and we do need to be aware of these changes. Also, in the very elderly, there is always the danger that not enough calories are being consumed. Any questions concerning these problems should always be discussed with the physician.

With diabetes, adjusting your eating habits can be difficult and frustrating. Check with Medicare or your insurance carrier to see if they cover consulting a nutritionist. A nutritionist is a certified dietitianwho is trained to work with you and your physician concerning your dietary needs. They can help you plan meals, adjust your calories to your needs, and track your diabetic medications that control insulin levels.You may also need to purchase diabetic cookbooks that can be very helpful.

Most medical problems such as High Cholesterol, Hypertension and Cardiac (Heart) problems require some changes in your diet.Always check with your physician or dietitian if you have been told to make drastic changes in your diet.

Always remember to eat sensibly. Fresh fruits and vegetables should always be a part of your daily diet. Push the plate away before you are full and remember that over eating can lead to obesity with its many problems. Be sure that your diet is balanced and avoid an abundance of fatty foods and foods that are heavy in salt. Most recipes can be adjusted to your needs and tastes.

Good nutrition should begin early in life, but, if there is a deficiency, it is never to late to eat as though our good health depends on it because it does. As we age, our bodies become deficient in calcium which is so important to good bone health. A fear that haunts most women, because they are the most susceptible, is a fall that results in broken bones and especially the hip. Also, women and men can develop a "hump" back. These are ailments that can be dangerous and painful. Women are advised to have a bone density test every couple of years to determine bone deterioration. There are medications that can be taken to strengthen the bones, but, they only supplement good nutrition which is most important.

If you are taking medications, always check with your pharmacists or physician if there are any foods that you should avoid. Some medications may interact or become inactive when certain foods are eaten with some of these medications.

Find the physician that you feel most comfortable with. He or she will be the most important person in keeping you in the best health and therefore, feeling your most fit.

There are going to be problems and body changes associated with aging that just were not there in our thirties and forties. After accepting this fact, we can move on with a very healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. How wonderful not to worry about periods each month, screaming hormone fluctuations or worrying about pregnancies. (Just don't forget to make sure that you have passed that point before you stop practicing birth control. Some women can stop their periods but still be ovulating. There is no set age that ovulation does stop. You have the best of your lifetime waiting for you. Stay healthy and well so you can enjoy these fabulous years. The right medical care can make a tremendous difference in how you spend these years.

Most of your medical contact will be with your "primary" care physician. This doctor is usually a Family Practitioner, one who will see the entire family, or an Internal Medicine physician who sees only adults over sixteen. They will take care of most of your illnesses and will refer you to a specialist when necessary. They will then work with the specialist to give you the best continuity of care. This is why they are referred to as "gatekeepers". For your comfort and best care, you and your physician should share a compatibility. You must have full trust in your doctor and they must know that you will work with them to achieve the best care that can be provided. A lot of seniors, especially those who have moved to a new area, will ask neighbors and friends who they use. Sometimes a great match is made this way. It is best to see a new physician when you are well rather than wait until you are ill. In a first "well visit", the physician can discuss any medications you are taking and chart any previous problems that you have had. When you are well, it is much easier to converse with a new doctor and make a better decision whether this is the one that you would like to continue seeing. When you are interviewing with a physician, don't just focus on him or her. Start with how long it took you to get an appointment. Were you happy with the way the phone was answered and when you came in, were you warmly welcomed as a new patient? Look around the office and see if it meets your standards. Is the staff moving the patients in to see the doctor in an orderly manner or do they seem to have been waiting for a long period of time? Does the waiting room appear clean and in order? The physician's office should be in the same condition. Most importantly, does the physician seem to be attentive to any existing problems or questions you might have? If they don't meet these needs on a first well visit, it is doubtful the mood will improve. Remember, what might suit someone else just might not be the best fit for you. That is the advantage of a "well visit". A very important consideration is that the doctor's office accepts your insurance. That can be a crucial factor. Make sure they accept, on assignment, your Medicare or any supplemental insurance you have. If you are told that you have to submit your own paper work, think very hard about this. It is preferable that they participate with your insurance provider. The paper work can be daunting and you will only be reimbursed what the company will allow. If you have an HMO, you will have to use their physicians and sometimes these physicians and specialists will be grouped in one medical unit together. Another consideration might be to find out if they do their own laboratory work or it is sent out and where they send their patients for diagnostic tests. Please feel free to ask all the questions you might have. You and the physician will both be happier. When you decide on a physician, it is to your benefit to make sure you have all your records transferred to the office you decide to use. Be sure to keep a copy for yourself.

People over the age of fifty will take more medications than any segment of the population.Before you become discouraged, remember, as we age the wear and tear that our body has taken over the years can lead to illnesses that anyone could face in their lifetime. Arteries may become blocked over time, diabetes is more likely to surface, the carotid arteries may block and we are more likely to develop Peripheral Artery Disease. Some of these we can control with exercise, diet and change of lifestyle or most can be controlled with medications or surgery. My father had one of the first cardiac by-pass surgery at the age of 69 and went on to another wonderful 15 years with very few problems and lived a very normal life. I can still see him hauling a boat out of the water at 75 years old. How did he do it? Most importantly he had been a strenuous walker for many years and his lung capacity was that of someone much younger. At an early age, he had always felt that to much fat in the diet could "block the pipes". How right he was. After the surgery he took one baby aspirin every morning. He also saw his physician at his appointed time and followed all directions.

Medications are so important to our help it is imperative that you work closely with your physician concerning what medications to take and how much you need. Self medication can be deadly or can cause many unwanted side effects. The cost of medications and the time and effort to see your doctor may cause you to become careless about seeing your doctor before taking any medications. Taking less than you are suppose to or taking more of the medication can cause many problems. Patients can come in and tell the doctor they are dizzy or feeling lightheaded. The physician may order tests, give medications to overcome these problems and it may be only that the person is taking his or her medication the wrong way. You may be tempted to take another person's medicine, taking more than you should of your own or taking less to save money. Many of the large pharmacies have new programs that will give discounts on generic drugs. They give them at a very reduced price. I will be giving you a web site that will give you information about these programs. Also, check with your local pharmacy to see if they can help you reduce the cost of your drugs.

Over medication or medications taken with other meds. that should not be taken together may be unintentional but can be deadly. If you are seeing several physicians and have no "gate keeper" or primary care physician, there is no one keeping track of medicines that should not be taken while your are taking another drug. Always have all lab results or any diagnostic procedures sent to your primary doctor as well as the specialist. Make sure that you inform your primary care physician when you see a specialist.