Aging Gracefully

Prevention | Cure | Care | Resources

As we age we have to learn new things about ourselves - new concerns and new needs. The approach to these new prospects should be three-fold: prevention, cure and care.

Consider this page a "jumping off point". We provide you with basic information from solid sources, and links to find out more information about the issues. Links to studies and books on the information provided can be found at the bottom of the page.

Prevention

If all it could take is changing a few habits to improve your quality of life better as you age, wouldn't that be worth it? We have selected out some common risks to growing older. You will probably notice that the prevention path is similar in most cases.

Osteoporosis Risk Factors

Thinness - A low Body Mass Index is an important risk factor for low bone mass.
Smoking - The bone mass of post menopausal (but not pre menopausal) women decreases by 2% for every ten years over menopause. The evidence in men is inconclusive.
High Coffee Intake - four or more cups a day decreases bone density; yearly losses of as much as 0.5% total body calcium and as much as a doubling of the hip fracture risk
Carbonated beverage consumption
Excessive alcohol intake
Taking Corticosteroid - This steroid increases the risk of non-vertebral fractures.
Deficiencies in:
- Protein,
- vitamin K, and
- Calcium.
- Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of Calcium, so Calcium alone will not help.

It follows, therefore, that to reduce the risks of osteoporosis cutting out some of these bad habit and increasing the nutrients in your diet are positive steps you can take. Additionally, physical exercise has a positive effect on bone mass density.

Alzheimer's Studies

Studies concerning supplements are ongoing, and promising. If you opt to add these supplements to your diet, please check for the maximum recommended doses.

June 26, 2002, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) article: "Diet Rich in Foods with Vitamin E May Reduce Alzheimer’s Disease Risk" concerning Vitamin E, Vitamin C and other antioxidants having a protective effect. Similar results were seen in studies carried out in the Netherlands.
Studies are currently going on (including in the Province of Ontario) concerning the effect of Omega3 fatty acids. Alzheimer.ca study info

Heart Disease

Heart Disease has many roots. The concerns expressed by Health Canada focus on the following

Diabetes
Weight Control
High Blood Pressure
Smoking
Cholesterol
Physical Inactivity

There are certain steps common to all causes that you can take to help reduce your risks:

Nutritional: Eat right and control your weight.
- Eat a variety of foods. Choose food from each of the four food groups.
- Have some starchy food at each meal, such as bread, pasta, potato, or rice.
- Cut down on fat, especially fat that comes from animal foods such as meat, butter, and cheese.
- Avoid candy and cookies.
- Allow 4-6 hours between your meals.
- Eat healthy, small snacks.
- Limit your alcohol - no more than 2 drinks per day.
- Cut back on your salt intake. Other seasonings can be added to dishes to replace the lost flavour.
Plan to be active 30 minutes or more every day.
Don't smoke.
Control your blood pressure.
Control your blood cholesterol.

Other Prevention Tips

Deafness
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Hypercholesterolemia (High Cholesterol Levels)

Prevention | Cure | Care | Resources

Cure

The first step to finding treatment involves accurately identifying any issues that may be arising. If you feel you may have a particular condition, seek testing from a qualified medical practitioner for an accurate diagnosis.

NHC is not here to make claims on behalf of any particular cure. See your qualified Medical Practitioner. We will, however provide pertinent information on where you can find more information and get the help you need.

Alzheimer's Disease

Recognizing the signs. These signs are from the Alzheimer Society of Canada's. Their website http://www.alzheimer.ca has more detailed information.

Memory loss that affects day-to-day function
Difficulty performing familiar tasks
Problems with language
Disorientation of time and place
Poor or decreased judgment
Problems with abstract thinking
Misplacing things
Changes in mood and behaviour
Changes in personality
Loss of initiative

Also see:

Deafness
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Hypercholesterolemia (High Cholesterol Levels)

Prevention | Cure | Care | Resources

Care

"Care" can mean taking an active role in your own health regimen or it can mean taking care of an aging loved one.

Support

There are many organizations in your community to help you cope with the stresses of living with any of these conditions. Support groups consisting of people who have dealt with the same issues can often help guide you through the process of finding the care you need, and relate their experiences. Do not underestimate the usefulness of these groups.

Respite Care and Hospices

Sometimes you just need a break. There are organizations that help provide a care giver to come in and take over some of the responsibilities for short periods of time. Others may find that they require help on a longer term basis.

Here are a few links to help you find the type of help you need, in your area.

Prevention | Cure | Care | Resources