Seniors with high blood pressure are often told by their physician that exercise is a great way to manage it.  But, what is the best exercise?  Should it be something that gets the blood pumping, or should it be something that calms the circulatory system, like yoga? On top of that, once a person reaches a certain age, physical activities become more difficult or simply impossible. Here are some solutions to get you exercising and lowering your blood pressure, but without overexerting yourself: 1. Aerobic Exercise.  One of the most dangerous parts of having high blood pressure is the chance of
Read More

What do you think of when you hear the term “personal best”?  Do you think of athletes in perfect shape and pushing their bodies to the extreme? Well, the National Senior Games Association wants to redefine the term for seniors.  NSGA’s new definition of someone’s “personal best” is perseverance, overcoming obstacles, and being a role model for others.  With that definition, personal best is something anyone at any age can achieve. So how can you achieve your personal best?. Start moving.  One common obstacle to overcome is getting started with working out.  Think small.  If you already like walking, begin walking at least
Read More

Seniors today are more health conscious than ever. They know that staying active and flexible can keep them moving much longer. But sometimes they don’t know how to begin a safe exercise regimen. Of course, personal training or fitness classes are always an option to get started, but some seniors prefer exercising on their own schedule. If this is you, consider taking up yoga.  Yoga doesn’t have to be contorting yourself into crazy one-legged positions.  There are simple poses that seniors can use to reap all of the health benefits. And the benefits are numerous.  In fact, not only does
Read More

A recent 2013 Senior Report found that 7.6% of Illinois seniors, age 65 and above, smoke on a regular basis. We all know that smoking is bad for our health.  We also know that it is incredibly difficult to quit, especially when you have been doing it for several years.  Did you know that it takes someone on average nine times of trying to quit before they finally do?  No wonder it’s so easy to get discouraged. But, don’t give up.  Here are some tips to help you finally kick the habit. 1. Plan ahead.  Those who quit without a plan are much more likely
Read More

Although many seniors think of dogs as the ideal pet, perhaps getting a cat would be a better idea.  As stated in an earlier article, dogs require quite a bit of space and daily exercise to remain healthy.  They must go outside regularly and be allowed to play.  While cats also love to play, they don’t require the same amount of space or exercise that most dogs do. Cats may be a better suited option for a senior who is looking for a companion. There are numerous health benefits that individuals can receive by adopting a feline friend. For example,
Read More

One-third of Americans have some sort of vision-impairing eye disease by the age of 65.  And many don’t even know it.  They simply think that their eyes are worsening because of old age. But a senior can improve his or her chances of keeping their vision clear by getting an eye exam every year and working with their doctor.  The earlier eye diseases are caught, the more likely that the eventual effects may be slowed or even stopped. The four most common conditions that affect senior eye health are cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease.  Each of
Read More