4-26-05
Older American's Month

Americans are now living longer. For many senior citizens, the keys are maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking preventative measures.

Living a healthy lifestyle helps protect against the deterioration that is often associated with aging. Sherry Robinson, Ph.D., assistant professor of internal medicine at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, offers suggestions for lifestyle improvements.

SOUND BITE: ". . . good nutrition, exercise, avoidance of smoking, limiting alcohol, and keeping your mind stimulated. If you’re a social person, continue being social. If you are a stay-at home person, keep your mind stimulated by reading, maybe working crossword puzzles, watching educational programs on TV."

Robinson says seniors need a healthy diet to supply energy and nutrition to maintain their body structure and function. She also recommends regular exercise such as walking, stretching and weight training to improve muscle strength and balance. Exercise lowers blood pressure and improves the use sugar in the body and improves breathing. She says seniors should see their health care professional regularly.

SOUND BITE: ". . . make a list of your concerns and try to talk to your doctor and make decisions together. If he recommends screenings, talk about that and follow through with screenings like blood pressure, cholesterol, mammography, bone density, get your immunizations, your influenza yearly and your pneumonia vaccine . . ."

Robinson advises seniors to take steps to prevent accidents such as keeping hallways and stairways well lit and free of clutter. She encourages people to keep a sense of humor and pay attention to their spiritual needs. For more information on healthy aging, ask your family doctor or visit the National Institute on Aging’s website at www.niapublications.org.