September is Healthy Aging Month

For many people, getting older is a crime against their youth but I believe that is the wrong way to look at the big picture in this thing called Life.  Getting older should be embraced and cherished because the alternative to getting older isn't a real good option.

It seems that one of the two biggest fears about getting older is the physical breakdown of the body.  This, unfortunately, is all part of the natural order of the universe.  Everything in the universe wears down, from the smallest neutrino to Mt. Everest.  Yet getting older shouldn't be taken lying down, unless a person is tired and needs some rest.  We have the option to be as healthy as we can at any age of our life.  Aging can be painful and dysfunctional if we allow the deterioration of our body and mind to go on unheeded. 

There are many things we can do to continue to enjoy life for as long as want to enjoy it.   According to Carolyn Worthington, editor in chief of Healthy Aging® Magazine and executive director of Healthy Aging®, "it's never too late to find a new career, a new sport, passion or hobby."  Ms. Worthington also says, "We saw a need to draw attention to the myths of aging, to shout out 'Hey, it's not too late to take control of your health, it's never too late to get started on something new.'  Why not think about the positive aspects of aging instead of the stereotypes and the negative aspects?"

Why not indeed.  In our youth we have fire-hot passions, for people, of pursuits, to change or grow.  Then it seems we reach certain numerical notches on our linear lifeline and we feel we have to damper our passion because this is what is expected of us.  We are expected to act a certain way at a certain age, we are expected to feel tired, to continue with our daily chores, to let the young enjoy life while us older folk just wait for the inevitable.

Bah...humbug, I say.  Renew the passion.  Don't wait idly by while your body becomes weaker from non-movement.  Get to know your body again, how it works, what it can and cannot do, and then relearn to dance, fish, hike, paint, bike, read, laugh, play games, circulate your blood and energize your mind.

Rehabmart has many products that can assist you to become healthy and happy and not to listen so closely to the ticking of life's clock.  The following are just a few items to help you start getting involved and expand your life and love.

 The first thing to do is to find out how healthy you are and the best way to do this is to go to a doctor and get to know your vital signs.  The Talking Blood Pressure Meter can help you to continue to keep track of your blood pressure.  
                                                                              

The nice thing about this monitor is while you use this low vision blood pressure monitor on your arm, you don't have to twist and search for the results, they will be spoken back to you in a slow, clear male voice. This unit also has 4 settings for inflation levels, depending on the anticipated systolic pressure.

Another way to feel younger is a little preventive action.  The Gentex Silent Call Carbon Monoxide Detector can stop a problem before it can happen.  
      

 This monoxide detector can be put in a place in the house most probable to sense monoxide (usually in the basement or lower level of the house) but since it comes with a transmitter, it will send a signal to a variety of Silent Call receivers up to 500 feet away, so you will always be able to hear the alert.  This easy-to-install, just plug the CO detector into an electrical outlet, is a great way to stay healthy and secure.

Another good way to stay healthy is some fresh air exercise and the Desoto Classic 3-Wheeler Adult Trike  can help you do just that.  The Desoto Adult Trike is famous for its comfortable ride, responsive performance and terrific value.  
       

It features a low step-through design which makes access easy, a comfortable western saddle seat, a complete reflector set, front chrome fender, a rust-resistant rear basket, and safety flags.

Sometimes it is not easy or reasonable to go for a bike ride but you can still get the exercise you need with a TherapyCycle.  This professional-grade exerciser uses magnetic resistance for an ultra-smooth pedal motion in both directions.  
                     

The TherapyCycle pedal resistance adjusts from nearly nothing to about 170 Watts.  This is a great way to get your daily exercise from the comfort of your own home.  The TherapyCycle can be used to increase muscle tone and circulation in either the legs or arms.

Another way to feel better and younger is to get out of the house.  Many people, as they become older, might find it difficult to get around outside the confines of their home.  They may tire easy or have weakened legs and cannot enjoy shopping or just going outside for a stroll.  With the Zip'r 3 Leisure Travel Scooter by Zipr Mobility, a person can now get out and mingle with friends and scoot around the neighborhood.   
                            

This lightweight stylish scooter includes a full body shroud in red or blue and non-flat non-marking tires so you can take advantage of the tremendous 30 degree turning radius indoors or outdoors.  It has a 250 pound weight capacity, an adjustable rotating seat, a drop and go battery box, front and back basket brackets, and a headlight for those evening rides.

Remember, getting older should not mean waiting for life to be over.  Becoming older is a part of life and being alive is a nice way to live.  We are born into this world, not to struggle and worry every moment of our life, but to enjoy and love the gift that we have been given.  So enjoy and love your life, no matter what age you are...and don't always listen to what "they" say, live the type of life you want to as you get older.  Be healthy, be happy, and be well.

Bill Stock
Library Editor for Rehabmart
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO