Tag Archive for aging

Anatomy Of A Great Day Of Wellness

Bringing you wellness practices and information has been a GenuLines hallmark for years. Today we’ll break down the idea of wellness into segments that can add up to wellness for you. 

Anatomy Of A Great Day Of Wellness

Living in difficult times doesn’t have to be joyless. You can know joy using the right mindset and a lifestyle that promotes robust wellness.
 
stethoscope for wellnessIn designing great days for the long run, there is a certain standard you’ll want to follow. Today your vital organs could be at their best but that may not hold tomorrow.
 
Wholesome health is more than good eating habits and a workout routine.

 

 

 

Sustainable Sleeping Patterns

Sleep cycles have to be a consistent contributor to your daily routine. Without enough sleep, your vital organs get into overdrive.
 
This leads to fatigue and loss of mental sharpness. This makes you ineffective in any work environment and a couple of hours end up feeling like a lifetime.
 
Poor sleeping patterns can lead to binge eating. This brings on complications like obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
 
And you could experience grogginess and premature aging.

Morning Stretches

Not everyone is a morning person. Many folks struggle to wake up and when they do, they’re like zombies around the house.
 
Stretching is beneficial for different muscle groups and joints. It also improves blood circulation to the entire body and stimulates a pleasant mood.
 
The American College of Sports Medicine looked at stretching to start your day. It found you get a burst of energy. more flexibility, and it enhances your coordination.
 
It’s great for your posture, too.

Wholesome Meals and Hydration

The food you eat makes a big difference in your day. Balance is key here,
 
Think proteins, fiber, nutritious carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins. These will sustain your energy levels all day.
 
Plan ahead for meals. You’ll avoid fumbling over menus or stuffing yourself with junk food.
 
There’s no nutritional value in eating processed food. And due to their high salt content, they leave you susceptible to high blood pressure.
 
While junk foods overwork your vital organs.
 
In little time you’ll feel hungry and fatigued. Your healthy diet should include proper hydration throughout the day.
 
Drinking 2-3 liters daily is not only refreshing but also elevates your moods. You depend on water to function and great days demand efficiency from your whole system.

Routine Exercise

Consistent movement is a key to a long healthy life. It also improves the quality of your lifestyle.
 
Having an exercise routine that you actually enjoy keeps you vigorous. You handle the challenges that come your way.
 
And you look good while doing it.
 
Exercising also increases your bone density and boosts your immunity. Breaking a sweat after a long day in the office is a great way to unwind and stay healthy.

Managing Stress

An active life is often characterized by stress. This might take a toll on you if you lack functional coping mechanisms.
 
There are lots of ways of dealing with stress as it happens.
 
Remember to breathe and stay composed. A clear mind can solve problems rather than escalating the situation.
 
A great day is the sum of all the little efforts that create the right environment for you to thrive. It’s vital to maintain a positive self-image.
 
Treating yourself well helps make life worth living.
 
JohnK 1-24-2022
 
Stick figure hears about wellnessOverheard: “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.”
                          ~Mahatma Gandhi
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for wellness
 

5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Aging Process

Aging should be a graceful experience. And it can.

There are some steps in that direction that can help you. And GenuLines offers a list of those for your consideration. 

two aging people

 

5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Aging Process

Everyone grows older.  But that doesn’t mean you can’t age in a positive way.
 
Start by focusing on your physical, mental, and emotional health.
 

1. Grip Strength

The following comes from a study in Clinical Interventions in Aging. It found a connection between grip strength and health and happiness markers.
 
Improving your grip strength can also improve your:
 
· Upper Limb Function
 
· Overall Strength
 
· Fine Motor Skill
 
· Cognitive Ability
 
· Emotional State
 
Good grip strength allows you to age well and remain active and independent. To strengthen your grip strength, try this exercise:
 
· Squeeze a squish or tennis ball with your whole hand 5 to 10 times
 
· Repeat using only your thumb and index finger.
 
· Repeat using your thumb and each other finger.
 
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or underweight has negative effects. There’s the risk of chronic diseases, health conditions, and potential falls and fractures.
 
Doctors determine weight based on your Body Mass Index (BMI). Your BMI is a calculation of your body fat based on your height and weight.
 
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says BMI determines your weight. The levels of weight status are:
 
BMI Weight Status
 
Below 18.5 – Underweight
 
18.5—24.9 – Normal
 
25.0—29.9 – Overweight
 
30.0 and Above – Obese
 
Researchers have determined that a BMI of 25 or more is a risk for chronic disease and poor health. To maintain a healthy weight, the CDC recommends that your diet contains:
 
· Fruits
 
· Vegetables
 
· Whole Grains
 
· Lean Protein Sources
 
· Low Fat
 
· Low Sodium
 
· Little Added Sugars
 
Lean protein sources include fish, poultry, eggs, legumes, and soy products. Low-fat foods should be low in saturated and trans fat and cholesterol.
 
Talk with your doctor about how many calories you need every day. Then plan your diet within that allowance.
 
3. Stay Active
Your activity level helps you maintain good muscle mass, strength, and bone density. A Journal of Physical Therapy Science study looked at adults age 52 and older.
 
It found they tend to have a decreased activity level, leading to poorer health outcomes. The CDC recommends older adults engage in:
 
· 150 Minutes a Week of Moderate Intensity Aerobic Activity
 
· 2 Days of Strength Training a Week
 
· Activity as Tolerated
 
If you have health problems, talk with your doctor about what activities are safe for you. Be as active as possible and increase your activity level as you grow stronger.
 
Staying active helps you age well by improving your:
 
· Posture
 
· Stamina
 
· Strength
 
· Independence
 
4. Exercise Your Brain
According to a study in Scientific Reports, cognitive training improves brain function. The more you use your brain, the better your health and quality of life.
 
The journals Nature and PLoS Medical looked at good cognitive function. Their study found it may reduce the risk for dementia.
 
Try exercising your brain with these activities:
 
· Jigsaw Puzzles
 
· Sudoku
 
· Learn a New Language
 
· Art Classes or Crafts
 
· Nature Walks
 
5. Socialize
As you age, the opportunities for social contact may decrease. This is from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
 
Their report found that one in four adults age 65 and older are socially isolated. It showed that social isolation increases the risk for:
 
· Heart Disease
 
· Stroke
 
· Depression
 
· Anxiety
 
· Suicide
 
· Dementia
 
· Premature Death
 
You can improve your aging process by staying socially connected and active. You may find social connections through:
 
· Joining a Book Club or Other Hobby Group
 
· Volunteering
 
· Writing Letters to Family and Friends
 
· Email or Social Media
 
Improving your aging process helps you be more independent. It increases your cognitive ability, and builds social connections, too.
 
There are many simple ways to improve your aging process and quality of life.
 
JohnK 8-23-2021
 
stick figure hears about stressOverheard:  “Embrace aging”
            ~Mitch Albom- Tuesdays With Morrie
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for aging
 

Is Age Really All In Your Mind?

 
You grow older and you die. That’s a common timeline for many of us.
 
But how you deal with aging is another story, and GenuLines says that’s up to you.
 
(You can listen to this article by clicking here)

Is Age Really All In Your Mind?

Now we don’t mean that your mind can keep you from aging. But it can make you feel that way!
 
old person with caneYou often hear people over the age of 50 talk about aging. They talk about deterioration, decline, and feeling unwanted and not useful.
 
One way to deal with this is to focus on the positive things age brings. Things like wisdom, understanding, and the ability to help others.
 
 
Doing your best to be healthy is another way to keep the bad thoughts at a distance.
Your outlook and quality of life are likely to increase, too.

Ignore the Culture Surrounding You

We live in a world obsessed with youth. Every day, older people get pushed to the side in favor of the young.
 
The late teens and early twenties are the years called prime.
 
To get past this and actually start living with an ageless mindset, you have to do your best to tune it out. You’ve aged to the best you’ve ever been.
 
You’re wizened and seasoned. Stop denying your aging and own it; that’s what will truly make you ageless.

Love Your Body and Own Your Age

The only way to ensure you keep having the ageless mindset is to continue to love your body. Remind yourself that you’re getting better with age.
 
Appreciate your body for what it does for you and how far it’s taken you. Every day that you’re alive, you can learn something new and adapt to changes around you.

Never Say ‘Never’

One thing that will knock you off your path towards an ageless mindset is negativity. We psych ourselves with an attitude that we’re too old to do certain things.
 
You feel too set in your ways to learn. That can lead to feeling too old to be of value.
 
These thoughts are toxic and they threaten the positivity you’re working to maintain. Block negative mind chatter about your abilities, your worth, or your age.
 
It may take you a little extra effort to get where you want to go, but if you make the effort, you can.
 
How you deal with aging is up to you. You can dye you hair and lie about your age.
 
Or you can move forward with a new positive mindset that will have you feeling ageless.
 
JohnK 9-21-2020
 
Stick figure hears about ageOverheard: “Age is not important unless you’re a cheese”                                                                  
                                       ~Helen Hayes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for age
 

Do You Have A Financial Safety Net? (And How To Build One)

Movement in the financial markets lately can make you seasick! If you manage your own finances as I do the market ups and downs will make you wonder if you should make changes or stand pat. 
 
The GenuLines post below offers some ideas on getting your financial house in order. Read it and “reap”
 
 
financial remedy
 
 
 

Do You Have A Financial Safety Net? (And How To Build One)

 
Do you have a financial safety net? It’s something worth thinking about and setting up.
If not, now is the time to get started.
 
You can begin by putting away three to six months of living expenses.
 
Keep this money in an interest-bearing account. Know what your family needs to live on in the event your income stops.
 
Then start saving as much money as you can until you have built up this safety net.
You can shave your spending, too.
Do More With Less
Do a little less eating out. Think twice about buying the newest TV and tech gadgets.
 
To make the process go faster add any bonuses, tax refunds, etc.
 
But don’t stop there. Make it your goal to add to your cushion as often as possible.
 
Then come back and revise your numbers from time to time.
 
Your living expenses may go up or down over time. You can quickly adjust the amount you need in readily accessible cash.
Protection
Life and disability insurance are two more important parts of your financial strategy. Do you have a plan in place to continue to cover your living expenses (or those of your family) if you can no longer work?
 
Call your insurance agent and go over your current coverage. Make sure the insurance you’re paying for will pay out what you need and if not, make adjustments.
 
Now you have two legs of your plan firmly in place. Next, think about investing any additional savings in higher interest-bearing accounts.
 
Do your best to forget about accessing any of this money in the near term. Think about how handy it will be to have it when you’re dealing with an emergency.
 
Or, when you’re ready to retire.
 
And, don’t let your money sit in a bank or, worse yet, in a drawer in your house. There are lots of investment vehicles that will get you a much better return than a savings account.
 
Talk to your financial adviser. You’ll come up with a plan that’s right for you, your family, and whatever the future may hold. 
 
JohnK 10-16-2018
 
 
 
 
 
man talks financialOverheard: No wealth can ever make a bad man at peace with himself” 
                                  ~Plato
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for financial

6 Life Hacks For Better Aging

As we age, we look for things we can do to prevent wrinkles, diseases, and cognitive function. The good news is that there are hundreds of things that you can do to help you age An aging couplein the best way possible.
 
GenuLines looks at six life hacks you can apply to your life today to help you age better.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 – Stay Active:
It’s no secret that as you age your metabolism slows down. Getting at least thirty minutes of activity a day increases your metabolism. But can also help to increase bone density, putting you at a lower risk of bone injuries as you age.
 
2 – Invest In Large Sunglasses:
The skin around your eyes is the most delicate and thin skin you own. It’s also the place where wrinkles tend to appear first.
 
By wearing over-sized sunglasses you’re preventing sun damage from occurring around your eyes. And you’re also squinting less.
 
You’ll have fewer eye wrinkles as well as fewer forehead wrinkles.
 
3 – Make Time For Your Friends:
Often your schedule can be so hectic that you neglect to make time for a social life. But having a social life can help you age better in many ways.
 
Most important is lowering your stress level. Studies have shown that stress damages your skin cells, causing premature lines.
 
Stress can also lower your immune system, making it more likely you’ll become ill. As a bonus, making time for your friends also means that you’re more active both physically and mentally.
 
4 – Take Fish Oil:
 
Fish oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids. An Ohio State University study found Omega 3’s are good for joints, eyesight, and hair growth.
 
They make skin supple. And they improve your heart and immune functions.
 
If fish oil isn’t for you, you can also increase your intake of seeds, nuts, sardines, or salmon.
 
5 – Keep Your Diet Colorful:
There are foods that speed up the aging process. What you may not know is that there are also some foods that can do the opposite.
 
The list includes kale, broccoli, blueberries, strawberries, oranges, and plums. All are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can promote healthy aging.
 
(***Some of these nutrients include alpha lipoic acid, carotenoids- including vitamin A, ß-carotene, lycopene, astaxanthin, and retinol- CoQ10, glutathione, polyphenols, and vitamins C, D, and E) 
 
6 – Change Your Opinion Of Old:
This one’s my personal favorite. There is no formal definition of what old means.
 
The word can have many different meanings depending on the context.
 
Don’t degrade yourself by talking about your “senior moments” or the things you can no longer do. Having a positive attitude and a good mental outlook is half the battle.
 
When you tell yourself that you’re old and can’t do things, it becomes the truth. Instead, focus on all the things you can do.
 
And though it’s a cliche’, age IS only a number.
 
In today’s busy society we tend to forget to take care of ourselves. We ignore our own needs because we’re so busy taking care of everyone else.
 
Make yourself a priority. For now, begin implementing at least one of the above suggestions.
 
Practice and stick to these six. Make them part of your normal routine.
 
Take care of yourself now so you can ensure that you’ll age in a positive way.
 
 
 
JohnK 10-9-2018
 
 
 
 
man talks agingOverheard: “I suppose real old age begins when one looks backward rather than forward.”
 
                    ~ Mary Sarton
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for food
 
 
 
 
 
* Photo by Matthew Bennett on Unsplash