Senior Health and Medications

One of the formost senior health issues of the day is prescription medications. Whether the issue is money or drug interaction, every senior citizen needs to use their head when thinking about medication.

For instance, if your physician prescribes new medications for you, always ask if he has any samples to give you. It's not wise to pay for new medications without knowing you can 'take' them and not have severe side effects. Pharmaceutical companies supply free samples to doctors just for these purposes. Even if getting renewal prescriptions for meds, ask for samples. Make sure you physician knows all of the medication you are taking though, because you want to avoid any drug interaction reactions.

Walking for Senior Health

Here's another senior health care tip. When walking for senior exercise, it is important that you keep a normal stride. Over-extending our stride length jolts our joints and actually slows us down. You may also put stress on your joints and ligaments by trying to go very quickly or by lengthening your stride too much. Take it easy! Studies show that walking is just as effective as running for aerobic exercise. It may take you a bit longer, but then you just have more opportunities to stop and smell the roses!

Packing Checklist for Smart Senior Travel

You are traveling by plane, train, or bus, so let's pack light. These are senior citizen travel suggestions for a one-week stay to most anywhere, for two.

If you have to take our shampoos, lotions, tooth paste, mouth wash, etc. either buy the small traveler sizes or, if small bottles avalaible, transfer liquids to these.

Pack only cotton underwear (3) and cotton socks (men 3 pr.- women one pr. panty-hose, one pr. knee-highs one pr. cotton socks), and roll these to save space (they can be placed into shoes). Note: you can wash these items while there.

Pack items of clothing to 'layer', i.e. one light-weight cotton knit cardigan to wear over two or three different cotton knit shirts or blouses (NO bulky sweaters).

No more than TWO pairs of shoes (one pr. comfortable walking and one pr. dress), the comfies will probably be worn in travel.

Two pairs slacks (we'll probably travel in a third) or skirts (if preferred). Choose items that can mix/match with everything packed.

Pack medicines, book/magazine, snack, flat slippers (in case the feet swell) and only other necessary items in the carry-on tote. If there is a necessity for dress clothes, pack these in the fold-up hanging bag, shoes can fit in these, also, along with odd/end items.

Don't carry on board anything but the tote and a jacket/coat (when necessary-but don't pack 'em); leave the 'handling' to others. If going to visit friends/family, and want to take gifts, box them and mail ahead of time; let the postal dept. help! Pack your needs, but pack them wisely! Happy traveling!

Senior Health Care and Nutrition

We all worry about our weight as we get older. In today's world, restaurants serve huge portions, but you don't have to fall prey to these problems! Although 'Diets' aren't always the easy way to maintain a healthy weight for senior health, eating less can be. Use the salad plate for our meals rather than the dinner plate; less surface, less food. Your system will soon adapt to this decrease and 'less' will be plenty! You'll see the excess pounds melt slowly away. Couple this with a walk each day and you will look and feel better!

Senior Health and Maintaining Balance

For better senior health your lifestyle should be to do all things with a temperance; that is, don't overeat, don't overbuy, etc. To make it short: don't over 'do'! By following this simple rule, you will ensure your health and safety. Don't be afraid of an occassional indulgence, but good habit make healthy people!

Senior Citizen Cruises

If you have an opportunity to go on a senior cruise, or any cruise for that matter, TAKE IT! I've been on two Caribbean cruises and thoroughly enjoyed them.

Assets: no need to change 'hotel/motel rooms', wonderful (and plenty) selections of foods (often 6-offerings a day!), great senior travel 'side-trips' offered (as extras) when in ports, great entertainment aboard (from night-club acts, dancing, table-tennis, sunning/swimming, golf, to relaxing and reading.

Liabilities: huh! the only thing I can think of is there is toooo much food (if you're watching your weight), but that can be overcome by walking the deck or taking the stairs instead of the elevator! Remember to set aside money to give the dining-room waiters and room-steward. This can be done in a one-time tip (in envelope) at the end of the cruise. Have fun! And remember to go top-side when leaving port.

OH! two more things - (1) if you can afford the extra $100 or so, get the outside-cabin (away from the engine room - look for the 'stack' on the ships schematic) with a port-hole...wonderful, wonderful! (2) if you think you might get sea-sick, obtain one of those patches to put behind your ear BEFORE you go on board...I've heard they don't work so well after-the-fact! Be prepared!!

Check Out Your Senior Travel Tour Company

Before you pay thousands of dollars to a senior travel tour company, check out its rating with the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org Then go to www.astanet.com to find out if the comnpany is a member in good standing with the American Society of Travel Agents. The last thing you want to do is arrive for your tour and be dissapointed with the bus or hotel accomodations. Also look for peer reviews on senior web sites that may host senior travel blogs or message boards!