Arthur Miers is a freelance writer based in Montreal who blogs on issues relating to active living, exercise, and health. He shares this guest post with Florida Senior Living Advisor regarding the value of exercise for seniors.
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Maintaining good physical and mental health past the age of 60 is necessary to maximize life expectancy and quality of the golden years. Seniors who exercise regularly and monitor their diet experience increased levels of energy and general sense of well-being. The human body declines at an increasing rate of speed as seniors head towards the geriatric stages of life. Keeping the body fresh and the mind sharp will prolong the efficiency with which the body works.

After the age of 60, in terms of physical health, any regimen of physical activity and senior exercise should only be started with the approval of a physician. Low-impact workouts are ideal for the senior body, particularly in the 60s and 70s. Swimming and jogging are ideal for seniors looking to optimize cardiovascular workouts without putting too much stress on the joints. Of the two options, swimming is far less stressful on the joints but can be taxing for those who are not experienced. Swimming works more muscle groups than most other exercises and provides an excellent workout for establishing endurance. Any cardiovascular activity will be helpful in keeping the heart rate low. Heart problems are more common over the age of 60 than any other age demographic.

Nutrition plays a critical role in maintaining health and vibrancy past the age of 60. Foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids and low in cholesterol help to keep the body functioning at its highest level. Lean poultry, vegetables and most fish are excellent sources of Omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein. In addition to helping with levels of cholesterol and lean proteins, fatty acids are considered brain foods. Nuts also fall into the brain food category, reserved for foods that promote brain health.

Learning new skills and revitalizing neglected talents are positive ways to engage the brain in active processes past the age of 60. Mental acuity is as vital as physical well-being in keeping a positive mindset and high energy levels. The best way to ensure a healthy body and mind into the years of senior-citizenship is to focus on making positive changes in all aspects of personal well-being. Changing habits in one area may prove effective in enhancing one area of life, but no improvement in overall levels of energy and emotional well-being will be seen if other aspects of the body or mind are neglected. Many communities offer classes and publications for health and wellness over the age of 60. It may be beneficial to group up with other individuals in an effort to form committed bonds with a common goal. Groups of people who start exercise programs together are less likely to discontinue their regimen.

It’s no surprise that elderly couples that have been together for decades can take on each other’s traits – developing similar political views, taste in food and music, sense of humor and even physical appearance. But a recent study suggests something remarkable – spouses of people with dementia are at substantially increased risk of developing dementia themselves.

No, dementia is not contagious. Rather, researchers say that the stress involved in caring for a person with this condition is huge and stress is a known risk factor for dementia. In addition, people who are stressed are less likely to eat a healthy diet and exercise, both of which are critical to brain health.

The study was presented at the Alzheimer’s Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease.

Researchers followed more than 1,200 couples for 10 years. They found that wives who cared for husbands with dementia were nearly four times more likely to develop dementia than wives of men who didn’t have the condition. Husband caregivers were almost 12 times more likely to develop dementia than husbands of women who were cognitively healthy.

Why are male caregivers at greater risk of developing dementia than female? Researchers say it’s because elderly men tend to rely on their wives to keep up social ties with relatives and friends. Also, men often fail to go to the doctor without some nudging from their wives, according to the study. This places them at higher risk for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and other conditions that may raise the risk of dementia.

Researchers offer this advice for adult children of people with dementia:

• Visit frequently and relieve the caregiving parent from his or her duties so he or she can get some rest.
• Make sure the healthy parent gets out and engages in social activities.
• Ensure both parents get to the doctor regularly.

These are good reminders for all senior citizens, not just those caring for someone with dementia.

Adult day care centers are an option for some families caring for a relative with dementia. These facilities offer a respite for caregivers. Most operate during normal business hours Monday-Friday, although some do offer evening and weekend hours. For a complete list of adult day care centers in Florida, visit Florida Senior Living Advisor.