An analysis of age-related mortality from the Centers for Disease Control, Prevention and other sources found that firearms kill more teenagers than all natural causes combined.
The two leading killers of older people are falls and heart disease. You can lower your risk of falling by doing regular weight training aerobic exercise. It is never too late to adopt a healthful diet, stop smoking and get your blood pressure and cholesterol in control.
Fight against aging
A brisk walk is a good start. Vigorous walking for about an hour a day, five times a week can boost your maximal oxygen intake by as much as 25 percent within three months. That is enough to turn back the clock on 12 years of natural decline with aging.
For seniors, it could also add a dozen years of functional independence (what we seniors strive for).
Aerobic fitness may extend independence by combating other conditions that can take a toll on a person's ability to live unassisted. Included are diabetes, heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis and some forms of cancer.
Exercise can also build muscle power to help prevent falls, as well as speeding the recovery from injuries. Vigorous activity can slow down the loss of functional independence.
Vitamin D
We are learning a lot about vitamin D. Vitamin D is linked with improved vascular health, specifically in the brain. Surveys from National Health and Nutrition say vitamin D may help prevent peripheral artery disease.
Vitamin D exists naturally in only a few foods, including eggs, fish oil and butter, but our bodies produce it most effectively by soaking up sunlight. Approximately one billion people worldwide are vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D is available without a prescription.
Senior Center
Our 500 card group never slows down. During the summer months we get some visitors who join us. We are always happy to see them.
Thanks to everyone who came to help celebrate my 90th birthday on Saturday, July 12. My daughter, Linda, from Austin, Texas, went all out for this party. More than 50 people came to wish me a happy 90th birthday. I got so many hugs that my corsage was crushed. It was great to see friends from Minneapolis, especially my great-grandson.
Many thanks for all the beautiful cards and flowers and a special thank you for all the hugs.
