​Seniors Matter(s): Little aches and pains!

Remember that getting old is not for the faint of heart!

Whether it’s an old injury that keeps flaring up or the start of arthritis, you’re more likely to feel a few aches more often as you age. Regular movement can ease pain and make your joints more flexible. Low-impact exercises, such as swimming, yoga, and Tai Chi, as well as heating pads or ice packs can help, too.

If those don’t give you enough relief, talk to your doctor about over-the-counter or prescription medicines, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Your skin gets thinner, drier, and less elastic. Some things can make it worse, such as smoking and ultraviolet rays from the sun or a tanning bed. To ease these signs of aging, protect your skin from the sun, and if you smoke, quit. Some skin products, including moisturizers or prescription retinoids, might make wrinkles less noticeable. A dermatologist can help you know what would work best for you.

You should watch how much alcohol you drink - it can dehydrate you. It’s a good idea to keep showers or baths to less than 10 minutes and to use warm water instead of hot. Then put a heavy, oil-based moisturizer all over your body right away.

I’ve lost a lot of strength and endurance as I get older, but the reason isn’t really about the aging process. Many people just stop working key muscles. The phrase, “use it or lose it,” applies here, so see if you can start weight training to build up your strength.

My need for shut-eye doesn’t change as I age, but my ability to get it has. Sleep Apnea and Restless Leg Syndrome make sleeping a challenge. In addition, people tend to have a harder time falling asleep, have shorter stretches of deep sleep, and wake up more often in the middle of the night. Coffee and alcohol can cause those issues.

I find these all alarming yet recognize them as the price I have to pay for the luxury of enjoying old age as they’re part of the normal aging process. Our brains change as we age which can affect how well we remember things. Many days, I often suffer from “some-timers” which is my made-up name for Alzheimer’s, and not yet at “most-timers”. You can lean on a few tricks, such as keeping lists, following a routine, and putting items in a set place. But some habits also help you keep your memory sharp. For example, daily Sudoku/crossword puzzles, bridge, chess and reading help.

As you get older, you don’t burn calories like you used to. You can counter that slower metabolism by being more active and watching what and how much you eat. I make fruits, vegetables, and leaner protein key parts of my diet. Because of diabetes, I limit sugar and foods that are high in saturated fat. Keeping an eye on portion sizes continues to be a challenge for me. How about you?

Our bladder and pelvic muscles get weaker with age. Other health problems, such as an enlarged prostate, can make the issue worse. We can strengthen the area with Kegel exercises - squeeze your muscles as if you’re trying to hold in urine - 10 to 15 times, three times a day.

Finally, it is easy to get bored if you fall into a predictable routine, especially if it doesn’t change much for years. To shake things up and keep your mind engaged, try breaking out of your daily schedule. Take some time to do something you like or learn a new skill. If you’re retired, you might think about getting a part-time job or some temporary work. It can boost your mental health and your bottom line at the same time.

As older adults, most of us have at least one health problem, like heart disease or diabetes. If you do, it’s important to go for regular check-ups, keep your prescriptions filled, and follow all your doctor’s instructions. Check-ups are key even if you don’t have a health condition so you can spot any issues early and get tips for staying healthy.

Being retired is the best job I have ever had, and I plan to work at it for many more years! If that includes little aches and pains, then so be it.

‘Till next time, stay safe!