Tag Archives: breaking the age barrier

Plusses and minuses to our aging – HSE

I am working on cracking the 100 year old barrier. That’s what this blog is all about. There is unquestionably greater interest in personal health and longevity these days than previously despite the proportion of overweight and obese folks among us. I hope we succeed, but an aging population has costs as well as benefits.

The National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE), one of the largest and leading universities of Russia says, “Population aging is likely to boost medicine, nanotechnology and robotics, but increase political risks.”

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Progression based on age …

The UN estimates that the number of people aged 65 and older will have reached almost a billion by 2030. The proportion of those aged over 80 will grow at particularly high rates, and their numbers are expected to reach 200 million by 2030 and triple that forty years later.

Due to a combination of an aging population and declining birthrates, the demographic structure of most countries will change towards lower proportions of children and young people. As a result, the global division will no longer be between first- and third-world nations, but between old and young ones. Continue reading

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Practice Pushaways – Great Weight Control Exercise – Oleda Baker Guest Post

336852_3953365044891_1655608139_oAs you can see from her photos, Senior Supermodel Oleda Baker is aging magnificently. I interviewed Oleda last December. She is a treasure trove of information on everything this blog stands for, namely weight control, healthy living and healthy aging, so I asked her if she would share some of her ideas with us. She has written 10 books on beauty and health. Her latest, written at the age of 75, Breaking the Age Barrier – Great Looks and Health at Every Age – was released in November 2010 and is available from Amazon or from her website www.oleda.com where she also sells her own line of health and beauty aids.

You’ve heard this before: that you wouldn’t have a weight problem if you did more pushaways.

Push-Aways

It’s an old joke, but it’s true. Push away from the table hungry and, in less than twenty minutes, you won’t be hungry anymore. Stretch your meals out. Since it takes just about twenty minutes for the brain to assimilate hunger impulses, take half of your normal portion and eat it slowly over twenty minutes. You will feel full! Have you ever been interrupted in the middle of a meal, then, on returning to the table, you didn’t feel like eating any more? It’s the same principal. Simple, but effective.

Here are a couple of more tips that will help you to win the
battle of the bulge:

Don’t use a big dinner plate when you eat. Trade down to a smaller luncheon plate. That way you won’t be tempted to fill it with as much food. The less you eat, the less you will grow to want to eat. You will shrink your stomach and your desire to ‘load up’ when you eat.

You don’t have to give up your favorite food to get control of your weight. Once you start “while knuckling” it, you put yourself on the road to failure. Just eat less of what you like and you won’t do any harm and you won’t feel guilty.

Oleda

I fully support Oleda’s ideas on healthy living and eating. She is living proof that she knows what works. To read further on these and other positive weight control concepts, please check out my Page – How to lose weight and keep it off.

Last, but not least, once you get your eating under control remember that you still need to exercise. You body and brain need exercise every day.

Eat less; move more; live longer. Words to live by.

Tony

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Why Do You Feel Tired? – Oleda Baker – Guest Post

336852_3953365044891_1655608139_o

As you can see from her photos, Senior Supermodel Oleda Baker is aging magnificently. I interviewed Oleda last December. She is a treasure trove of information on everything this blog stands for, namely weight control, healthy living and healthy aging, so I asked her if she would share some of her ideas with us. She has written 10 books on beauty and health. Her latest, written at the age of 75, Breaking the Age Barrier – Great Looks and Health at Every Age – was released in November 2010 and is available from Amazon or from her website www.oleda.com where she also sells her own line of health and beauty aids.

Being tired not only zaps your brain cells and energy level at the moment – it can also be a sign that your body needs some serious and immediate attention. Unlike the illness known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which can be manifested by headache, tender lymph nodes, weakness, muscle and joint aches and an inability to concentrate, the feeling I’m referring to here is just plain old tiredness. It is a symptom that affects both body and mind. It slows reflexes and reduces function in your day-to-day life.

Staying tired, washed out or exhausted too long can lead to other problems, some serious, so let’s nip it in the bud right now.

American families are so much busier than they used to be. Often both parents are working and there is too much to do in every 24 hours. There is not enough time for sleep and not much time to cook balanced meals. No wonder they feel tired so often.

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I see my daughter-in-law with three children, a husband, a job. She takes care of the house, attends school functions for the children when needed and cooks for the family. My son helps out but he also has a job, helps with the children, takes care of the yard and is on the go with errands. This is typical of households today.

Then there are also those who are not overworked or stressed out but they still feel tired all the time. It’s hard for them to get up in the morning. Some can’t sleep at night so they wake up tired and remain tired all day.

General Reasons For Tiredness:

You may not be able to change your life style this very moment, so here are some things you can do to compensate until then. Listed are ways to fight that never ending tired feeling.

Not enough sleep: There are two parts to “not enough sleep.” They are not enough hours to sleep and insomnia.

Not Enough Sleep: If you feel you can’t find enough hours to sleep… better rethink it. Find some way to get that extra hour or two. In general the body needs about eight hours each night to repair itself for the next day and more so for a long range healthy, longer life. If you wake up feeling groggy instead of refreshed, you’re not getting enough sleep. If you feel sleepy during the day or yawn (off and on) all day you are not getting enough sleep. Don’t minimize the importance of enough sleep, as it will affect your body… anywhere from feeling tired all day to dark circles under the eyes to a breakdown in the immune system which can lead to illnesses.

Insomnia: Insomnia is not only difficulty in falling asleep but also difficulty in staying asleep or sleeping soundly. There can be many causes, and if you cannot solve it on your own check with your doctor and find out why. Without enough sleep other problems could arise. A lack of calcium and magnesium can cause you to wake up after a few hours and not be able to return to sleep. Continue reading

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Filed under body fat, energy, Exercise, fat, healthy eating, healthy living, obesity, Oleda Baker, overweight, sleep, sleep deprivation, water, Weight

What are the Mental Benefits of Exercise? – Oleda Baker – Guest Post

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Click anywhere to see these full size

As you can see from her photos, Senior Supermodel Oleda Baker is aging magnificently. I interviewed Oleda last December. She is a treasure trove of information on everything this blog stands for, namely weight control, healthy living and healthy aging, so I asked her if she would share some of her ideas with us. She has written 10 books on beauty and health. Her latest, written at the age of 75, Breaking the Age Barrier – Great Looks and Health at Every Age – was released in November 2010 and is available from Amazon or from her website www.oleda.com where she also sells her own line of health and beauty aids.

You might think the most important deterrent to brain cell deterioration is engaging in mind-bending games or doing the daily crossword puzzle. Taxing the brain and learning new skills are excellent activities, but they usually don’t get your heart rate up and pump blood to your brain cells.

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Perhaps the most striking brain research discovery of the last decade is that physical exercise can forestall mental decline. It may even restore memory. Animal studies have shown that aerobic exercise increases capillary development in the brain, increasing blood supply, which carries more oxygen to the brain.

It doesn’t have to be formal exercise at the gym. You can play tennis a couple times a week, ride a bike, or walk a mile each day. A combined program of aerobics and weight training will produce the best results.

Fit people have sharper brains; and people who are out of shape, but then get into shape, sharpen their brains along with their bodies.

It was once thought that brain cells do not regenerate as do other cells of the body, but more modern science learned that neurons do continue to form in the brain, even into old age.

Memory does begin a decline when we reach our 40’s, but the progression is not as steep as originally feared. Indeed, forgetfulness may be due less to brain cell loss than other influences, such as taking care of the kids, the job, paying the bills, doing chores, everyday living all competing for cognitive time.

To keep your brain young you need to give it lots of varied stimulation and challenges. Like a muscle, it needs to be exercised, to “strain the brain,” so to speak. Repeating the same mental functions over and over, such as Sudoku or crossword puzzles or watching television, doesn’t help slow cognitive deterioration. Mental stimulation is as important for your brain as physical exercise is for your body.

Oleda

As so often happens with Oleda’s ideas, they coincide exactly with my own. The only difference is that Oleda has lived longer and more successfully than I have. To read further about the value of exercise to the brain, check out my page Important Facts About Your Brain and Exercise.

Tony

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Filed under aerobics, aging, cognitive decline, dementia, Exercise, Oleda Baker, Weight

A Half Dozen Healthy Aging Tips From Oleda Baker- Guest Post

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Click on this to see full size

As you can see from her photos, Senior Supermodel Oleda Baker is aging magnificently. I interviewed Oleda in December. She is a treasure trove of information on everything this blog stands for, namely weight control, healthy living and healthy aging, so I asked her if she would share some of her ideas with us. She has written 10 books on beauty and health. Her latest, written at the age of 75, Breaking the Age Barrier – Great Looks and Health at Every Age – was released in November 2010 and is available from Amazon or from her website www.oleda.com where she also sells her own line of health and beauty aids.

The first step in healthy aging is taking responsibility. A major ongoing study of identical twins over many years shows that 70 percent of the aging process is controlled by lifestyle and environment. Only 30 percent results from your genes. So, we are responsible for the majority of conditions in the aging process. It’s up to us to do it right.

The following are really very simple steps and probably won’t surprise you, but together they are wonderfully effective and a part of my daily life.

The first step is to keep your weight down. Many serious diseases are caused by excess weight—Diabetes, heart problems to name a few. Obesity is a vicious circle since it causes us to become less active, which in turn only compounds the weight problem. 

Being overweight or obese and the health issues it causes can most often be prevented. – but you have to take charge. Think of all the medical bills you won’t have to pay…think of all the pain you can save yourself …and think of all the time you save by not being sick.

Step two is to get regular medical checkups. This is very important for a long life and healthy aging. For example cervical cancer, osteoporosis, as well as so many other illnesses are totally preventable through medical check ups. Many of them are slow to develop so get your checkups … and listen to your doctor.

Step three – Exercise every day. Exercise will reduce stress and anxiety as well as help you stay healthy, active and in shape, and last, but  not least, burn off those unwanted pounds. Walking is good – it gets your cardiovascular system going … don’t worry about overdoing it. Any kind of exercise will be beneficial. Even if you only exercise for 15-20 minutes each day, three or four times a week.

Step four – Do things that bring you joy and happiness. Look on the bright side of life and find things to do that really give you joy and happiness.

Step five – Keep your brain busy – even playing games is fine. Golf, cards, games, dancing, sports, learning something new are stress zappers, and also stimulate the brain and body. When your mind is focused on an activity, it gives your body a chance to relax and exercises the brain cells as well.

Step six – Have fun. Pick friends who add fun and laughter to your life. Drop those who drag you down. Having fun and laughing gives you a mental break and is a wonderful prescription for staying young.

Oleda

Editor’s note: Readers who are familiar with the blog will no doubt recognize that most of these steps have appeared in the blog before. I thought it would be worthwhile for you to see this combination from another source, particularly one like Oleda who has been imminently successful in her aging.

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Oleda Baker on Dental Care – Guest Post

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Click on this to see full size

As you can see from her photos, Senior Supermodel Oleda Baker is aging magnificently. I interviewed Oleda in December. She is a treasure trove of information on everything this blog stands for, namely healthy living and healthy aging, so I asked her if she would share some of her ideas with us. She has written 10 books on beauty and health. Her latest, written at the age of 75, Breaking the Age Barrier – Great Looks and Health at Every Age – was released in November 2010 and is available from Amazon or from her website www.oleda.com where she also sells her own line of health and beauty aids.

What Have 43 percent of American Adults Lost—That They Hated To Lose—Over Which They Had Complete Control—And That Was VERY Preventable?

The answer is their Teeth! Yes, it’s true, 43 percent of Americans have lost some or even all of their teeth by the time they’ve reached age 45. And, what a shame that is, because our teeth are really designed to last a lifetime, although that won’t happen automatically, without our own personal effort.

There’s nothing like a beautiful smile to impress people we meet or make us feel good about ourselves. And there’s no replacing a set of healthy teeth for chewing food or even speaking properly.

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Dental cavities are declining in the U.S. because of fluoridation programs and better tooth care products.

Tooth loss is usually caused by the condition of the gums, known as periodontal disease, which is the loss of connective tissue and bone that support the teeth. It starts before you can see it, usually from improper care.
Continue reading

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Oleda Baker on Arthritis and Alcohol – Guest Post

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As you can see from her photos, Senior Supermodel Oleda Baker is aging magnificently. I interviewed Oleda in December. She is a treasure trove of information on everything this blog stands for, namely healthy living and healthy aging, so I asked her if she would share some of her ideas with us. She has written 10 books on beauty and health. Her latest, written at the age of 75, Breaking the Age Barrier – Great Looks and Health at Every Age – was released in November 2010 and is available from Amazon or from her website www.oleda.com where she also sells her own line of health and beauty aids.

A while back a major Scandinavian study showed that consumption of moderate amounts of alcohol reduced the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis by 50%. That might be true, But, don’t misinterpret those results. Drinking can only help prevent the development of Rheumatoid arthritis; it works just the opposite if you already have the disease.

So, if you already have rheumatoid arthritis, don’t drink alcohol.

Alcohol interferes with the effectiveness of arthritis medications, making your pain worse. 

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition. According to the Annals of Epidemiology, chronic, excessive alcohol increases inflammation in your body.

Medications are essential to cope with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. But, taking lots of drugs can damage your liver. Excessive alcohol inflames the liver and affects how it functions.
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Too many drinks put you at risk for hypertension, heart disease and stroke. Rheumatoid arthritis is also a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke, according to the American College of Rheumatology.

Alcohol causes weight gain. Health professionals often recommend shedding pounds to help improve rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Some 30 million people suffer from arthritis; most of them have osteoarthritis. Continue reading

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Filed under aging, arthritis, heart, heart problems, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sleep, stroke, Weight

Oleda Baker – Drink Enough Water – Guest Post

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As you can see from her photos, Senior Supermodel Oleda Baker is aging magnificently. I interviewed Oleda in December. She is a treasure trove of information on everything this blog stands for, namely healthy living and healthy aging, so I asked her if she would share some of her ideas with us. She has written 10 books on beauty and health. Her latest, written at the age of 75, Breaking the Age Barrier – Great Looks and Health at Every Age – was released in November 2010 and is available from Amazon or from her website www.oleda.com where she also sells her own line of health and beauty aids.

I have written a number of posts about water. Here is what Oleda  has to say:

Water is beneficial for so very many things, yet is very under used by so many people. Too often water is replaced by other beverages – many laden with sugars, calories or chemicals. These drinks are of little or no value nutritionally and actually  detrimental long term. This practice is becoming especially true with today’s younger generation. The folks that grew up with soda pop have turned to caffeine-laden drinks like designer coffees and teas, sport and energy drinks—everything except plain water—whenever they have a thirst. These diuretic drinks actually drain the body of fluids creating a loss rather than a gain in body water content.
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Our bodies are completely dependent on water; ALL functions of the body require water. Keeping your body hydrated enables timely and efficient functioning to occur. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of fatigue. Even mild dehydration can cause fatigue. Almost 66% of Americans, it is estimated, are mildly or chronically dehydrated. Continue reading

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Oleda Baker on the Benefits of Quercetin- Guest Post

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As you can see from her photos, Senior Supermodel Oleda Baker is aging magnificently . I interviewed Oleda last month. She is a treasure trove of information on everything this blog stands for, namely healthy living and healthy aging, so I asked her if she would share some of her ideas with us. She has written 10 books on beauty and health. Her latest, written at the age of 75, Breaking the Age Barrier – Great Looks and Health at Every Age – was released in November 2010 and is available from Amazon or from her website www.oleda.com  where she also sells her own line of health and beauty aids including Quercetin.

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Science has proven that antioxidants are beneficial to our health. One of the most prominent dietary antioxidants, Quercetin, is a flavonoid found in fruits, vegetables, tea, wine and many supplements. Quercetin is also an anti-inflammatory. Unfortunately, it is not possible to get sufficient antioxidants from diet alone because you cannot physically eat a sufficient amount of vegetables and fruits in a given day. On the positive side, supplements are available.

Quercetin promotes the thermogenic processes which increase your metabolism. This will increase your energy level without the unwanted effects of caffeine or other stimulants. Quercetin helps your body burn excess carbohydrates and fat, while providing antioxidant support for your body’s needs.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of Quercetin

Fresh fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of Quercetin

Quercetin is a Free Radical scavenger helping to reduce oxidation within cells in order to fight off the damaging effects of these unstable molecules. As unstable free radicals move throughout the body they are able to bond to healthy/stable molecules in healthy cells. Once in the cells these free radicals damage cell membranes, chromosomes, and enzymes. This damaging of the cells will affect the rate of aging by accelerating the aging processes. Free radicals weaken the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight off infection from germs and viruses. A weakened immune system cannot fight off the effects of stress or overwork. Quercetin works to rid the body of these harmful unstable molecules, helping to prevent and repair the damage caused.

If Quercetin is this good how do I get it into me?
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