Aging and Healthy Living was the topic for a program offered Thursday, March 14, at noon at the Attala County Library.
In keeping with the topic, a light and healthy lunch was provided by library personnel prior to the program.
With a power point presentation, Gay Smith, Community Educator with Legacy Hospice in Grenada, outlined guidelines to follow in an effort to ensure a better quality of life during the process of aging. Carrie Makamson, volunteer coordinator with Legacy Hospice, gave information about services of the volunteer and ambassador programs.
“Adopting healthy habits and behaviors, staying involved in your community, using preventive services, managing health conditions, and understanding all your medications can contribute to a productive and meaningful life,” she said.
She discussed the important nutrition in the aging process. Maintaining a healthy diet full of the six basic nutrients (protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, fats, minerals, water) can protect against chronic diseases; preserve immune function, digestive health, functional ability, bone health, oral health, and vision; as well as benefit our cognitive function.
She pointed out that the U.S. has reached a new milestone. There is a population of over 53 million seniors for the first time in the history of the USA. The senior population is expected to climb to 83 million by 2050. From 1946-1964, there were 75,000,000 babies born. The oldest of these boomers are starting to turn 73 with the youngest 55. Nearly 10,000 baby boomers will turn 65 each day over the next 15 years, fueling the aging population explosion, she pointed out.
With aging there is an increased risk of chronic disease, cognitive impairment and dementia, arthritis, and a decrease in physical activity. “This creates more leaning on our healthcare industry for help. But always remember to be your own advocate. No one knows your body better than you,” Smith said. She gave an example of a friend who listened to her body telling her doctors there was something wrong despite their not being able to detect a problem. Her persistence paid off, a diagnosis was made, medication prescribed, and her health was restored, she said.
“Know your body. It is who we are. Legacy’s goal is to help you feel well enough to live life the way you want. We offer a wide range of care to assist you,” she said in conclusion.
