Staying healthy as we age BY PETER BETZ, MD
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any of us like to think that 50 is the new 30, but the reality is that 50 is when we begin to enter the older stage of our lives. Genetics and lifestyle may cause some people to age faster than others, but most baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) and Gen Xers (born from 1965 to 1980) pride themselves on their youthfulness despite their numerical age. However, no matter how good you feel, most experts agree that when you turn 65 and qualify for Medicare, you are considered geriatric. It is important, therefore, to work with your healthcare provider to ensure that your cholesterol, blood pressure and sugar are all under control and to follow your provider’s recommendations for screening and preventative measures. Although physiological changes that accompany aging may keep you from feeling like a youngster, there are many things you can do to promote a healthy lifestyle and help stave off illness and physical or mental disabilities. The key is to make a list of the things you know are good for you and then to actually do them. This is not always easy. Change is difficult because it requires you to alter your lifestyle. So how do you make a change in your routine that includes healthy activities? One thing you should not do: punish yourself and then make yourself feel guilty in the process.
Be physically active Everyone knows exercise is important to staying healthy. But if you try working out at the gym and discover that you don’t like it, don’t force yourself to go to the gym. Instead, find an activity that you enjoy. If you like to walk, take a
Geriatric psychiatric services
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entra’s Geriatric Psychiatric Program at Virginia Baptist Hospital provides personalized treatment to adults ages 65 and older who are in crisis and in need of immediate stabilization. Centra also offers outpatient geriatric psychiatric services at Piedmont Psychiatric Center in Lynchburg.
In addition, consultation and liaison services are offered to community agencies and facilities to assist with: • Referrals for possible admission • Geriatric psychiatric assessments • Coordination of care plans • Ongoing psychotherapy/education interventions with patients and families • Collaboration with an organization’s staff related to behavioral challenges • Training of staff on geriatric topics, including dementia, problem solving, managing aggressive behaviors, stress in the senior years, etc.
walk around the block or go hiking; if you like to play tennis, find a partner and play a match; if you enjoy gardening, go plant some flowers. Swimming and running might be better for you than gardening or playing tennis, but if you don’t have a pool or you can’t run, do what you can. The key is not how you exercise, but that you do something that requires activity. continued on the back
MENTAL HEALTH INTAKE & RESOURCE CENTER, 800.947.5442
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