WELLNESS

Taking care to enjoy

life’s greatest moments

Growing older. It’s natural. So why is it so hard to talk about? Why not focus on living your best life? Many adults, who are well over 55, live active and healthy lives. But there’s no getting around one thing: as we age, our bodies and minds change.

Aging typically brings about new health issues. It’s important to understand the challenges you may face as you age, and recognize the preventive measures that can place you on a path to aging gracefully. After all, growing old is for the young at heart. The normal part of aging

Chronic conditions, like diabetes or heart disease, become more common and can be harder to manage. It may be more difficult to remember or learn new things. And, dental, hearing, and vision issues can impact your health and wellness.

Your skin may begin to change and you’ll likely be more susceptible to sun and temperatures because of it. As early as your 40s, bones begin to weaken, which could increase risks of fracture. You may be a little shorter than you once were, or experience issues with your joints, bladder, digestive system and sex drive. Warning signs

There are many challenges that can come with aging, so it’s not always easy to identify if there’s a bigger problem or that more help is needed.

Take memory loss for example. There’s a difference between normal memory loss and the type of memory loss that makes everyday activities hard to do. Becoming easily confused about time, people or places. Asking the same questions repeatedly. Getting lost in familiar places.

Failure to keep up with daily routines and household chores could also be indicative of underlying issues. Do you find that you’re having trouble walking short distances? Or having difficult reading things like prescription bottles? Do you have numbness in your arms or legs?

Financial hardship can also negatively impact mental and social health, as well as nutrition.

These are all reasons to have a relationship with your doctor. Sanitas can help

“Time with a patient should be of the utmost importance. The more time spent, the more likely the care team will be able to INSPIRE HEALTH28 inspirehealthmag.com § #inspirehealthmag identify and address health and social challenges that may be affecting the patient’s well-being,” says Dr. Juan Estrada, CEO of Sanitas Medical Center. “At Sanitas, there’s an entire team of care coordinators, health coaches and social workers who are focused on assisting patients in our centers, at home or by televisits. “A big part of what we do is help connect our older patients with the social support services they need.” What you can do now You have a lot of influence in how you feel as you age. There are simple things you can try to delay or lessen the changes that living a long life can bring. • Get a little exercise each day • Try to get 7 to 8 hours of rest each night • Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins • Protect your skin with sunscreen and clothing • Brush and floss your teeth twice daily • Wear sunglasses outdoors and earplugs around loud noises • Interact with others as much as you can

Most importantly, talk with your doctor about any concerns you have or changes you experience.

Your doctor can’t turn back the hands of time, but with patience, care and support, they can help you age more gracefully. Enjoy life

Let Sanitas help you take care so you live your best life and enjoy life’s greatest moments.

Sanitas Medical Center is headquartered in Miami, Florida and currently operates 36 medical centers serving more than 250,000 patients in South and Central Florida, including dedicated senior centers in Doral, Hialeah, Lauderdale Lakes, Orlando, Plantation and Tampa. To learn more about care for aging adults, visit mysanitas.com/medicarefl