It’s an inevitable condition, but that doesn’t mean that one’s golden years should be marred by degenerative illnesses. We spoke to Dr. Gar Eufemio as to how we can look forward to a much healthier old age
When we’re in our 20s and 30s, we feel like we’re on top of the world: we are in the full flush of health and are at the peak of our physical prowess. We feel, within that age range, that we are invincible and unstoppable. However, as the decades pass, our bodies begin to show signs of wear and tear. For example, our eyesight isn’t as sharp as it used to be and we end up needing glasses. If we used to bounce back from illness or accidents quickly, recovery now becomes slower and more tedious.
Degenerative conditions affecting the body’s vital systems are the primary source of concern for both doctors and patients. As the body ages, the tissues that would quickly recover and regenerate in one’s youth are no longer as resilient. As a result, there are significant changes to the nervous system and skeletal system, along with major organs such as the heart and lungs.
“[Degeneration is a] normal process as one matures,” Eufemio explains. “[This can be seen in issues like] forgetfulness, irritability, osteoporosis and arthritis, hypertension and cholesterol issues, diabetes and digestive problems, blurred vision, and hearing loss. For doctors, the greatest challenge is how to slow it down.”
“The health issues of aging are impossible to escape, but we can delay their onset and retard the progression,” he says. “Genetics play the biggest part here: if you’ve been blessed with good genes, you can do all the wrong things and still live a long and healthy life.”
For the most part, however, critical points to consider for staying healthy well into old age are proper nutrition, regular exercise, and getting a good night’s sleep. Likewise, keeping one’s stress levels down to a manageable minimum and living in a clean and healthful environment are also key.
Consider Meditation and Mindful Living Yoga and guided meditation are good for helping one destress, clearing the mind of negative thoughts while placing the body into a state of rejuvenating rest. More spiritual seniors have also experienced a sense of calm through regular devotions or attendance at religious services.
Old age brings a number of restrictions when it comes to one’s regular diet. But this should not be a reason for consuming meals that lack both nutrition and flavor or even lapsing into junk food binges. Consider healthy yet delicious meals featuring protein from green sources, natural sweeteners, and organically-grown produce in season.
One way to stay healthy is through the use of Far Infrared Ray (FIR) technology on a regular basis through equipment like the Vital Dome. Here, B-Carbon panels generate FIRs that penetrate the body to relax muscles, remove toxins, and reduce inflammation. As a result, one can feel relaxed and refreshed after a session.