By Chis Haro

It is with no surprise comes certain changes to our body. Most of the time it is something physical, like weight gain or loss, joint pain, or even something as serious as a chronic disease. For many who reach the ages of 65 and older, it is a normal occurrence to have ailments come up more often, and with that seeing an increase in medications and a limit in things that you were once able to do with ease.

While many people will relate the ailments of getting older and how our body ages with genetics, many will also claim that life circumstances are also to blame. What kind of job you have, married or single, injuries and accidents… these can be issues that will affect us as we get older, and could potentially make us feel older. The CDC reports have shared that prescription drug use is rising for people of all ages, and 5 out of 6 people 65 years or older are taking at least one medication and almost half the elderly are talking three or more.

There are people who also believe that how we treat are ailments and pains affect our overall health and life expectancy. While many reach for the prescription drugs and over the counter name brand aids, others have found much success in making life changes such as diet and exercise, as well as natural forms such as herbal remedies to help take care of their health issues. In the past 10 years, due to the internet, social online interactions and the media, we have heard the case for natural wellness. Movies such as  Food Nation and Forks over Knives have made their case for a more natural, vegetarian or vegan raw food diet. Many believe that the more foods we eat in their natural form will help with our health.

Though it comes with much argument, the majority of health care professionals believe that are aging and health concerns come from genetics, with the addition of our nutritional and fitness practices. Basically, certain things we can control from happening, and other things we can’t. The best thing we can do from this moment on is to make sure we are doing what we can personally to be as healthy as possible. Get into a normal exercise routine like taking a nice walk or bike ride, and find an activity that you enjoy that gets your blood circulating and heart pumping. Make sure that you are limiting processed foods and add more fruits, vegetable and healthy proteins and fats.

I have heard many times that age is only a number, and you are only as old as you feel. I have seen people in their twenties who struggled with their health, and I have seen people in their 70’s and 80’s still active, healthy and happy. We have science to help us with medications that can save our lives, and we also have this great prescription that has been around for ages… it’s called common sense. Treat yourself right, keep your body healthy, and you will have the opportunity to stay healthy and active for many years to come.

For those of you who believe that it is impossible to get in shape, get healthy and active after 65, perhaps this will inspire and motivate you today.

Hoping for decades of health for you!