Tips To Help Baby Boomers Stay Active And Independent Well Into Their Golden Years

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Tips To Help Baby BoomersStay Active And Independent Well Into Their Golden Years (NAPS)—Asthe baby boomer generation—around78 million people born between 1946 and 1964—reaches what was once considered its “golden years,” many are redefining what it means to be an older adult. Instead of retirement and rocking chairs, these baby boomers are working longer and enjoying a much more active lifestyle than their parents ever did. That can come with its own set of problems, however. “The demands of keeping up with friends, family, work and hobbies can take a toll on even the healthiest older bodies” says David Elton, DC, and Senior Vice President of You maybeable to keep both back pain andthe effects of aging at bay. Health. “As we age, muscles, bones and While it’s normal to experience more aches and painswith age,it’s important to know whento seek professional help for a moreseriousissue. Most back and joint pain can be eased with rest and and bones and continueliving an active, independentlifestyle well into their 60s, ice pack or heating pad. If you have severe pain or havebeen hurting for more Clinical Programs for Optum Physical joints undergo physiological changes that can affect mobility” What You Can Do Dr. Elton offers these tips to help Baby Boomers maintain healthy joints 70s and even 80s: Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight at any age can increase yourrisk of major health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and even depression. Carrying excess weight can also be especially hard on older bonesandjoints, leading to complications orinjuries that significantly limit mobility. e Stay fit, but be smart aboutexercise: Daily physical activity, combined with weight management and a balanced diet, helps support healthy muscles, bones and joints. But be smart about choosing how to exercise—talk to your health care provider to determine which activities are safe for your health status and be sure to get the proper nutrition to support your body’s needs. Don’t ignore low back or joint pain: simple at-hometreatments, such as an than a week, however, see your health care provider. Acute and ongoing pain is your body's way oftelling you something is wrong—ignoring it could lead to complications that require serious medicalintervention. Considerall treatment optionsif the need arises: If you do have an issue that requires professional care, explore all your options. Chiropractors and physical therapists offer treatment plans that may help you avoid invasive and costly medical procedures. Surgical techniques and long-term out- comes for joint replacement surgery have also improved a great deal over the past 20 years and can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility. Learn More Find further tips and information to help older adults stay active at www.Optum.com/HealthyAging.

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