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Taking Health to Heart by DANIEL KITTREDGE
On Valentine’s Day, many of us share cards and candy with our partners and loved ones. These tokens of affection let them know how much we care for them and appreciate their presence in our lives. Yet February is more than just a time for sending messages from the heart. It is American Heart Month, an initiative of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) aimed at raising awareness of heart disease and promoting healthy lifestyles to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and other ailments. The importance of heart health, especially as people age, cannot be understated. While the heart’s indispensable role in the body’s overall functioning is obvious, it can be useful to note – as Rhode Island Health Director Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott did during a 2019 installment of the Rhode Island Department of Health’s Weekly Wellness Check-In series – just how much work the body’s engine puts in. Over the course of the average lifetime, a human heart beats approximately 2.5 billion times, sending millions of gallons of blood coursing through the circulatory system. “That’s a pretty big workload,” Alexander-Scott said. Aging, of course, takes a natural toll on the heart’s function. According to the National Institute on Aging at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, people over the age of 65 are significantly more likely to develop heart disease or experience a stroke or heart attack. Additional statistics point to the seriousness of the issue. According to 2017 figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the second-leading cause of death for Americans in the 45-64 and 65-84 age groups. Additionally, an AARP survey found that heart disease and stroke were among the top health concerns for both men and women older than 50. All of that makes heart health a matter of particular importance in Rhode Island. As of 2016, more than 217,000 Ocean State residents – approximately 20 percent of the overall population – were 60 years of age or older, according to the Rhode Island 2016 Health Aging Data Report. That figure is expected to increase significantly, to roughly 264,000, by 2040. Aging is a large part of the story, but it’s no secret that a range of lifestyle fac-
tors – diet, weight, exercise, smoking – are associated with higher risk of heart disease. That’s where American Health Month and the advice of experts come into play. “You can’t change your genes, but you can change your lifestyle,” cardiologist Jennifer H. Mieres, a professor at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, told the AARP for a story in its Healthy Living Guide. GET ACTIVE: NHLBI suggests starting a walking club or organizing a contest to see who can take the most steps. On an individual level, Alexander-Scott noted that adults are advised to engage in 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Doing so, she said, doesn’t have to entail an intensive commitment or an organized activity like tennis or basketball. “You don’t have to be Serena or Tom Brady or LeBron to be physically active … the kind of physical activity that you can do to help your heart stay healthy is as simple as walking, yoga, dancing or gardening,” she said. One specific step to take toward physical health stands above any other, however. “Quitting smoking is the single best thing that a smoker can do for the health of your heart,” Alexander-Scott said. TASTE FOR HEALTH: NHLBI offers a range of heart-conscious recipes on its website, nhlbi.nih.gov, and suggests hosting a potluck dinner or cook-off based on healthy offerings. Limiting consumption of salty foods and those high in trans fats and saturated fats is key. Other important steps include drinking plenty of water and making sure fruits, vegetables and high-fiber foots are a regular part of your diet. In the spirit of the Valentine’s season, sweethearts might also consider planning a date around heart-conscious food and activities – a hike followed by a healthy meal, for example. Limiting alcohol intake is another vital factor, as excessive drinking can have a number of negative health effects.
or tingling in the in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back; shortness of breath; chest pain; lightheadedness; dizziness; confusion; headaches; cold sweats; nausea or vomiting; tiredness or fatigue; swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, stomach or neck; difficulty with physical activity; or an irregular heartbeat, known as arrhythmia. SPREAD THE WORD: How can people get involved in spreading the message of American Heart Month? The campaign is active on social media, using the hashtag #OurHearts as a means to raise the profile of heart health issues, share stories and offer support. NHLBI also suggests setting up an online support group with friends to encourage shared heart health goals, such as quitting smoking or losing weight. Among the other suggestions? Share information about heart health through whatever means might be available, from posting a flyer on a community bulletin board to sending a letter to the editor of the local newspaper.
matters of the heart
SEEKING SUPPORT: The National Institute on Aging cautions that symptoms of heart disease may be barely noticeable, or even nonexistent, in the early stages. That makes it especially important for people to have regular medical checkups and to share any potential symptoms with their doctor. Those symptoms can include pain, numbness
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matters of the heart
Seniors and romance It can be very scary launching into romance after years of habitual ‘coupledom’. Those sweet kisses, that wonderful late night sex, the romantic compliments and the way you felt about each other’s bodies that fueled your love for years at the beginning of your relationship might be sadly filed away in the bottom draw of that chest you never go to. The idea of being ‘close’ in those romantic familiar ways hasn’t crossed your mind for ages. Or has it? Is it that you’ve become too embarrassed physically, or too set in those ‘older couple’ ways to feel romantically inclined once again? You’d like to. Maybe you’re stuck in a mold. Both of you. It doesn’t have to stay that way. Being romantic, becoming intimate, feeling your sexual love can go on till we are way into our 90s (sexologists assure us) - because we have those intimate urges and we have those needs. We could turn a few pages in our daily habits book, if we want to. We could move away from being the parents-to-our-teenagers, or the old-fud at the office, the golf leader, or the do-gooder or whatever it is we see ourselves now, (and do) and we can move onto a new page and enjoy our new older-couple selves. Like thousands of other happily romantic couples, we can feel re-fired by each other, again and again. If that’s scary (there’s a lot of cobwebs to break through after all), then here are a few tried and tested tips for romance for older couples.
Re-develop intimacy If your partner and you don’t have a serious rift between you, so serious that you need outside help, then you can make these moves towards being intimate and comfortable inside your relationship again. They are simple moves for men and women and you don’t have to do them intensely. Slowly and gradually is obviously fine and a lot more fun. Anticipation is very romantic. • Without masses of preambling conversations, which are killers, you can wisely pick your moment and then simply say one day, “I miss being close with you and so don’t be surprised if I plan on doing something romantic with you very soon.” And you mean it. You let it go at that. • You gradually make fun changes to your wardrobe and hair to renew your looks, remembering what your partner always liked about you. • You make some small changes in the bedroom, (a new throw cushion, some
candles or scents) or, if you are a man, bring flowers and chocolates home, or send them. • You change the way you spend your evenings in small ways; either you suggest going out, or you suggest having food sent in, or you eat in another room, or you make different food - and if it doesn’t go down well, then make fun of it. • Go to the movies, dress up for the occasion. Chose fun movies or romantic comedies, or even erotic ones. • Socialize a little with people you really like.
And last but not least: • Take a class in something new and physical such as the Tango, Belly Dancing or Ballroom Dancing. Take it separately, or together! No big deal! These are the mini steps of change that are actually maxi steps because to do any of those things means re-thinking your priorities each day. Instead of making the usual list of things to do, you’re now putting things on the list that are for just for you, for romance and for your love. About time too! They always used to come first.
Did you know?
matters of the heart
Romance on the road A break from everything that is familiar is a challenge. Challenges bring out different responses in each of us which are bound to be Interesting. That’s good. Later in life, we tend to admit that we can do without more challenges. We don’t feel we need them any more because we have “been there, done that and wear the T-shirt.” Unchallenged however, we get soft — and that’s a problem. Here are some left side romance tips for older couples. Instead of going on those predictable genteel holiday weekends at country inns, or on the beaches of the Seychelles, or to the theater in New York for a romantic getaway, which would be wonderful, why not go on a journey to throw all your marbles up in the air and see where they come down. Try being unpredictable. Unpredictable means you’ll need to tap into aspects of personalities you’ve maybe left dormant, and re-learn who you are, and re-learn who you are as a couple.
Testosterone is a hormone that is produced in the human body. Although testosterone is largely associated with males, females produce it as well. Testosterone is responsible for stimulating sperm production and giving men their reproductive drive. Testosterone also helps build bone and muscle mass and causes hair to grow on a man’s chest and elsewhere. WebMD says that, after age 30, most men begin to experience a gradual decline in testosterone production. Some men may even exhibit symptoms that suggest that their testosterone levels have dropped considerably. The American Urological Association says roughly two out of every 10 men older than 60 have low testosterone, often referred to as “low T.” Signs of low T include reduced sex drive, difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, low semen volume, hair loss, fatigue, and increased body fat. Men can have their testosterone levels checked by taking a blood test to see if their levels are normal. MT182757
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matters of the heart
Ingredients for a heart-healthy lifestyle Your heart is one of the most important organs in your body. It provides your body with the necessary oxygen and nutrients vital for daily survival. If you want to improve your overall health and protect your heart, simple changes in your lifestyle and diet can make a big impact. For these changes to stick, focus on adding more healthful foods, rather than just taking things out of your daily diet and routine.
1. Add more seafood
Seafood is not only a good source of protein, but also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. The Seafood Nutrition Partnership, citing the American Heart Association, advises eating at least two servings of seafood per week for enough omega-3s and nutrients to show improved health. In particular, fatty fish such as salmon, trout, pollock, barramundi, mackerel, herring, sardines and albacore tuna have the highest amounts of the heart-healthy nutrients that help prevent cardiovascular disease. To incorporate more fish into your diet, start with the recipe for Easy Lemon Pepper Salmon from The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). When selecting fish, whether fresh, frozen or canned, look for the MSC blue fish label to know you’re choosing sustainable seafood that’s good for you and good for the ocean. The MSC is a global nonprofit dedicated to protecting wild seafood for generations to come. By taking the simple step to look for the MSC label when purchasing seafood, you can help protect oceans from overfishing, support fishermen and fishing
communities, and promote traceability — from the ocean to your delicious seafood dish.
2. Seek healthy fats
Not all fats are created equal. With all the fad diets that come and go, the Mediterranean diet continues to top media and nutritionists’ lists of best plans for healthy eating. It’s also been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The most commonly used fat in the Mediterranean diet is olive oil, which is great for cooking, salad dressings and more. Other healthy fats come from the foods themselves, like the unsaturated fats found in fish, nuts, seeds or avocados. The Mediterranean approach is also plant-based, adding proteins like fish, lean meat, poultry and dairy (in moderation).
3. Opt for whole grains
Also featured in the Mediterranean plan are whole grains like brown rice, wild rice, whole wheat bread, oats and quinoa. Less-processed grains are healthier because they have both higher nutritional value and better fiber content. The nutrients in many whole grains — including potassium, iron, phosphorus and more — help boost your heart health. The higher fiber in whole grains aids digestion and can help you keep your weight down, which can also improve your heart’s function.
4. Focus on plants
You’ve probably heard a lot about plant-based eating recently. That’s because of the growing awareness of both the health and the environ-
mental benefits of focusing a larger portion of your diet on plants. Including a wider range of differently colored fruits and vegetables — plus nuts, seeds, beans and legumes — will give you the greatest nutritional benefits. Plants offer tons of nutrients like vitamins, minerals and fiber — and many contain more protein than you might expect. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that eating more plant-based proteins is associated with lower heart disease risk in middleaged adults.
5. Amp up your movement
Another vital ingredient in a heart-healthy lifestyle is exercise. Adding more daily movement helps you look and feel better, inside and out. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, plus muscle-strengthening exercises at least twice a week. It’s always best to consult your doctor before beginning a new exercise plan. Choosing whole foods over processed foods will improve your heart health. Using herbs and spices can also make your meal plan easier to stick to. Not only do some seasonings — like ginger, garlic and turmeric — offer positive health benefits, but they can also reduce unhealthy cravings by satisfying your taste buds. What’s good for your heart also can be good for the environment. When you make looking for sustainablysourced, heart-healthy products part of your routine, you create a win-win for your health and for the health of the planet.
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SENIOR ISSUES by DON FOWLER
Staying sharp in your senior years Just keep moving When I was young, I had an unrelenting appetite for knowledge. I first decided to read Webster’s Dictionary from cover to cover. My second goal was to read the Encyclopedia Britannica that my mother had bought on a monthly plan from a door-to-door salesman. In both cases, I almost made it to “B”. Next was the Bible. Starting with the Old Testament, I quickly got bored with all of the “begets” and unpronounceable names in Genesis. Moving to the New Testament, the four gospels were all I could handle. When I first married, my wife and I ordered the free first editions of every book collection that came our way, from National Geographic to the Time and Life series, cancelling after receiving the first one. We became experts on everything beginning with “A”. Now, here I am in my eighties, with a head full of obsolete knowledge, but still an urge to learn new things and keep my ever-forgetful mind as sharp as possible. No more need for my dictionary,
encyclopedia, thesaurus, and Complete Works of Shakespeare. Everything is now available on the internet, or by asking Alexa. The Internet All those early years of researching books at the library to find answers to probing questions have now been replaced by a simple click of the computer. An hour or so a day on the internet will bring me all the news that’s fit to print, answers to simple and complex questions, information on just about anybody alive or dead, and the score of last night’s Bruins game. Ask any question, from “Who was the 10th president?” to ”Why does my cat get hairballs?” and the answer is immediately before you. Alexa Too lazy to turn on the computer? Ask Alexa! “Alexa, what’s the weather in Miami?” “Alexa, what’s the mileage to Bangor?” “Alexa, who wrote ‘Crime and Punishment?’” Joyce prides herself in completing the New York Times crossword puzzle, but where
would she be without Alexa? “Alexa, what’s a five letter word for…?” Television Black and white TV, rabbit ears, three channels, getting out of the couch to change those three channels, TV Guide, and staying home on Tuesday nights to watch Milton Berle. We were slaves to our TVs. Now we have living color, cable, remotes, TVs we talk to, program listings, programming Jeopardy to watch at another time while eliminating the ads, 5 million channels, Netflix, and devices I don’t have and never will that my grandchildren can’t explain to me. But what I do have is easy access to a variety of programs that educate, entertain, and show old movies and current sports. What more could I ask for? Modern living may be more than we can handle, but there’s enough out there to keep our minds active and sharp, and make every day a learning experience. So What To Do? Sit at home and mope? Complain to anyone who will listen? Give up?
Hell. No! Realize and accept your limits and start living within them. Sure, I miss tennis, but I can still swim at the YMCA. Lap swimming and water aerobics are great exercise. And there’s no worry about falling or putting undue pressure on the body. Need a knee replacement? Get it! Check people’s knees in the summer when they are wearing shorts. (Careful you don’t get slapped) and notice the scars. Most are free from pain and have gained better mobility. They are even doing out-patient surgery these days. If you are primarily sedentary like my wife, get up and walk around at least once an hour. Go to the bathroom. Get a drink. Talk a short stroll around the house, inside or outside. Just keep moving. Join the Y, the library, the Senior Center, or a neighborhood group. Associate with people with like interests (Book Club, pinochle club, garden club. Can’t play golf ? Try miniature golf, bocce, shuffleboard or pool.
WHAT DO YOU FINK
RETIREMENT SPARKS
by MIKE FINK
by ELAINE M. DECKER
Celebrating the year of the rat You know that bumper sticker that reads: “I Never Leave Rhode Island?” Well, we believe that the world comes to us instead. It did and it does. My students travel from every continent and island to study the arts and crafts at RISD. A boy from China, Yifan, joined our “Jane’s Walk” last June on a rainy day to hike around the Summit neighborhood and trace its history. And then, he took my elective class labelled “Writing with your Feet” which meant exploring our neighborhoods outside the campus grounds. This year before us is called the year of the rat. I asked my classroom chum to discuss the symbolism of that dreaded rodent that spread the black plague that nearly wiped out the European population. He told me there are 12 animals that merit mention on our calendars. The year of the Rat will produce enough food to attract them. Two emperors were contending to determine who might unify the vastness of China, and one of them named the Rat because it can rise first under the moon. Something like that, anyway. I took over our conversation in my wildly cluttered office salon. The Rat figured in a movie about the search for a new Dalai Lama, and you had to respect the Rat simply as a guest in your residence. There are after all two kinds of Rats, the ones in your residence that you have to get rid of, and the other ones who live in folklore who may bring you good luck! I went on to list literary rats, from Templeton who runs errands for a marvelous spider in E.B. White’s fabulous “Charlotte’s Web.” I added the Parisian pest of Disney/Pixar animation fame in “Ratatouille,” that rescues the reputation of a fine French restaurant with his special genius. Yifan contributed, “In my language the word for a rat and the word for a mouse are
the same, and so the year of the rat is also the year of the mouse.” Oh dear, that overwhelms me with too much material, since Mickey Mouse, Art Spiegelman’s “Maus” the cartoonist’s “Mighty Mouse” and Aesop’s mouse that endears itself to a magnificent but hurt lion all add to the ambiguity of the months ahead. Will they be fortunate or frightful? My ambivalent conclusion is that if you switch around the three letters you will turn “RAT” into “ART” and voila! The seasons before us will be stormy and sunny, blessed and burdened, but if you translate your adventures into poetry and painting all will be well and the rodent, a cousin to the rabbit, will delight your days and entertain your evenings under the moonlight and the lamplight. Well, travel in quest of sunbeams if you like, but it’s like the fairytales read by the fireside, you can find what you seek right where you are...here in our own li’l Rhody.
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10 reasons paper newspapers are better than e-papers Conventional newspapers are struggling to stay in business; publishers are trying a range of options to stay in print. You may have noticed that Prime Time now comes to you inserted in another printed publication. To paraphrase the Ikea ad for its “book book” catalog, readers of “paper papers” are increasingly migrating to epapers, the electronic versions of the daily and weekly press. E-papers may be convenient, but there are certain things that they can never do that the printed versions of newspapers can. Herewith 10 reasons paper papers, like the one you’re reading now, are better than e-papers. 10. You can’t utilize e-papers to pack kitchen crockery and glasses when you move. I used and reused more sheets than I could count the summer we moved from our house to a temporary apartment sublet and then to our condo. 9. You can’t clean windows with e-papers and a spray bottle of ammonia water. A Household Hints for the Budget Conscious list that’s worth it’s salt will always include this as a cost effective way to clean glass around the house. Great for retirees’ budgets. 8. You can’t cut an e-paper into the same sizes as your framed prints and tape them to the wall behind your couch so you can plan the layout without making holes. This tried and true method for perfect picture placement is yet another way that paper papers come in handy when you’re relocating. 7. You can’t use a rolled-up e-paper to discipline a puppy during potty training (and you can’t spread it out where the puppy tends to make its mistakes). Remember: just a gentle tap on the puppy’s snout. Not his fanny and never a hard hit. 6. You can’t swat horseflies with a rolled-up e-paper. Yes, it’s tough to swat flies with a rolled up newspaper, but if you’re persistent, you can at least scare them to someone else’s table. 5. You can’t wad up an e-paper and stuff it into the toes of your wet hiking boots or the boots you wear to shovel that Rhode Island snow, to dry them out. Ditto for your street shoes that got soaked when you tried to jump the puddles in the road and missed. If you’ve ever been on Thayer Street in Providence in a torrential rain you know this well. 4. You can’t insulate your long underwear with an e-paper when you’re camping. Or shoveling that Rhode Island snow. And if you’re a Rhody senior, you probably wear long underwear all winter, snow or not.
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3. You won’t find an e-paper cut into squares and nailed to the wall of a water closet in a one-star pensione in Europe.
In the late ‘60’s, I traveled with my own roll of TP. It was especially useful with the toilets that were just a hole in the ground. Twostar pensiones had porcelain floor plates with footprints molded in, to help you straddle for better aim. But virtually all had newspaper TP. Let’s face it, retirees are more likely to be frugal and stay in this type of accommodation. 2. You can’t fold an e-paper into a discrete book cover for your copy of Lady Chatterley’s Lover or 50 Shades of Grey when you’re reading poolside at your club. Those who aren’t brave enough to risk reading those poolside will be glad to know that the book 50 Shades was made into a movie version and can be found on cable TV. And the number one reason a paper newspaper is better than an e-paper: 1. You can’t line a litter box with an e-paper. I save newspapers expressly for this purpose. First a wee-wee pad. Then five or six broadsheets. Then four 1-quart saucepans of litter. And no, I don’t cook with the same pan. It’s just for the cats’ needs. I’ve been told I should have a litter box for each cat. Right now we have three seniors, so we go through a lot of newspaper. So you see, we’d all be lost without conventional newspapers, but me especially. Please do your civic duty and buy at least one paper paper every week. You’ll have my gratitude. And also that of my cats. Copyright 2020 Elaine M. Decker Elaine M. Decker’s books include Retirement Sparks, Retirement Sparks Again, Retirement Sparks Redux and CANCER: A Coping Guide. Her essays appear in the anthologies: 80 Things To Do When You Turn 80 and 70 Things To Do When You Turn 70. All are available on Amazon.com. Contact her at: emdecker@ix.netcom.com
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Reducing risk for heart disease could save your life Heart disease doesn’t discriminate, affecting men and women regardless of their age or where they live. In the United States, cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death, according to the American Heart Association. North of the border, one Canadian dies from heart disease or stroke every 7 minutes. So says the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, a charity that annually spends millions of dollars researching heart disease and promoting healthier lifestyles. For most men and women, the prevalence of heart disease is no great surprise. Nearly every adult can point to a loved one who has dealt with heart disease. Many men and women can even point to a friend or family member who lost their battle with heart disease. That familiarity should make people even more willing to adopt a hearthealthy lifestyle, something the AHA admits is the best defense against heart disease and stroke. Though not all risk factors for heart disease can be controlled, there are ways to reduce that risk considerably.
Control your blood pressure High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke and a major risk for heart disease. Blood pressure measures the pressure or force of blood against the walls if your blood vessels, also known as arteries. Having your blood pressure taken is a routine on most doctor visits, but many people are unaware what the number actually measures. The top number measures the pressure when the heart contracts and pushes blood out, while the bottom number is
the lowest pressure when the heart relaxes and beats. Blood pressure that is consistently above 140/90 is considered high. A normal blood pressure is one between 120/80 and 129/84. Because of the relation between blood pressure and heart disease and stroke, men and women must take steps to control their blood pressure. Having your blood pressure checked regularly is a good start. Once you get checked, reduce the amount of sodium in your diet, replacing high-sodium snacks with healthier fare and monitoring sodium intake during the day. The Heart & Stroke Foundation recommends eating less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day, and that includes salt added when making meals or eating at the table. Maintaining a healthy body weight and successfully managing stress are additional ways to control blood pressure.
Limit alcohol consumption The AHA notes that excessive consumption of alcohol can contribute to high triglycerides, produce irregular heartbeats and eventually lead to heart failure or stroke. There is some evidence that people who drink moderately have a lower risk of heart disease than nondrinkers. But it’s also important to note that people who drink moderately also have a lower risk of heart disease than people who drink excessively. So when it comes to alcohol, moderation reigns supreme. One or two standard drinks per day is enough depending on gender. The Heart & Stroke Foundation suggests that women who drink should not drink more than
nine drinks a week, while men should not exceed 14 drinks in a single week. Of course, if there are extenuating circumstances then all bets are off. Men and women with liver disease, mental illness or a personal or family history of alcohol problems should avoid alcohol entirely. In addition, those taking certain medications should avoid alcohol consumption as well. For the latter group, discuss alcohol consumption with your physician.
Quit smoking The decision to smoke tobacco is the decision to invite a host of potential physical ailments, not the least of which is heart disease. Smoking contributes to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increases the risk of blood clots, reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood and increases blood pressure. As if that’s not enough, smoking also harms those around you. According to the American Cancer Society, secondhand smoke is responsible for 3,400 lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in the United States each year. In Canada, nearly 8,000 nonsmokers lose their lives each year from exposure to secondhand smoke. What might surprise some people, however, is how quickly quitting smoking can reduce a person’s risk for heart disease. According to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, within 48 hours of quitting a person’s chances of having heart disease have already started to go down. For those who successfully avoid smoking for one year, the risk of a suffering a smokingrelated heart attack has been cut in half.
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Amazing benefits to seniors having pets
Pets bring much joy to the lives they touch. Seniors considering getting a pet can exSo it should come as no surprise that the plore the many benefits to doing so. 2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey, which was conducted by the American Pet • Reduce pain: A 2012 study published in Products Association, found that about 85 Pain Magazine found therapy dogs provided million families in the United States own a ‘significant reduction in pain and emotional pet. In Canada, 7.5 million households are distress for chronic pain patients.’ home to companion animals, states the PetBacker blog. • Feeling of purpose: Caring for an animal Pets offer companionship and uncondi- not only stimulates physical activity, but it tional love. While they are fitting for any also can give seniors a reason to get up and family, seniors may find that having a pet go, which equates to a feeling of purpose. is especially beneficial. The organization A Place for Mom, which helps match families • Altered focus: Having a pet can help sewith senior living residences, says pets pro- niors focus on something other than physical vide a comfort system that produces mea- or mental health issues and preoccupations surable health results. Caring for pets and about loss or aging, according to New Yorkbeing around them can produce a chemical based psychologist Penny B. Donnenfeld. chain reaction in the brain that may help to lower stress hormones while also increasing • Increased physical activity: Pets require production of the feelcare, and that interaction can get segood hormone serotonin. niors moving more than if they didn’t This is not the only have a pet. matters health benefit pets may of the provide. A recent study • Improved health: Ongoing research heart from the Mayo Clinic, from Harvard Medical School has which looked at 1,800 found dog owners have lower blood people between the ages pressure, healthier cholesterol levels of 25 and 64 who had healthy hearts, found and lower risk of heart disease than those that almost half owned a dog. Having a dog who don’t own a dog. was likely to spur heart-healthy behaviors, like exercising with the pet, eating well and • Stick to routine: Caring for pets helps sehaving ideal blood sugar levels. niors maintain a routine. Having structure Pets also provide emotional support and after retirement can be important to ward companionship that can help seniors, includ- off risk of depression. Staying on top of ing those who may be divorced or widowed, feeding, grooming and other pet needs also feel more secure and happy. The National can help prevent cognitive decline. Poll on Healthy Aging found that, among Pets bring many benefits to their owners’ respondents who had pets, 88 percent said lives, and they may be the perfect remedy their pets helped them enjoy life, and 86 per- for seniors looking for a friend and purpose. cent said their pets made them feel loved. LP203746
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