Page 3 - PGA Community News - March '20

March 2020 March 2020 PGA C.A.N.!, Page 3

From The Editor:

Sit Down When You Put On Your Pants …

I have always been practical information on how to lead a healthier life. walking or swimming improves mental agility and mood.
interested in health and Dr. Ronald D. Adelman, Professor of Geriatrics and If you drive, do not park at the closest parking space near a
wellness. We are fortunate Gerontology, spoke about successful aging with the following store – WALK.
to have many seminars 11 points: 3) Get recommended vaccines i.e. pneumonia (once after
in our area by physicians 1) Cover your bases with annual checkups and testing, 65), flu (annually), tetanus (every 10 years) and shingles (once
from teaching hospitals. A review of medications, their side effects and interaction with after 50) vaccines.
few weeks ago, I attended each other, and address hearing loss which is the largest 4) Eat a balanced diet for optimal physical function, energy
the “Healt hy L ivi ng modifiable risk factor for dementia. Hearing aids stimulate and quality of life. Achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Eat
Symposium” by Cornell the brain and can delay the onset of dementia. plenty of fruits and vegetables each day which contain fiber, low
Weill Medicine. The doctors 2) Keep moving since the single most important thing a fat dairy products rich in calcium and hydrate.
discussed strategies for person can do is remain physically active. Exercise increases 5) Get enough sleep or your immune system can become
disease prevention and strength, endurance and balance. Low to moderate intensity compromised. Try to wean off sleep medications and avoid
daytime naps if you have trouble sleeping at night. Chamomile
and other herbal teas may assist you in falling asleep.
6) Stimulate your brain by challenging it with lectures,
classes, trying new things, volunteering, being creative and
exercise.
7) If there is stress, manage it by addressing it and seeking
help to resolve it. Work things out in relationships by learning
to forgive, accept and move on.
8) Develop good communication with your doctor and
don’t wait until you are in a debilitated condition to contact your
doctor. Always find time alone with your physician to discuss
sensitive topics.
9) Connect with others because family, friends and
communities build resilience, offer emotional support and foster
a sense of well-being. Studies have shown that social activity
lowered mortality almost as much as physical activity. Make
new friends (intergenerational) by volunteering and/or taking
classes.
10) Find your purpose and be passionate by staying
actively engaged with life, exploring the spiritual and being
fiercely determined.
11) Cultivate optimism which is linked to better immune
function, lowered levels of stress related chemicals in the body
and a longer life. Researchers have found that one common trait
among people over 100 years of age is a good sense of humor
and a positive and open attitude to life.
Think of growing older as a pioneering time. Older persons
represent the fastest growing population segment in the United
States and those turning 85 are the fastest growing subset.
Now people in their 60s and 70s are considered late middle
age. Many individuals in their 80s, 90s and 100s are living
productively with high quality of life and act as our role models.
Our senior population is a great untapped resource filled with life
experiences, wisdom and a desire to make a difference. Many
have overcome obstacles and can teach us how to face adversity.
Dr. Adelman commented that he emphasizes fall prevention
to his patients because he has seen many injuries at home. There
are seminars and courses that help improve balance including Tai
Chi. In an effort to keep us from falling, Dr. Adelman implored
us, “do not get tangled up in clothing and sit down when you
put on your pants!”
Until next month,
James A. Cioffi, Editor
james@jcclaw.com

P.S. If you have a story about healthy aging, please share
your story with me. I love to highlight our residents’ lives and
experiences.

Reminder From

The POA/ARC

POA documents require
that all residents apply for
POA and HOA approval
prior to making any
changes to the exterior of
your home, including but
not limited to tree removal
or planting, new landscaping,
painting, roofing, additions or construction, fencing,
hurricane shutters, impact glass, play equipment,
garage door replacement or any other change, you
must contact the PGA POA Architectural Review
Committee for approval. Information and forms
are available at www.pga-poa.com under the
“Documents & Forms” heading or call 627-2800.
Thank you,
Jack Hughes,
Chairman, POA ARC