As we age, we know a few things happen. We get slower. We lose strength. Our eyesight, our hearing, our sense of smell worsen. Just getting out of bed some mornings, the back and knees and hips creak and groan.
As we age, we know a few things happen. We get slower. We lose strength. Our eyesight, our hearing, our sense of smell worsen. Just getting out of bed some mornings, the back and knees and hips creak and groan. The days of up early to run are replaced by up early to walk the dog. Growing old, as they say, is not for cowards. It’s not for the faint of heart.
There are ways to fight Father Time. Exercise, diet, rest. Don’t drink. Don’t smoke. Be positive.
Here in Hawaii, it seems senior are doing exactly that.
Hawaii ranked No. 2 for senior health this year, according to the second edition of United Health Foundation’s America’s Health Rankings Senior Report.
Nationwide, seniors are showing encouraging gains in key health measures and taking more steps to improve their own health. Notable gains for senior health include declines in physical inactivity, improvements in quality of nursing home care, reductions in avoidable hospitalizations, and increased preparation for end-of-life care.
“United Health Foundation’s America’s Health Rankings Senior Report is a valuable tool for measuring and understanding the key challenges and opportunities facing Hawaii’s senior population,” said Ron Fujimoto, D.O., chief medical officer, UnitedHealthcare’s Community Plan for Hawaii. “With the senior population expected to double in size in the next 25 years, it is important that we develop effective programs and solutions that address seniors’ health needs in Hawaii and nationwide.”
The America’s Health Rankings Senior Report finds that Hawaii has its share of strengths and challenges.
Hawaii’s Strengths:
• Lowest geriatrician shortfall
• Low prevalence of smoking and obesity
• Lowest rate of preventable hospitalizations
Hawaii’s Challenges:
• High percentage of hospital deaths
• Highest prevalence of underweight seniors
• Low percentage of recommended hospital care
According to the report, Minnesota is the healthiest state for seniors for the second year in a row. Hawaii ranks second, followed by New Hampshire (3), Vermont (4) and Massachusetts (5). Mississippi is the least healthy state for seniors.
The report shows that seniors are more active compared to last year, with physical inactivity declining from 30.3 percent of the senior population to 28.7 percent. Other notable gains for senior health include a reduction in preventable hospitalizations, dropping from 66.6 discharges per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries to 64.9 discharges, and improvements in nursing home care, with quality nursing home beds rising from 42 percent of beds rated four or five stars to 46.8 percent.
“This year’s report shows important improvements,” said Rhonda Randall, D.O., senior adviser to United Health Foundation and chief medical officer and executive vice president, UnitedHealthcare Retiree Solutions. “Declines in physical inactivity are especially promising. We as a nation need to continue promoting healthy behaviors among seniors and work with states and communities to improve the health of this growing demographic.”
On Kauai, seniors stay active in many ways. Walking Ke Ala Hele Makalae, swimming in the Kapaa swimming pool, hiking on some of Kauai’s many trails or just playing bridge at Sun Village are popular. There are also exercises you can try at home, with weights, resistance bands and stability balls. The Mayor-a-thon is coming up. Key, though, is consistency and determination.
If you wondering you should bother to workout instead of relaxing on your lanai each morning and evening, here’s a few reasons, according to helpguide.org:
Physical health benefits of exercise and fitness over 50
n Exercise helps older adults maintain or lose weight. As metabolism naturally slows with age, maintaining a healthy weight is a challenge. Exercise helps increase metabolism and builds muscle mass, helping to burn more calories.
nExercise reduces the impact of illness and chronic disease. Among the many benefits of exercise for adults over 50 include improved immune function, better heart health and blood pressure, better bone density, and better digestive functioning.
nExercise enhances mobility, flexibility, and balance in adults over 50. Exercise improves your strength, flexibility and posture, which in turn will help with balance, coordination, and reducing the risk of falls.
Mental health benefits of exercise and fitness over 50
nExercise improves your sleep. Poor sleep is not an inevitable consequence of aging and quality sleep is important for your overall health. Exercise often improves sleep, helping you fall asleep more quickly and sleep more deeply.
nExercise boosts mood and self-confidence. Endorphins produced by exercise can actually help you feel better and reduce feelings of sadness or depression.
nExercise is good for the brain. Exercise benefits regular brain functions and can help keep the brain active, which can prevent memory loss, cognitive decline, and dementia.
I know some folks in the 70s and 80s. Some are cranky. Some are unhappy. Some wish they were young again. There are others who radiate good will, who exhibit cheer, who make you feel good just being around them. My Uncle Frank, to the moment he took his final breath in Montana, was one of the finest, strongest, most generous men I have ever had the honor to know. Even in his 80s, the man was shoeing horses, running his small farm and looking after guests. A heart of gold, he had.
Another good friend who died of cancer in his 60s, Joe Peak, always greeted me and my family with smiles and hugs and a joke at my expense. The food at the century-old Enaville Resort, aka the Snakepit in North Idaho, wasn’t that great, but the company was the best. I’ll never forget the last time I saw Joe in a wheelchair, at a fun run dedicated to him. With only days to live, he was upbeat, positive and encouraging. I didn’t know it that hug we shared would be our last when I said goodbye that day. Like my Uncle Frank, Joe Peak also had a heart of gold and was a joy to know.
Life doesn’t get easier as we age, but it can be the best of times, too. It’s up to us.
• Bill Buley is editor-in-chief of The Garden Island.
