Life and your house are once again all about you after decades of child juggling. An empty nest conjures up images of travel and quality time with grandkids for a lot of individuals in their 50s and 60s, as well as ideas of relocating to make the most of their next stage of life.
However, looking for a home later in life also presents a different set of factors. Your requirements have changed; for example, you could need less room and maintenance. Your capabilities have also probably changed. Now is the time to think about what architectural elements can turn your new house into a forever home, one that will allow you to age in place should you lose your mobility or agility.
Maybe you believe that buying a house based on changes that might never happen is too conservative, especially if you're in good health and want to stay that way. However, Harvard experts believe it's wise to adopt this perspective now, before a domestic catastrophe jeopardizes your freedom, because change is the only constant in life.
Do you wish to age in place? Tap technology
For almost 75 percent of older people, staying in one's home and community while aging in place is still ideal. According to a recent survey, over half of older people utilize assistive technology like fitness trackers and health apps to achieve this goal.
In a May 2023 publication, U.S. News and World Report conducted a study of 2,000 Americans aged 55 and above, of whom 53% were women. Of those surveyed, 53% said they used assistive technology. Mobile applications with a medical or health theme ranked highest in usage (25%), followed by wearable medical alert monitors (17%), smart home appliances (that regulate lighting, temperature, and other aspects), hearing aids, and shopping or meal delivery apps. According to the overwhelming majority of study participants, assistive technologies enhance their quality of life by making them feel safer (44%), healthier (33%), more independent (55%), and more mobile (20%).
Some older folks are so devoted to the concept of aging in place that they'll probably continue to live in less-than-ideal environments. This divide can be closed with the use of assistive technology, but only if it is fully utilized.
A wide range of early warning systems may be found in wearable medical alert trackers, and it is essential to acknowledge and respond to any notifications received from these devices regarding possible hazards. This presents a chance to utilize the aforementioned knowledge in order to establish communication with either one's family or healthcare provider, therefore seeking assistance to strengthen one's defenses.
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Perhaps you are impressed by your partner's consistency and notice that he uses the restroom after drinking a cup of coffee every morning. Possibly, you do not share with that much frequency and are uncertain whether you ought to.
However, what exactly does maintaining a regular schedule entail? Various factors influence an individual's response, including but not limited to age, dietary habits, level of physical activity, daily schedule, and hydration status.
Although the frequency of bowel movements is inconsequential, it is critical that the pattern remain relatively regular and that you experience comfort. With regular and healthy bowel movements, you will also experience complete cleansing of the rectum without experiencing discomfort or pain and without exerting excessive effort to complete the task.
Identifying a problem begins with recognizing a significant deviation from your usual routine. For instance, if you normally experience one gastrointestinal movement per day but find yourself having them only once per week with no apparent explanation, you should consult a medical professional. Having additional symptoms, including but not limited to fatigue, pain, unintended weight loss, blood in the stool, or a change in stool consistency, further emphasizes the urgency of that visit.
Basic wellness advice that is well-known and easy to recognize includes eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables, getting adequate sleep, and moving your body frequently. However, social media constantly bombards us with purported health advice, and it may be challenging to discern which advise to follow and which to disregard.
We frequently search for a magic bullet, that one item we can do to solve an issue or make our lives easier so we feel productive.
However, the majority of health issues may be resolved by striking a balance between your dietary and lifestyle choices rather than focusing on just one aspect.
Fact vs fiction
Myth 1: Being thin is the same as being healthy.
REALITY: It's not that easy. "There's certainly not just one healthy body type, and I've seen many people with a low body weight who aren't healthy."
It is true that having excess weight increases your chances of developing diabetes, heart disease, and several cancers. However, the idea that our body mass index is a reliable measure of our current state of health on its own is incorrect.
You may choose to be physically and intellectually active, in spite of your size. Maybe the most important things are how much we move and how involved and connected we are. Being overweight is sometimes linked to sedentary behavior, which is undoubtedly bad for our health.
2. Myth: Cleanses and detoxes improve your health.
Fact: They may cause more damage than good, and your body doesn't require them. Perhaps your sister claims that by clearing out toxins and accelerating weight reduction, detoxes or cleanses improve her mood and appearance. However, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), these strategies won't benefit you and could even do damage.
A less complicated method of testing for real penicillin allergy
Typically, the initial step in confirming a penicillin allergy is to perform a skin test. In the absence of a response, the individual is then administered a challenge of oral penicillin, consisting of progressively increasing doses, with the intention of diagnosing or excluding an allergy. Traditionally, this is performed in the office of an allergist. Nevertheless, only a minority of individuals undergo formal oral challenge and skin test testing.
As of now, a study published in the September 2023 issue of JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that an oral penicillin challenge given in any doctor's office is a reliable way to find out if someone has an allergy.
Question: My buddy claims that using a tongue scraper she recently purchased has significantly improved the quality of her breath. Is tongue scraping effective?
Answer. It is true that using a tool to scrape the tongue can help someone with chronic foul breath, called halitosis. The reason is because a lot of us accumulate a layer of germs, dead skin cells, and food particles on our tongues, which gives them a white or yellowish color. This occurs when food accumulates on the tongue's papillae, which are microscopic bumps that "grab" food and assist in moving it up the throat. Once bacteria settle in, the accumulation becomes odorous. Tongue scrapers are little instruments made of plastic, silicone, or stainless steel that are available in pharmacies and online. When using one, tongue accumulation is removed with a straightforward raking motion. A spoon might also work well. However, avoid scraping too forcefully to avoid overdoing it and scratching your tongue. While tongue scraping is not required, it can make someone's breath seem fresher if done on a regular basis. Most individuals can prevent bad breath with oral care, which includes using mouthwash on a regular basis and brushing twice a day.
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Adhering to a specific dietary regimen, ensuring sufficient sleep, participating in social and physical activities, and adopting a Mediterranean way of life have all been consistently linked to reduced likelihoods of developing chronic diseases and premature death. However, the majority of research participants have originated from Mediterranean countries such as Spain. Observational research published online by Mayo Clinic Proceedings on August 8, 2023, confirms what experts have long believed: that lifestyle choices provide benefits for people worldwide. Researchers, including a number of Harvard faculty, examined the dietary evaluations and self-reported lifestyle behaviors of approximately 111,000 participants (aged 40 to 75) in England, Wales, and Scotland. It took up to nine years to monitor the participants. Compared to individuals whose lifestyles deviated the most from the Mediterranean pattern, those who adhered most closely to it had a 29% lower risk of premature death from any cause and a 28% lower chance of dying from cancer. The findings suggest that individuals residing in regions other than the Mediterranean can adopt a Mediterranean-style dietary regimen, which consists of consuming fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and wine, olive oil, fish, poultry, cheese, fruits, vegetables, and nuts in moderation, and limiting intake of red or processed meats.
Image: Depositphotos
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