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Description Often referred to as "The Golden Years", this is the time to put your feet up and relax. You have served your time. Worked your hours. Raised the kids. And paid your taxes. Now it is time to relish in the fruits of your labour! Aging is definitely not a disease. It is not an ailment. It is not a condition. Aging is a phase in your life where it is time to enjoy your freedom, your grandchildren, your garden, your knitting, your workshop, your friends and family, and, in total, your life!
Related Problems
Aging brings with it a variety of new experiences and potential hurdles. Typical problems are outlined below.
Anxiety Associated With Change Entering the last "phase" of life, as it were, is something many may be ready for, while others may be caught off-guard. A certain level of anxiety may be present as people enter their Golden Years and must emotionally come to terms with this phase in their life. Remedies: Bach Flower Remedies Bach Flower Remedies can be used to gently easy emotional distress and each remedy relates to a specific emotional state. To prepare a remedy, see Preparing A Treatment under the Bach Flower Remedy Introduction. Walnut: For those who find it difficult coping with change. Walnut helps people deal with inevitable life changes until they gradually fit into their new role.
Malnutrition As nutritional requirements change and your body is unable to synthesize or absorb nutrients at previous levels, malnutrition becomes an important concern. Protein, calories, vitamins, and mineral deficiencies are common in people aged 65 and over and may be due to apathy, a reduced sense of taste and smell, poor teeth and/or chewing problems, low income, and inability to obtain or prepare healthy meals. Digestive and other absorption problems are also of concern. It is important you eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients needed to maintain overall well-being. The following nutrients, food supplements, and herbs, will also help keep you on the right path. The nutrient listings below are quite extensive. In addition to a healthy diet, you may consider a multivitamin/mineral supplement and or nutrition shake. Consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner to determine a supplement most appropriate for your needs. Remedies:
Food Supplements Essential fatty acids provide your body with necessary fats to ensure proper brain and nervous system function. EFA's can be combined with a B complex vitamin (see below) to improve overall nervous system function. Flaxseed/linseed oil, borage oil, pumpkin seed oil, hemp seed oil, evening primrose oil, fish, eggs, and walnuts are all sources of EFA's. The oils may be the most ideal. Take one tablespoon daily on yogurt, rice and/or bean dishes, salads, and vegetables. If using flaxseed oil capsules, take 2 to 3 capsules daily, in the morning. If using evening primrose oil capsules take 1 500mg capsule daily, in the morning Do not cook with these oils. Heat denatures these oils and they lose their nutritional value. Be sure to keep oils refrigerated as they will go rancid if not kept cool.
Herbs Garlic has powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It also helps lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, has antioxidant properties, and supports the immune system. Add it to your favourite meal and enjoy the numerous benefits. If you prefer to go "sans aroma", you may also take odourless garlic capsules. If eating whole cloves, take 2 to 4 daily. If using capsules, take 600 to 1,200mg once or twice daily with meals. If using a tincture, take 2 to 4mL three times daily. Ginkgo biloba is commonly used to improve memory function. This herb enhances blood flow to the brain and results in increased oxygen availability and an overall improvement in mental function. Take 100 to 200mg three times daily in liquid or capsule form.
Lifestyle There are a number of organizations that prepare nutritious meals for people who either cannot cook for themselves are unable to leave the house for a variety of reasons. Contact one of the organizations listed below for further information. Meal delivery services may also be available in your area.
Minerals Calcium promotes bone integrity and helps prevent osteoporosis. Take 800 to 1,500mg daily. Use a chelated form for best absorption and avoid calcium carbonate, which may contain lead. Chromium helps maintain blood sugar levels. Take 200 to 500mcg daily. Copper promotes joint integrity. Take 2 to 3mg daily Magnesium assists calcium absorption, supports the cardiovascular system, and promotes proper sleep. Take 400 to 800 mg daily. Manganese also helps protect bones and joints. Take 3 to 15mg daily. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that will help prevent free radical damage to cells. Take 150 to 300mcg daily. Zinc enhances your immune system and helps protect against prostatitis. Take 15 to 60mg daily.
Vitamins Vitamin A promotes healthy skin, boosts immunity, has antioxidant properties, and is important in proper eye health. Take 5,000 to 10,000 IU daily. A B-complex supplement provides multiple benefits. The various B's support your nervous system by providing it with the nutrients it needs to function properly. People with anxiety, depression, or stress (situations that can occur in concert with Alzheimer's) often benefit from additional B vitamins. B1 promotes liver and brain health. B2 helps provide energy and promotes healthy skin and proper vision. B6 improves cardiovascular and mental health. B12 promotes memory function (see below for more information). Take one 50mg capsule once or twice daily. Do not take more than 50mg at one time as your body cannot absorb a larger amount in a single dosage. B complex injections may also be considered for better absorption. You must discuss this option with your naturopath or other health practitioner. B12 injections may be necessary to address a deficiency. This is the most optimal method for absorption. You must discuss this option with your naturopath or other health practitioner. For more information, see Vitamin B12 Deficiency, below. Co-enzyme Q10 will help maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. Folic acid promotes cardiovascular function. Take 400 to 800mcg daily. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that also supports the immune system and connective tissues. Take 50 to 3,000mg daily. Increase to higher levels up to bowel tolerance. Vitamin D assists bone formation. Take 200 to 600 IU daily. Vitamin E is another antioxidant that also promotes proper cardiovascular function. Take 100 to 800 IU daily.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency B12 deficiency is quite common in people over 65 years of age and has been linked to senility and dementia. As the ability to absorb various nutrients decreases with age, vitamins and minerals must be obtained from other sources. It is essential that adequate levels of B12 be maintained in the body. Sources B complex injections are usually administered for optimal absorption. You must discuss this option with your naturopath or other health practitioner B12 is derived mainly from animal products, including cheese, fish, milk products, and organ meats. Vegetarians can obtain B12 from various sea vegetables, including dulse, kelp, kombu and nori. Spirulina/blue-green algae is an excellent source of B12. This vitamin can also be found in brewer's yeast and enriched soy products, e.g., soy milk. B12 is rare in most vegetables and is not found in fruit.
Additional Problems See the following sections dedicated sections for more information on these conditions, commonly stemming from Aging:
(Compiled) Actions and Remedy Listings
For More Information ... Institute for Human Development, Life Course, and Aging, University of Toronto http://library.utoronto.ca/www/aging/resource.html Health Canada's Aging and Seniors Web Resource
Division of Aging and Seniors
Population Health Directorate
Health Canada
Address Locator 1908A1
Ottawa, Ontario
KlA 1B4 Tel.: 613.952.7606
Fax: 613.957.7627 Web: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/seniors-aines
Email: seniors@hc-sc.gc.ca National Institute on Aging
Building 31, Room 5C27
31 Center Drive, MSC 2292
Bethesda, Maryland
20892 Tel.: 301.496.1752 Web: www.nih.gov/nia
Email: webmaster@nia.nih.gov
See also Alzheimer's Disease, Senility. TERMS OF USE All information contained on this website is for reference purposes only and all content should be treated as a resource.
It is highly recommended that you consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner when undertaking self-treatment.
For serious conditions, always seek the advice of your naturopath or other health practitioner. People taking medication should
consult with their naturopath or other health practitioner before undertaking additional regime for their ailment. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the information contained on this website.
However, errors in copy may occur. You are advised to consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner
when applying the information contained on this website. The MBR Team is not responsible or liable for any personal injury or related effects
from applying the information contained on this website. By browsing this website,
you agree to the statements above. Base content originally developed for The Alternative Health CD-ROM, ISBN 0-9686618-0-7 Website and all content copyright © 2000-2009 Midnight Illusions Ltd. Proudly Canadian!
"MY BEST REMEDIES" -- TERMS OF USE
All information contained on this website is for reference purposes only and all content should be treated as a resource. It is highly recommended that you consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner when undertaking self-treatment. For serious conditions, always seek the advice of your naturopath or other health practitioner. People taking medication should
consult with their naturopath or other health practitioner before undertaking additional regime for their ailment.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the information contained on this website. However, errors in copy may occur. You are advised to consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner
when applying the information contained on this website.
The MBR Team is not responsible or liable for any personal injury or related effects from applying the information contained on this website.
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