Countering the inevitable effects of time

It isn't news to any of us that changes occur in the body as time marches on. We can see and feel the changes as the years go by in weight, muscle mass, energy, stamina, and overall body strength. There are a multitude of scientific studies on countering the effects of aging, and evolving evidence-based information that many scientists believe, if put into practice, can "turn back the clock" on aging bodies and help us to lead healthier, more productive lives into our nineties and beyond. In the not so distant future, many anti-aging specialists predict a time when people will commonly live to be 130 years of age.

It's fascinating to imagine such a future, but in the meantime, there are things we can do now to extend our lives, get stronger and feel better. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), both physical activity and exercise are critically important to healthy aging. Physical activity like gardening, walking the dog, dancing, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator are changes in our level of daily physical activity that can make positive changes in both our physical and mental health. Exercise is planned activity, e.g., swimming laps, weight training, water aerobics, yoga or tai chi classes.

The NIA identifies three keys to success in setting fitness goals: 

• Include physical activity in your everyday life
• Try four types of exercise: endurance, strength, flexibility and balance
• Plan for breaks in your routine; interruptions will occur, but be prepared to start again

Several of my friends have needed hip replacements, knee replacements, surgeries for torn rotator cuffs, treatment for cancer and more. A few of us got together recently and had serious discussions about where we go from here. We enjoy our lives, spending time with our adult children and our grandchildren.

We probably won't make it to 130 - but perhaps they will. In the meantime, we have pledged to do all that we can to maintain our health for as long as we can, and to find ways to make activity and exercise fun again. We have a friendly competition to see how much weight we can lose, and weigh in together each week. We hold each other accountable, and look forward to getting together on Saturday mornings to catch up on the week's activities, weigh in, bring healthy food to share, and take long walks together. We all do different things during the week to exercise and stay active. We are just getting started - but our buddy system is keeping us motivated.

by Rowena Rye

Resources for a healthier life after 50

National Institute on Aging - One of several of the National Institutes of Health, the NIA is the leader in Aging Research. The NIA has a variety of resources on numerous topics related to health on its Web site. If you are not online, call 1-800-222-2225.

Go4Life - a Web site of the NIA with tools for developing and saving your personal exercise plans, logs, and other physical activity records. A free exercise guide and video are available.

Lifelong Recreation, Seattle Parks Department, Sound Steps - Sound Steps is a volunteer-supported walking program with Seattle Parks and Recreation's Lifelong Recreation. This program is designed to get adults age 50+ moving and gaining the health benefits of regular exercise. Sound Steps offers weekly walking groups, monthly hikes, and a training program to participate in a 5K, 10K and Half Marathon Walk event. Go to the Web site for more information, or call 206-684-4664, or e-mail sound.steps@seattle.gov. 

Shape Up King County - This is a quick and easy guide to locate exercise and activities resources by type and zip code, and get fitness tips. The Web site is a collaboration among Seattle Human Services Department's Aging & Disability Services, Public Health - Seattle & King County, Senior Services of Seattle/King County, the University of Washington Health Promotion Research Center, the Healthy Aging Partnership, and the Comprehensive Health Education Foundation. Not online? Call 206-448-3110.

The ABCs of social media

The 'hidden job market' - is it real?

There is no hidden job market, let alone a secret list of jobs, but it is true that between 60% and 80% of all jobs are never advertised.

Beyond Google: helpful resources at the click of the mouse

Google may be the most popular way to search the World Wide Web, but it can crawl right past some real gems. Advertising and corporate sponsorship can affect the search results you get from a commercial search engine, while going directly to a government and nonprofit Web site can allow you to find resources that might be missed from doing a traditional search.

Here are just a few of these invaluable online resources.

• Need information on local social services? The Community Information Line - also accessible by telephone by dialing 2-1-1 - has a comprehensive online database with details on costs, hours and eligibility criteria.
• Taking the bus? Metro offers their personalized trip planning online.  You will get detailed information on what bus to take, when and where to board and transfer, and how much the standard and senior fares would be.
• Do you want to apply for statewide (such as food stamps and Medicaid) and local benefit programs (such as the City of Seattle utility discount) all in one place? Check out  Washington Connection.
• Are you helping someone with a disability or chronic health condition, or need help yourself? Start with the state Aging and Disability Services administration Web site. There are resources for self-care, listings of assisted living homes, and information on becoming a paid caregiver. If you have time for more reading, the National Caregiving Alliance has a multitude of free publications. The National Institute on Aging features an A to Z listing of health issues common in older adults.
• What about finding affordable housing and legal help? Try Housing Search Northwest and www.aptfinder.org for low-cost housing; and Washington Law Help for information on a multitude of legal topics and public benefits.

Surfing the Web has just become a little more exciting.

by Alain Rhone

Help with your utility bills

The economy appears to be making a slow recovery, yet there are many people in our community who still feel the pinch and could use help paying their utility bills. The Seattle Human Services Department manages a rate assistance program for the city that provides emergency assistance with electricity, heat and water bills. Help is available but many who qualify don't take advantage of the program.

We want to spread the word: If you can use utility assistance, or know a family who can, please get information at this Web site, or by calling 206-684-0268, or by e-mailing UDP@seattle.gov.

Another program, City Light's Project Share, offers one-time emergency assistance with electric bills. Many of our customer generously support this fund and we thank you. Make a one-time contribution or add an amount to your regular bill.  Whether receiving or giving, get the details on Project Share at this Web site  or by calling 206-684-3000.

by Seattle City Light

How to stay cool and safe in hot weather

When outside temperatures are very high, the danger for heat-related illnesses rises. People's bodies are not able to cool themselves quickly enough, and they overheat. In severe instances, people can suffer heat stroke, which can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

Older adults, young children, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are at highest risk for heat-related illness. But even young and healthy individuals can suffer in heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.

• Drink liquids
• Limit the time you're in direct sunlight
• Avoid or reduce doing activities that are tiring, or take a lot of energy
• Use sunscreen if you go outside

Reprinted with permission from Public Health - Seattle & King County

How to treat and prevent hypothermia

World's Fair Employee Reunion Picnic

 

HSD's mission is to connect people with resources and solutions during times of need so we can all live, learn, work and take part in strong, healthy communities. For more timely or breaking news, visit our blog, Human Interests, or visit our Web site.