Looking back, in August 2021, I started writing for real my first article What’s In A Name? that formally launched my ATABAY blog with the following lead paragraph:
"What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet.” – Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
To write or not to write, that’s the question I’d been dealing with after I got off from over two decades of blood, sweat, and tears in the corporate world. It’s not as existential a question as Hamlet’s “To be or not to be” since I love writing. But, where would I write? The answer: my blog – I am launching today.
To drink a toast to this day, I thought of touching base with a healthcare professional in my Healthy Talk show and picking his brains on a forward-looking subject of anti-aging lifestyle for seniors like me. So, I invited a special guest to share his insights on such a provocative subject. Help me welcome, Mr. AI.
ME Mr. AI, welcome to the show! Let's dive right in. As we age, maintaining a balanced diet becomes increasingly important. What are your top dietary recommendations for seniors seeking to promote longevity?
MR AI Thank you for having me in your show. At the heart of healthy aging lies the food we eat. Seniors, like you, need a balanced diet. From fruits and vegetables, rich in colors, grains that whisper tales of the earth, to proteins that once danced in the field, or swam in the vast oceans, they form the cornerstone of our health.
Hydration, too, is a silent hero, ensuring the fluidity of life’s functions.
When the bounty of nature falls short, supplements step in to fill the gaps. A multivitamin can be a daily toast to health, omega-3 is a nod to the heart and mind, and probiotics are a celebration of gut harmony.
And let’s not forget the unsung nutrients – calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 – guardians of bone and nerve health along with antioxidants vitamin C and E – combatants against oxidative stress.
But tread carefully, the path of supplementation is best navigated with the wisdom of healthcare providers.
ME Exercise, for sure, is another key component of a healthy lifestyle. Mr. AI, I got my left knee injured while playing basketball a long time ago, and it causes pain to me today. What types of physical activities do you suggest for seniors who may have mobility issues or joint pain?
MR AI Your injury could have damaged the cartilage in your knee and caused arthritis over time as you get older. Our bodies are temples that deserve reverence and care. Gentle, low-impact exercises are ideal. Water aerobics, Tai Chi, and yoga can improve flexibility and strength – movements that honor our joints and soothe our souls. They are the rituals that keep the temple strong, and the spirit vibrant.
Regular walking and light strength training with resistance bands can also be effective.
The art of living isn’t confined to the gym or the yoga mat. It’s in the steps we take around our homes, the gardens we tend, and the chores that keep our hands busy and heart’s content. It’s about the choice to take the stairs, the decision to stand and stretch, and the commitment to move… and move… and move.
The goal is to stay active in a way that’s enjoyable and pain-free.
ME Mr. AI, I’m a writer, and I know full well that mental health is just as important as physical health. How can seniors keep their minds sharp and engaged?
MR AI Writing, your lifelong companion, has been a fountain of youth in your mind. It challenges you, nurtures you, and sometimes frustrates you. But always, it keeps your thoughts sharp and your spirit engaged.
Engaging in mentally stimulating pursuits is essential -- writing, reading, puzzles, and even social networking. For those moments when the words refuse to stream, you turn to free writing, or changing your milieu, to unleash the flow.
ME My wife and I make the most of our empty nest. Many seniors live alone and may struggle with isolation. What advice do you have for staying socially connected?
MR AI The richness of life isn’t measured in years but in the connections we forge. Social engagement, whether through shared stories, laughter, or tears, is the thread that binds the fabric of our lives -- in the book clubs, the writing groups, and even in the simple act of sharing a meal with a friend.
ME Could you share some insights on how seniors can create a supportive home environment that promotes a healthy lifestyle?
MR AI Certainly. Safe and comfortable, a home inspires a story worth telling. It’s where we write our chapters and dream our dreams.
A home, when the world feels chaotic, fortifies us. Resting our heads, we are energized by sleep - the sweet restorer, and soothed by rest - the quiet healer.
Having good lighting prevents falls and organizing the living space reduces clutter. Use assistive devices if needed, such as ramps, walkers, or grab bars.
Create a space that brings joy, whether through personal mementos, plants, or pets.
ME I’ve got one here now from our viewer. It’s not a question, but feedback. It says:
“I’m a senior and I have good news and bad news. The good news: I’m glad to know that the vitamins I’m now taking daily – Vitamins C and B – are included in the dietary supplements mentioned by your special guest, Mr. AI, a healthcare professional.
“I’m also glad to read the FDA Advisory No. 2014-054 dated 07 July 2014 which states:
“The public is further informed that a DOCTOR’S PRESCRIPTION IS NOT REQUIRED FOR OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICINES TO AVAIL OF THE 20% DISCOUNT.” [emphasis mine]
“I’m glad to read the Inquirer reported last March 1, 2024, as follows:
“'Senior citizens do not need to present a prescription from their physicians to get the mandated 20-percent discount they are entitled to when buying over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, INCLUDING VITAMINS AND FOOD SUPPLEMENTS [emphasis mine], according to the Food and Drug Administration.'
“Here’s the bad news. A few days ago, I went to two different national drugstore branches to buy my vitamins C and B. Both drug stores asked me for the doctor’s prescription. I told them about the law. Both told me they hadn’t received any instruction from their main office. A case of management inefficiency? Or an excuse?"
ME We thank our viewers who have taken a stand against this defiance.
Wrapping up, as a writer, I’ve penned countless words, each a stepping stone on my journey. Writing has been my confidant, my muse, and my legacy. Through writing, I’ve shared my wisdom, my joys, and my sorrows. Writing has connected me with the world and left my mark.
Looking ahead, I see a path lined with the promise of stories yet to be told, friendships yet to be made, and life yet to be lived.
Fellow seniors, let’s reflect on aging, not a process of decrease, but of increase – in wisdom. I envision, not just a plan for healthy aging, but a blueprint for a life filled with faith, hope, and love.
Finally, thank you, Mr. AI, for your valuable insights. Thanks everyone for watching our show.
MR AI It’s been my pleasure. Happy Birthday once again, and here’s to many more years of health and happiness!
ME God bless us all!
Content put together in collaboration with Bing Microsoft AI-powered Co-pilot
Head photo template courtesy of Pexels
Video clips courtesy of YouTube
No comments:
Post a Comment