High Blood Pressure Shouldn't Be Ignored By Aging Americans

Two-thirds of Americans over 60 have high blood pressure or hypertension. And 90% of those who live past 60 will eventually develop it.

Hypertension is a serious problem. It can damage the heart, kidneys and brain. It can lead to heart attacks, strokes, heart and kidney failure and dementia.

Take measures NOW to lower your risk by:

1. Reducing your stress

2. Cutting back on sodium

3. Losing weight

4. Exercising

5. Being aware that just about all over-the-counter pain relievers can cause blood pressure to rise

6. Eating 3 servings of whole grains a day (A Harvard Study reported that men who included whole grains in their diet were 19% less likely to develop hypertension over an 18 year span than those who ate the least amount of whole grains).

There are also many safe and effective drugs to lower your blood pressure.

Motion Sickness Can Impact Your Cruise

Some people think that the most grueling part of a cruise is making the reservations. Others know that motion sickness onboard is the biggest hurdle.

Over-the-counter antihistamines taken 1/2 to 1 hour before travel can help prevent or treat mild cases.

The prescriptive transdermal patch placed behind the ear 6 - 8 hours before travel often provides more comfort.

P6 acupuncture point wrist bands are often being replaced by the more effective P6 Relief Band utilizing electrostimulation.

Here's what you can do:

1. Avoid heavy meals and alcohol before and during travel.

2. Distance yourself from strong odors such as cigarettes and perfume.

3. Choose cabins higher up and mid-ship.

4. Look at the horizon or some other fixed distant point.

5. Get fresh air.

6. Try slow, regular breathing.

7. Lie down

Clouds Belong In the Sky, Not On Your Eyes

The risk for cataracts (clouds the lens of the eye so vision is impaired) sharply rises after 60 years of age even though it is not unusual to get them at 40 or 50.

By age 80 50% of all Americans will have cataracts or will have had them removed.

You can delay the onset by:

1. Eating certain fruits and vegetables (dark leafy greens, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, green peas, dark green or yellow fruit) and egg yolks.

2. Not smoking

3. Protecting your eyes from sunlight with sunglasses and a hat.

4. Having regular eye exams.

What used to be a hospital stay is now an outpatient procedure to have cataracts removed. In fact it is the most commonly performed surgery in the United States and is painless.

Find out more about cataracts and eye disorders on 50somethinginfo.com

State Spending To Lure Retirees: Retirement Destinations

Ed Vogel of the Las Vegas Review Journal reported that Nevada spends practically nothing to lure retirees and he feels they're missing the boat. That's because seniors create jobs, spend a lot of money and are not a drag on government services (Applied Analysis in Las Vegas).

In addition, seniors offset unemployment because they bring in a steady income.

Now that housing costs have declined since the onset of the recession, states should be spending more, not less, to appeal to boomers and seniors.

How To Get Rid Of Wrinkles

It's a myth to believe that strengthening your facial muscles can firm up sagging skin or fill in wrinkles, according to University of California at Berkeley Wellness Letter.

The real culprit of those annoying facial lines is overuse! Smiling, laughing, grimacing and squinting, therefore, increase your likelihood of getting crow's feet and folds from your nose to your lips earlier.

Factor in genetics, smoking and sun damage and you'll understand why mother nature laughs at our efforts to appear younger.

See what you can do to delay aging skin at 50somethinginfo.com

If The Shoe Fits, Wear It

If you believe that the more money you pay for athletic shoes gets you more cushioning and shock absorption, you are in for a big surprise.

The University of California at Berkeley Wellness Letters tell us that often a less expensive pair provides us more comfort.

Make sure the fit is right and replace your athletic shoes after 300-500 miles of running.

Find out more about men's and women's footwear and exercise, sports and fitness on www.50somethinginfo.com

Alarming Statistics on Alzheimer's Disease

Sonia Fernandez, staff writer at Santa Barbara News Press, wrote in January, 2010 that 10% of those over 65 will have Alzheimer's disease. By age 80, 1 in 2 can expect to have the disease.

Pretty scary stuff, huh?

Dr. Kenneth Kosik, executive director of the Center for Cognitive Fitness and Innovative Therapies and co-director of the Neuroscience Research Institute at University of California at Santa Barbara, says that people can defy the statistics, "the way to prevent or delay Alzheimer's is squarely in the hands of the people at risk for it." Those people need to be proactive towards their mental fitness:

1. Hypertension and high cholesterol are major contributors. Combat thise with exercise and a daily menu filled with vegetables and antioxidant foods.

2. Keep your stress low and your mental activity high.

3. Keep up your social interactions even when friends and family pass on.

For more on Alzheimer's disease, including emotions, finding care, clinical trials and much more, visit 5osomethinginfo.com

Annuities: Are They For You

Professionals familiar with retirement income often suggest that buyers by wary of fees and charges attached to annuities before purchasing them.

According to the California Department of Corporations, this is what prospective buyers need to know:

1. In the event you need to withdraw your money prior to the annuity maturity, understand the surrender charges.

2. Know your acceptance of risk in order to properly judge whether fixed, variable, or indexed annuities fit into your retirement plan.

3. Annuities are not guaranteed by any government agency. Check the financial status of the company you are buying the annuity from.

4. Make sure your salesperson and the company are properly licensed and registered.

5. Understand annuity differences if you choose to cash in and purchase a different one.

6. Annuity commissions are sometimes very high. Find out how much your agent is profiting by the sale.

7. Make sure you understand what will happen to the proceeds of an annuity upon your death.

8. Comparison shop and discuss the option with your financial advisors.

For more about annuities, visit 50somethinginfo.com

Gay Retirement Communities Grow

The American Society on Aging reports that at least 21 gay and lesbian retirement communities are under construction in the United States. That's because "the number of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans over 65 will more than double in the next 25 years," according to Bob Moos, Knight Ridder News Service.

Since many in the gay community do not have children to call on for help, they have successfully created "families of choice."

Rainbow Vision, a 13-acre community of residences for active adults as well as assisted living suites in Santa Fe, New Mexico, provides a number of luxury services.

But more importantly, Rainbow Vision provides a place where homosexuals can be themselves among people who understand their common history.

For more on services and advocacy for GLBT elders, resort-style condos, lesbian and gay aging issues, and resources for older GLBT, visit 50somethinginfo.com

Antioxidants In Food Or Supplements?

According to the University of California at Berkeley Wellness Letter (11/06), only antioxidants found in food (not in supplements) "help deactivate the free radicals that damage cells and promote chronic diseases."

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition listed the top 14 antioxidant foods and beverages based on typical serving sizes:

blackberries, walnuts, strawberries, artichokes, cranberries, brewed coffee, raspberries, pecans, blueberries, cloves, grape juice, unsweetened baking chocolate, sour cherries and red wine.

Processing and cooking generally does not effect antioxidants. In fact, the amount of antioxidant in many vegetables increases when microwaved, steamed or boiled.

Eat your way to health.

For more about dietary supplements, visit 50somethinginfo.com.