Before You Retire: Explore Your Choices of Activities

The ever-popular Dr. Mehmet Oz believes that having purpose in life is the key to good health. Before you retire, "find that reason for living" by identifying activities that you enjoy. At least some of these activities should include social interaction, exercise and intellectual stimulation.

"Just as you need a financial plan for retirement, you need a mental plan, too."

Sleeplessness and Loneliness Connection

University of Chicago Lianne Kurina and colleagues studied the connection between loneliness and sleep deprivation among 95 elderly residents of two Hutterite communities.

Those members who reported sleeplessness were often unhappier and lonelier--leading to poorer health.

Mental Illness, A Bigger Problem Than Once Thought

About 50% or more of Americans will experience some form of mental illness at some point in their life, according to a new government report.

Many do not get help.

Many hide their problem from others.

And the fact is: there is also a big problem with underdiagnosis and undertreatment.

"Mental illness is frequently seen as a moral issue or an issue of weakness...It is a condition no different from cancer or other chronic diseases," stated Ileana Arias, principal deputy administrator of the U.S. Centers fro Disease Control and Prevention. Furthermore, "people need to accept the difficulties they are having and avail themselves of the resources that are available".

For more on mental illness, visit 50somethinginfo.com

Relationship Problems Spur Chronic Disease

"Insecure attachment(s) may be a risk factor for a wide range of health problems, particularly cardiovascular diseases. "

A new Canadian study surveyed 5,645 adults ages 18-60 and found out that those who were insecure in their relationships or those who avoided getting close to others were at greater risk for developing several chronic diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, chronic pain and stroke.

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

Depression In Epidemic Proportions Among American Seniors

Holidays are an exciting time for most people. They often mean getting together with family and friends. But to those who have lost a dear one, are dealing with medical issues, have children who have moved far away, and do not have a strong support system in place, holidays evoke feelings of depression.

It's normal to grieve for a loss of independence, health and mobility. What's not healthy is a sadness that lasts an extended period of time.

According to the National Institute of Health, 20% of seniors are depressed.

Doctors, only, can officially determine if a senior is suffering from depression. Generally, he/she determines if any of the criteria below apply to his patient and if so, what kind of medication or treatment is called for:

1. Feeling nervous or emotionally "empty"

2. Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

3. Fatigue

4. Restlessness and/or irritability

5. Feeling that life is not worth living

6. Sleep problems

7. Eating more or less than usual

8. Persistent headaches, stomachaches or chronic pain that persists

This condition should be ignored. Please encourage these people to speak to their families and their physicians about getting some hope and happiness back into their lives.

For more on depression among the elderly, please visit 50somethinginfo.com.

Computers Combat Depression for Boomers and Seniors

Miranda Hitti of WebMD Health News reported to Fox News that adults over 65 who use computers are less likely to experience depression than the non-computer savvy friends.

Probably, she asserts, this is because this group of people are more likely to connect with other people via email, chat rooms and because they are exercising their brains more (learning!).

What else did this study group reveal?

Most had higher annual household incomes and greater ease with daily tasks.

For more on improving your mental health and combating depression, visit 50somethinginfo.com.