Your health in old age begins now

*Old age is like everything else. To make a success of it, you’ve got to start young – Theodore Roosevelt

Eat well and Exercise. A balanced diet. Fruits and 5 vegetable portions a day. Avoid being over weight

Moderate exercise at least 3days a week. Benefits of exercise are many and not limited to theCardiovascular system.

Enjoy Now. Enjoy your Family, your children, friends. Your work and find a hobby ( it may keep you busy when you retire) Enjoy intimacy- lasting well into old age. Do not smoke, drink in moderation.

Take care of your mental health. Have a good work-life balance. Relax; go on holidays and away from work. Deal with stresses, be optimistic about the future. Let go of the past and live at peace with all men. Seek  help if  things are getting on top of you.

Regular Health check. The old age clock starts ticking the day you were born. The body needs a regular check. If you do not have any pre-existing medical condition. 5Yearly check (or as advised by your Doctor) and 3yearly if aged 40yrs or older.

Basic check include Blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, Blood tests Full blood count and for Liver, kidney function. Three yearly cervical smear for women.

Know your family medical history, you may need to check yourself  for conditions such a Hypertension, diabetes and Glaucoma which tends to run in families

Self-awareness. Self breast examination and self-testicular examination, for men. Seek medical help for lumps and bumps or any new symptoms…Make sure your immunisations are up to date.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions. Get regular treatment and follow up for pre-existing conditions. This helps to prevent complications which will affect you in old age.

Plan for your retirement. A financial, physical, medical and spiritual plan.

• Accept the fact that as you grow old you become less active and may suffer medical conditions
• Where will you retire, what kind of (or building or modification) do I need,
• Financial. Start planning, saving or do an investment, in addition to your pension,  you will fall back
• Consider writing a will, It is a way of making your wishes about your belongings when you pass on. You can add to, adjust a pre-existing one or make a new one as your wealth increases. Seek good legal advice.
• Consider  a Power of attoney.ie who can manage my affairs in case you become incapacitated physically or mentally. Get proper legal advice.
• Strengthen your faith and think about ‘The Life After’ Do everything to assure yourself of an everlasting life with God if you are of the Christian faith.