December 3, 2023 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Maintaining Independence In Your Golden Years:

By Maija Sanna, M.D.

Independence. Many people associate the word with July 4th, parades, flags, fireworks, and backyard barbeques, especially during the summer.

For many seniors, however, independence means a different type of freedom – from relying on others for assistance – and maintaining it throughout their golden years is a priority.

My patients often ask, “How do I keep my independence?” It’s a good question and one worth exploring in this column. Below are some general health tips to help maintain independence.

Stay Active

I mean both physically and mentally. The best way to stay fit at any age is to keep moving! Daily physical activity for 20-30 minutes should be your norm. Mental activities are equally important. Do what you enjoy the most and you will stick with it, whether it’s reading books, doing crossword puzzles, taking classes or learning new skills.

Stay Social

Maintaining your independence is easier when you have a wide network of friends and family. Senior centers are a great resource to help you network with others who have similar interests. Being independent does not mean being alone. Friends keep us young – and water our plants when we leave town!

Volunteer

Volunteering offers numerous benefits, including the above tips of staying active and social! Helping others also helps you feel better about yourself and adds to your well-being. Often, older adults have unique skills and insights that can benefit others. It’s a win-win situation.

See Your Doctor

He or she is your partner in good health and will make sure you have age-appropriate health screenings and vaccines to stay healthy.

Take Your Medicine

Taking medications as prescribed is important. If you are having difficulty with any of your medications, discuss your concerns with your doctor. There may be another medication or treatment plan that works better for you.

Manage Stress

Life can be stressful and getting appropriate stress relief is just as important now as when you were younger. The first two tips above can be helpful here as well.

Get Help

Although it seems counterintuitive, this tip is an important one. Frequently, maintaining one’s independence means accepting some help, whether it’s hiring a driver or a full-time caregiver. Life changes may require difficult adjustments, but it’s important to recognize that they are designed to keep you functioning as independently, yet safely, as possible.

These are only general tips. Your doctor will have other recommendations tailored to your specific situation.

Independence Day only happens once a year, but you can work on your independence year-round! Be well.

Dr. Maija Sanna is a board-certified geriatrician with the highly regarded UCLA Geriatrics Program in Santa Monica and Westwood. For more information, call 310.319.4371 or visit www.uclahealth.org.

in News
Related Posts

(Video) Popular Palisadian Road Reopens After Repairs

December 1, 2023

December 1, 2023

Both lanes are now unobstructed leading to the Pacific Coast Highway @smmirrornews Temescal has reopened after weeks of repairs. #pacificpalisades...

Employee Fights Suspect Breaking Into Santa Monica Restaurant

December 1, 2023

December 1, 2023

A Mere Week After the Business Underwent Extensive Renovations and a Grand Reopening By Zach Armstrong A mere week after...

Vaccine Mandate Lawsuit Against Santa Monica School Dismissed by Judge

December 1, 2023

December 1, 2023

A Student Sought to Halt the Mandate’s Enforcement and Also Pursued Compensatory Damages.  A judge at the Santa Monica Superior...

Fairview Branch Open House: A Festive Affair Welcoming Santa Monica Back to the Library

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Exciting Open House to Bring the Community Together for the Holidays By Robert Graves, Librarian II  On Tuesday, December 5,...

Kamala Harris Highlights Venice Bakery on Small Business Saturday

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Harris Is Seen Ordering and Enjoying Some of the Restaurant’s Chilaquiles By Zach Armstrong Vice President and former California U.S....

(Video) Via Veneto, a classic Italian restaurant

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Via Veneto, a classic Italian restaurant with real ingredients and delicacies from Italy. You can tell that the restaurant is...

Holiday Pub Crawl Coming to Santa Monica

November 29, 2023

November 29, 2023

More Than 20 Bars and Restaurants Will Offer Exclusive $6-$9 Food and Drink Specials By Zach Armstrong The holidays are...

Annual Venice Holiday Sign Lighting Coming This Weekend

November 29, 2023

November 29, 2023

The Event Is Set to Include Photo-Ops With Santa, Carnival Games, Free Food and Drinks and Live Performances The 12th...

Ribbon-Cutting Event to Celebrate New & Improved Bike Paths

November 29, 2023

November 29, 2023

The Recently Finished Safe Streets for 17th Street and Michigan Avenue Project Aims to Enhance Bike and Pedestrian Safety On...

Need Some Festive Hanukkah Catering? Here Are Some Suggestions From Rustic Canyon Restaurants

November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023

The Holidays Are Stressful, These Restaurants Can Help  By Dolores Quintana Do you need some hints on where to get...

Montana Avenue Holiday Walk: A Joyful 11 Blocks of Lights, Music, and Festive Spirit

November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023

Experience the Magic with Live Music, Santa’s Celebration, and Holiday Displays By Dolores Quintana Embrace the festive spirit as Montana...

Protesters Target AIPAC President’s Home in Brentwood – LAPD Investigates Possible Hate Crime

November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023

On Thanksgiving Morning, Two Dozen Demonstrators Caught on Camera  By Dolores Quintana On Thanksgiving morning, a group of Pro-Palestinian demonstrators...

Venice Shorts: Incinerated RV Found on Main Street

November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023

Burned out vehicles plague this exhausted neighborhood. By Nick Antonicello  The situation on the streets of Venice remains dangerous and...

Council Votes in Support of Upcoming Ballot Initiative on Mental Health Assistance

November 27, 2023

November 27, 2023

Proposition 1 Would Utilize a $6.38 Billion Bond in Existing State Funds By Zach Armstrong Santa Monica City Council voted...

 (Video) Downtown SM Eatery Closes Its Doors

November 27, 2023

November 27, 2023

The Watering Hole Located at 205 Broadway Has an Inactive Website @smmirrornews The eatery, located at 205 Broadway, has an...