Mens sana in corpore sano

Quitting smoking, do more sports, losing weight ... A new year, 365 days ahead, and with them an endless list of purposes. It always accommodate those related to our physical condition, and therefore our health. New and improved lifestyle habits that promote a healthier state. Unfortunately, many of them do not exceed the barrier of purpose and are reduced to the role in which they were designed. A good quality of life involves a balanced, varied and rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, we provide the necessary vitamins and amino acids. At that fitness is attached a sporting activity that exercises our heart and avoid or at least delay the onset of several diseases linked to sedentary lifestyle. While everyone is susceptible to improve our quality of life, this is accentuated as a birthday, leading to a much more active aging and healthy as we have better habits. But perhaps at a later age when they need more care, have a greater awareness of our shortcomings and try to feel much better about ourselves. Third Age is not synonymous with illness, or physical or social impoverishment.

Clearly, when we meet years, adding to our health ailments, which is why we must encourage, even more, our willingness to do healthy activities. One of the evils that more attacks over the years is osteoarthritis. Many people who start with fifty years to develop this rheumatic disease, obesity and lack of exercise worsens the condition, so that moderate exercise and a balanced diet managed to reduce the characteristic pain. From my experience as an occupational therapist always do a preliminary study of the patient, see what their habits, what you can do to improve your quality of life and the two pillars for this improvement are food and sport.

The practice of regular physical activity in the elderly is a priority in public health as prevention of chronic degenerative diseases. In addition to reducing cardiac risk, increase flexibility, bone density and muscle mass, but as important as the physical benefits, are psychological. Moderately sport involves contact with other people, increasing social circle and reducing the chance of falling into a depressive, so characteristic of this age. As already mentioned, the sport provides an increase in bone density of the individual, ie, strengthening it and preventing possible fractures from blows or falls due to osteoporosis. A birthday does not mean much stuck in a chair and spend their days watching the comings and goings of our family, there are many activities aimed at this, more, more collective. Tai Chi, yoga, group activities ... to build self-esteem is very recommended. There are situations where the more you lose interest in things, you feel on the margins of social life, so far as to think it's a nuisance to society, is that its activity is no longer part of the production gear, and that undermines their illusion.

On these occasions it is necessary to restore the spirit, encourage and make him see that you are entering another stage of life, so important and beautiful as these. Physical health is inescapably linked to mental health, support from family, friends and professionals is vital. We must be aware that older people tend to resist further changes in their lifestyle, are more reluctant to adopt new habits, so we must keep diplomatic and sympathetic attitude, encouraging them to join groups and activities that promote their relationships. As director of Vitalia Day Centre, I see the change experienced by our grandparents. That when we come to take a more static, we sometimes say they do not want to come, but that their children will require ... This reaction is logical, and it is surprising that after a few days that they themselves are extremely pleased in having us. They are related, are treated by health professionals and especially enjoy group activities. The idea of ​​the cold, bleak homes and day centers is fortunately changing. Now they are welcoming places that give the greatest support needed to face life with more integrity, and above all care for our families through specific methods and treatments, combining three basic concepts: health, physical activity and psychological support.