Aging comes with two things, wisdom and declining health. But a sports medicine expert and orthopedist shares how individuals can look forward to healthy golden years.
“Everything gradually falls apart,” says Dr. Gar Eufemio, medical director at Peak Form, one of the country’s leading centers for sports conditioning and recovery.
Degenerative conditions affecting the body’s vital systems are the primary source of concern for both doctors and patients. As the body ages, the tissues that would quickly recover and regenerate are no longer as resilient as when a person is younger. As a result, there are significant changes to the nervous system and skeletal system, along with major organs such as heart and lungs.
“[Degeneration is a] normal process as one matures,” explains Dr. Eufemio “[This can be seen in issues like] forgetfulness, irritability, osteoporosis and arthritis, hypertension and cholesterol issues, diabetes and digestive problems, blurred vision, and hearing loss. For doctors, the greatest challenge is how to slow it down.”
Dr. Eufemio says avoiding degeneration is not that simple.
“The health issues of aging are impossible to escape, but we can delay their onset and retard the progression,” he says. “Genetics play the biggest part here: if you’ve been blessed with good genes, you can do all the wrong things and still live a long and healthy life.”
How to age like a fine wine?
For the most part, critical points to consider for staying healthy well into old age are proper nutrition, regular exercise, and getting a good night’s sleep. Keeping stress levels down to a manageable minimum and living in a clean and healthful environment are also key, according to health experts.
Dr. Eufemio suggests eating “a modified but still balanced diet” and staying active to maintain health over time.
Although old age brings a number of restrictions when it comes to food, this should not be a reason for consuming meals that lack nutrition and flavor.
Consider healthy yet delicious meals featuring protein from green sources, natural sweeteners, and organically grown produce in season. Dr. Eufemio also suggests checking with one’s healthcare professional for the best possible supplements to keep the body in optimal condition.
Meanwhile, taking brisk walks in the morning can help, as well as regular sessions of dance-style routines such as aerobics or Zumba. Using equipment such as treadmills and elliptical trainers at home or at a gym are also excellent ways to stay in shape.
Older adults will also benefit from yoga and guided meditation, experts posit. Meditation helps destress and clear mind of negative thoughts while placing the body into a state of rejuvenating rest. More spiritual seniors have also experienced a sense of calm through regular devotions or attendance at religious services. Volunteer work for civic or religious organizations also goes a long way in making the elderly feel active and useful.
In addition to these three smart ways to stay healthy, Dr. Eufemio suggests the use of far infrared ray (FIR) technology on a regular basis. Infra-therapy machine Vital Dome, which is available in the Philippines, uses far infrared which penetrates the body and helps relax muscles, remove toxins, and reduce inflammation.
“Theoretically, every major organ can be rejuvenated,” Dr. Eufemio says of this unique treatment. “Well-perfused tissues perform optimally, effectively slowing down the course of aging. An added bonus is the release of endorphins, or the happy hormones, that help in stabilizing mood.”
Dr. Eufemio also recommends Vital Dome for athletic recovery and post-surgical healing. Patients who undergo rigorous training for competitions or events are advised to get at least two sessions a month. Post-operative patients, on the other hand, get a session at intervals, usually when there are major changes in their therapy regimen.
Dr. Gar Eufemio is available for online consultation through the Cardinal Santos Medical Center portal at www.csmeconsult.com.