Life Begins At.....
Issue link: http://ebook.aprs.com.au/i/23233
HOW CAN BABY BOOMERS BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR HEALTH? By Dr Mary Casey It’s safe to say that a large majority of Baby Boomers who enjoyed the self-indulgent, even careless, lifestyles of the seventies and eighties are now experiencing their ill effects. Many were either (or still are) smokers, regular drinkers, bad eaters – or all of the above. As a result this has become an unhealthy section of our population. Having worked for 30-plus years in community care – and operating a business in this industry sector for 18 years – I see many instances of poor health in those aged 65-plus as a result of lifestyle factors. Those who are quick to highlight the failings of our health system don’t realise that many of their generation are highly medicated for all sorts of ailments, from gout and heart problems to physical problems with knees, backs and hips. It is a natural progression of life that old age poses health problems. However they should not be occurring until we are in our late eighties or nineties. People in their sixties are being diagnosed with serious health problems and we wonder why our overburdened health system – according to many – is failing us. Rather than placing the onus solely on the health system, why not examine and be accountable for our health status physically, mentally and emotionally, as these all contribute to ill health. After retirement, we need to, for instance, remain alert mentally and keep our minds healthy. Many of us instead chuck in the towel and don’t challenge ourselves; we become content with mundane lives. Awareness of our emotions – and the difference between healthy and unhealthy emotions – can also make a difference to our health. Our society is now beginning to understand there is a strong connection between emotional wellbeing and health. For example, if we harbour unhealthy emotions such as hate, bitterness or resentment these can have adverse affects on our bodies. Constantly holding onto these types of emotions can eat away at us from the inside. We are beginning to understand that they can be contributing factors to cancer and many other diseases. By being proactively health conscious, we Baby Boomers can ensure we are not a burden on our children, our health system and our aged care industry. Doctor Mary’s tips for healthy living Physically Notice any physical challenges, such as poor posture, lack of fitness, widening girth, we can start by putting together an exercise regime. Start walking for a few minutes a day if that’s all you can do, and work up to half an hour. Light weight training is known to be extremely beneficial too. Make up some little weights. It can be anything that weighs a few kilos and lift them 10 times a day. Bend and touch your toes, or at least try. Practice makes perfect, so just keep doing it until you can do it. Mentally Get your mind active. Do a short course, write your memoirs, or learn something new that you haven’t learnt before. You can even learn a new language. Emotionally Let’s take an honest look at ourselves and identify if we have any resentment or anger towards anyone. Mary Casey has a Doctorate of Psychology, and qualifications in Nursing, Applied Science, Counselling and Conflict Resolution. She has a 30- year career as a registered nurse and a specialty in counselling and personal development. Mary is founder and CEO of the Casey Centre, a leading integrated health and education service with three centres in New South Wales. Comprising nursing services, nursing colleges and counselling services, Casey Centre employs more than 200 nurses and carers and trains more than 500 nurses every year. Through the Centre, Mary also specialises in developing and implementing programs and products in health and education. If we do, we need to let go of it. The best way to do this is to look at our part in it. Quite often we don’t want to see our part in our own problems and yet things cannot happen to us if we don’t let them. Once we admit our part in it, we can then let go and know that it couldn’t have happened if we were smarter or wiser. It also helps to understand that most people do the best they can with the resources and knowledge they have at the time. THE RETIREE SUMMER 103