Some 2022 suggestions for better health

In this first Dear Geezer column for 2022, I offer some basic suggestions for older adults to consider that might bring, or continue better health. These ten suggestions come from Dr. Leslie Kernisan, a geriatrician from San Francisco.

She has a very helpful website you might want to visit — betterhealthwhileaging.net. These suggestions are expanded in the website article. Plus, you might find other articles of interest and help, too.

1. Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (including a booster), and take additional precautions when a COVID surge is underway.

And at this time, we see reports of an increased COVID presence in our area. So, if you are not vaccinated, please compassionately consider how you can keep others safer by offering your arm for a vaccine shot!

1. Make sure you’re doing exercises that challenge leg strength and balance, for fall prevention.

Balance for older adults is a critical factor in continued health. Find ways to strengthen your legs and your balance. Or ask someone to help you find those ways. I have a passion for this. My father died from a fall.

1. Walk more.

The “steps standard” is between 6,000 and 10,000 steps per day. Do you know where you fall (no pun intended here!) in that range? Even casual walking can be beneficial to your daily health.

1. Protect your brain — and your balance — by avoiding medications known to dampen brain function.

Do you experience a foggy brain at all? If so, it could be time to check with your doctor to determine if any of your medications are contributing to that fogginess.

1. De-prescribe if possible! Review all medications and identify those that may be potentially inappropriate or unnecessary.

See comment on No. 4. It’s always a good idea to occasionally ask your healthcare professional to review your drugs, to prevent negative interactions. You may discover something together that your diligence helped reveal.

1. Start — or update — your personal health record.

Whether or not you are very organized, you can help yourself by having your own health records at your fingertips. It’s a simple way to take/keep some degree of control of your health journey. Those records can help you avoid unseen potholes and detours on that journey.

1. If you are on medication for high blood pressure, get a home blood pressure monitor.

If you do have high blood pressure, you likely already have a home monitor. But if you don’t, give yourself a little peace of mind by “cuffing up” at home.

1. Address or review your advance planning for health care.

I’ve been a longtime advocate for advanced planning for health care (often called “advanced directives”). So, my research both surprised and disappointed me. I discovered only 35-40% of adults over 50 years old have those advanced directives. They are easy to find online. The tough part is to decide to deal with the inevitable reality that you’re old enough to likely need such documents in the near future.

1. Address or review your advance planning for finances.

Ditto for planning for whatever financial assets you may have. Too many people put this off, and their survivors can inherit a financial and emotional mess.

1. Socialize (safely!), contribute, and nourish your soul.

I hope your friendship network is alive and well, and you find grins, giggles and guffaws along your daily path!

A quick Geezer Forum update: A few people have offered me their willingness to sit down and figure a way to keep Geezer Forum going in some form in the near future. And I’m grateful for their offers. Currently, I’m enjoying my hiatus, but hope to issue another call to sit down with me so we can consider together what the Geezer Forum will look like in the coming months.

Paul Graves, M.Div., is lead geezer-in-training for Elder Advocates, a consulting ministry on aging issues. Contact Paul at 208-610-4971 or elderadvocates@nctv.com.