Most of the growth in this area has been attributed to the fact that there is an increasingly large number of aging employees found in the workplace as the baby boomer generation becomes more mature and moves toward retirement. There have been some accusations of age discrimination based on an underlying motivation of firing an employee that is getting close to retirement age so that the company is able to save on pension and retirement benefits.

Since the year 2000, age discrimination claims have risen each year. However, some people attempt to discount these cases as simply being a component of the overall growth in employment layoffs and the general economic situation since the beginning of this millennium.

According to statistics, anytime there is an increase in layoffs and workforce downsizing the number of age discrimination claims spikes. Experts comment that during times of higher unemployment some of the claims of people being discriminated again due to age are legitimate while others are simply taking advantage of the situation and their age to attempt to receive a monetary settlement through the courts.

Under the United States Federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act, or the ADEA bill, employers are not allowed to discriminate when hiring and firing employees or make any provisions in terms or conditions of employment if the employee is age 40 or older. There is no protection under this law for any employee who is age 39 or younger.

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act was passed in 1967, and this 40 year old only applies to businesses that employ at least 20 people. Any person who believes that they have been discriminated against because of age, and is able to prove such discrimination, is entitled to received damages.

The damages that can be requested in an age discrimination case can include any loss of income, an award for emotional distress, and the reimbursement for legal fees incurred in taking the case to court. In addition, the judge hearing the case has the latitude under the Federal law to double the amount of damages actually awarded and some state laws even allow for a tripling of damages.

However, proving the act of age discrimination can be a difficult task to do and the middle age or senior person who finds themselves in a situation where they believe they are being discriminated again has the burden of proving it in court. In order to prevail in such a case the employee must be able to show that there was some adverse action taken against them that was based on their age.

Adverse action because of age discrimination can include much more than termination of employment. It can also include situations such as an employee being passed over for a promotion or being denied a raise or cost of living adjustment, when it is claimed that this was brought about because of the middle age or senior age of the person. In addition, discrimination could be found in situations of a negative environment in the workplace or an unfair assignment of duties or clients if the root is because of the age of the employee.

The act of simply replacing an older employee with someone who is younger is not sufficient evidence to prove age discrimination. Nor does replacing a senior employee who earns a higher salary with a less experienced, and younger, employee who is at a lower earning level mean that an illegal act has occurred. The bottom line is that in order for an employer to be liable in an age discrimination case, it must be shown that an intentional adverse action was taken based on the age of the employee.

Aside from the burgeoning number of anti-aging products, there are other approaches that a growing number of baby boomers are adopting, including some that are discussed in the article that follows. Some of the recommendations seem rather radical. Baby boomers have never let tradition stand in the way of change. Is it possible that some of the tips offered here will become mainstream as time passes?

Baby Boomers Ultimate Anti Aging Concepts: 5 Radical Tips

Many of us "Baby Boomers" are each beginning to feel our age, and we're starting to live it too. Every morning, clock radios everywhere announce the start of another day. As a typical boomer rolls out of bed, an old ache, pain, and/or little worry makes its presence known, just like the day before. The same beverage -- coffee, tea, or maybe even caffeinated soda -- is ingested in an attempt to energize the same tired face reflected in the morning mirror.

By the time we hit our 50's, we may have feelings that our lives are not as they could be. Yes, there are pills, and many varieties of the "quick fix"' (also called the "Life Makeover") -- everything from creams to diets and Bo-tox injections, perfect-sounding and easy "fountains of youth", for ourselves. Let's face it , most of us are looking for ways to slow the ticking of our biological clocks.

I'm here to tell you that in order to really slow that clock down, we must get "radical" in our approach to controlling our processes; getting radical means that we can, in the words of Star Trek character Jean Luc Picard, "make it so". We can literally make our own clocks tick more slowly.

Getting radical is a process that occurs within ourselves. First of all, it's the power of our intentions and the measure of our wills. It's saying to ourselves -- with conviction -- "I want this to be!" Next, it's believing, strongly, that we can! When we commit ourselves to these beliefs, we are then capable of achieving many remarkable accomplishments of mind and body. All we have to do is to challenge ourselves and our perceptions of who we are. The five radical tips follow:

1. Firewalking: How does walking on fire relate to youthing? An art that's been practiced in many cultures for thousands of years, firewalking is about mind/body transformation. Its goal is to" question" the laws of nature. The experience becomes a powerful metaphor for anti-aging -- which I refer to as youthing -- and it's a very radical way of challenging ourselves to stretch beyond what we think is possible. I have participated in dozens of firewalks, and the experiences taught me more about myself, and about questioning nature's laws as they applied to me, than I'd ever thought possible. Oh -- and I walked on fire.

2. Breathwork. This is a simple yet profound yogic breathing technique that has a cleansing and healing effect at all levels of our awareness -- physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental. It's the quickest method available that can aid us in healing from previous traumas, negative belief systems, and unwanted "baggage" that many of us unconsciously carry around with us.

3. Fasting. As I write this, I have just completed a four-day fast. (How could I talk my talk without walking it?) Fasting is perhaps the most powerful tip for youthing. Many of us, especially in the U.S., literally eat ourselves to death. Note: there are many types of fasts and many reasons for fasting. It's wise to check with your health care practitioner before fasting.

4. Physical Immortality. Now here is an idea whose time has arrived. Let's imagine this concept: "Life without death is pure life." When we do this, we're unraveling our personal death urge, which dwells somewhere inside us in that place where pain, aging, and negativity also dwell. While I realize this is a radical idea, relax. We really don't have to buy into this idea; in order to let the concept work its magic, we just need to be open to it.

5. Hypnosis. As Deepak Chopra has written in AGELESS BODY TIMELESS MIND: "Aging seems to be something that's happening to you, when in fact it is something your body has largely learned to do. It has learned to carry out the programming fed into it by you, the programmer" (Harmony Books, 1993). Hypnotherapy is simple, very effective, and can be fun, depending on its purpose; and whether a hypnotherapy session is done in person or by phone, it sets the stage for stretching beyond set limitations. Hypnosis is the art of placing the conscious self in a state of heightened suggestibility. During this time the conscious self is very open to change and can literally set aside any limiting beliefs that may have been interfering with one's ability to change.

It's a proven fact that our bodies are constantly creating new and healthy cells to replace old and damaged ones, and every new cell gets its "replacing" instructions from the DNA contained in the old cell. So, it stands to reason that if our DNA programs our new cells with the healthiest and youngest information possible as a blueprint for development, the body's cell memories will change. This process is called "Cell Transformation". The question arises: Can hypnosis really be a powerful tool to us in order to literally tell our bodies cells to be younger? From my experience, I believe the answer is yes.

My conclusion is that over 14 million hits on Google for "mind/body connection" can't be wrong. From my own personal experience I am pleased to report that indeed my quest for youth is paying off. Now at the "calendar" age of 55, except for a few silver hairs I both look and feel not much over 35 years young.

by Ray Page
http://www.redtailhawk.bravehost.com

Ray Page: Has been working with anti-aging concepts and technologies since 1979. At times I'am astonished and amazed how this stuff really works. Cynthia Bishop: partner, editior and R.N. Ray is a writer, certified clinical hypnotherapist, firewalk instructor, and anti-aging coach. Reach him redtailhawk@fastmail.net - phone (520)271-0805; (1-9 pm. EST.)or (828)-527-8843 http://www.redtailhawk.bravehost.com

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[These blandishments|Such cajoleries|These constant importunings] do nothing, of course, to [change our attitudes and perceptions|alter our views and core beliefs|shift our belief systems and awareness] about ourselves. [Certainly, no one would argue|No one would contend|Few would suggest] that [older people|persons who are aging|the elders among us] [should not take pains|ought not strive|should refrain from trying], within reason, to [take care of their appearance|appear well put together outwardly|present a nicely turned out appearance]. Acting and feeling [old|aged|over the hill] in keeping with negative [stereotypes|myths] about [becoming older|aging|becoming a senior] that [unfortunately|sadly] [abound|prevail|occur] in our [culture|society] is not a [requirement|necessity|gospel]. The article [below|that follows] [provides|gives|offers] some [solid|thoughtful|sober] [pointers|insights|suggestions] on how we can [sustain|maintain|keep] a younger [mindset|outlook|mental attitude] inside regardless of what may be [occurring|happening|going on] with our outsides.

Youthing, Not Aging
By Jeanie Marshall

It is not a new concept that "you are as young as you feel." This is great news, unless, of course, you feel old.

As you wake up to living in the new paradigm of a more peaceful life, it is important to let go of obsolete, outdated beliefs. Symptoms you attribute to old age are: slowing down, feeling aches and pains, poor eyesight and hearing, forgetting important information, getting sick, etc. These are all the same symptoms of toxicity. Quite simply, when you do not release toxicity, you decline as you get older.

So, how about it? Do you want to grow young or grow old? You have a choice. The sooner you activate your option of growing younger, the sooner you can experience yourself healthy and young and wise.

I have chosen the above quotation because of its delightful meaning of youth. A chick or bird works hard to break out of its egg. Mother bird can assist somewhat, but it is the determination of the babe that breaks through the calcification of the egg shell.

Breaking Your Shell

What is the calcification in your egg shell? Is it anger or jealousy? Is it a memory of the past or fear of the future? Is it competition, separation, or worship of money?

Knowing what it is you must break through is important to your evolution. It is not, however, necessary to dwell on it or analyze it to the point of exhaustion. Simply recognize the breakthrough issue in a word or two and then ...... break through.

The chick needs to recognize "shell" or "calcium" and even uses its nutrition. It does not blame its mother or God for putting the shell there nor is it angry that the shell did not break sooner. The chick simply knows, now is the time! And it is born.

Thoughts Create Reality

What great power is knowing that thoughts create reality! If you cannot accept that this is true, assume for a few moments that it is. If your thoughts create your reality and you are not content with your present reality, all you need to do is change your thoughts. The level of consciousness with which you put the thoughts into the universe determines the speed with which the new reality manifests.

So, if you have an untenable relationship with your boss (or spouse or neighbor) and you accept this condition as true and affirm it in your self talk, you continue the relationship as it is. If, however, you consider that the uncomfortable aspects of the relationship are temporary and can be changed, you take the first step in changing the relationship. This is not simply about positive thinking (though that is a good start). The change must be deeper than just "thinking about." You must first want the change. Then you must believe it, deep in your heart. You must know that it is possible. You must feel the idea, as well. A passion for change fires the vision that puts the new reality within your grasp.

Perhaps you are not all that enthusiastic about a change. That is fine, also, because you can just relax and let your reality change. Letting go of the belief that you must control the outcome is an important part of the change process. If your thoughts are positive and optimistic and joyous, the changes will take place in those directions.

And just in case that all I am saying is incorrect, consider how much more satisfying will be your relationship with your boss (or other) if you have positive thoughts and compassionate feelings and view both of you as being able to change.

Activities for Youthing

Play. Play at what you love to play. If your "play" is competitive or intense, find some leisure play to balance the intensity.

Laugh. Laugh at something. Or just laugh. Laughter brings oxygen into your body and exercises inner muscles and facial muscles.

Play with Children. I recently visited a friend who is a retired kindergarten teacher. At age 66, she looks 46 and has the spirit of a 22 year old.

Monitor Your Self-talk about Age. Listen to yourself. For example, do you say...... "Oh gosh, I really feel old today." Or, "Well, what can you expect after age 40?" Or, "I'm just too old for ...." Stop, stop, stop! These and many other beliefs and expressions are responsible for the declining with age that you observe and accept as inevitable. These false beliefs become real only because so many people believe them.

Listen to Guided Visualizations. Many are on the market. You may want to focus particularly on health and well-being and vitality or other attributes you associate with youth. We even have some online for your listening with my healing voice.

Look at Yourself as a Child. Find a happy picture of yourself at an early age, say 3-6 years of age. Look at this picture often. While you may not want to be three years old again, or even eight years old, you want the child-like feelings of wonder and playfulness. In your maturity, you can claim these.

Take Care of Yourself. Do those self-care measures that you believe support your health and well-being. Do this for only one reason: self-love!

Affirmations for Youthing. Here are several affirmations that you can use everyday. They are especially useful on your birthday.

Each day I grow younger and wiser.

I claim my birthright to be healthy, happy, and free!

You can find other affirmations at DailyAffirm that support you in being young, healthy, and positive. Please also visit the DailyAffirm BookStore for suggested books and other resources on affirmations and on each of the twelve themes.

Visit Marshall House, http://www.mhmail.com. Jeanie Marshall, a Personal Development Coach specializing in deep transformation and personal success, writes extensively on subjects related to personal development and empowerment. She assists professional coaches and consultants to write their knowledge, wisdom, and experiences.

Modern societies would be well advised actively to advocate ways of preventing or slowing the more pronounced and costly effects of the aging process, and encouraging the practice of meditation would certainly be one of them. The article that follows outlines the positive benefits of meditating when we reach a certain age and is well worth reading.

The Technique That Can Reduce Stress and the Effects of Aging

When we sleep, our mind and our body rejuvenates itself. Meditation helps us to achieve a state of restful awareness at other times. Restful awareness can sometimes provide a deeper rest than sleep. The benefits of meditation are many.

· Meditation may cut back the flow of stress hormones. These hormones cause a rise in blood pressure which damages our arterial walls.

· People who practice meditation before surgery have a shorter recovery period, bleed less, need less anesthesia and their wounds heal faster.

· Studies have shown participants who meditate to have higher levels of antibodies and positive emotional states.

· Meditation helps to reduce stress and fatigue as well as enhance creativity and intuition which aids in decision making.

· Meditation leads to better health and longer life. The results of stress can accelerate the aging process. Studies suggest that Meditation’s role in lowering blood pressure, easing stress and increasing the function of the brain helps to slow aging.

There are thousands of books and tapes available on meditation and relaxation techniques. Any of these would be helpful to begin a practice of meditation. One simple beginning technique is to focus on your breathing.

Sit upright in a comfortable chair with your hands resting at your sides. You may also lay flat but make sure your spine is straight so there is no obstruction to the flow of air. Breathe in slowly while counting to eight. Exhale through your nose and count to eight. Concentrate on your breathing. Feel the air enter and fill your lungs and abdomen on the inhale. When you exhale feel your breath slowly leaving your body. Concentrate only on your counting and breathing. If thoughts intrude, just view them as you would writing on a blackboard and then refocus. You may be aware of the sounds around you. If you get distracted, it’s okay. Refocus on your counting and breathing. Begin with 10 minutes of deep breathing a day and move to 20 minutes a day.

This technique is a very simple introduction to meditation. When you master this, move on to relaxation and visualization techniques. Enjoy twenty minutes of silence a day. Besides the improved physical effects, with time and practice, you can gain a type of bliss, joy and peacefulness. Meditation puts us in contact with our higher selves where creativity, intuition and energy reside. Rejuvenate your whole self. Meditate.

Constance Weygandt is an author, speaker and balance mentor. For more information on stress and balance or to recieve her newsletter, visit her at http://www.balancedwellnessonline.com.

And, so there you have it. If you're well along in the aging process, consider meditation as a way of reducing the stresses that aging can bring on.

The following article delves into eight steps you can begin to take immediately to prolong the temporary victory just mentioned.

Fight the Aging Process in 8 Simple Steps

Do you want the good news or the bad news? Well the bad news is that none of you are getting any younger, but the good news is that you can make changes at any age to minimise effects of the ageing process. Feeling youthful and healthy today? Don't loose interest because I shall tell you how to stay that way. If you are feeling a little creaky and tired, find out you how you can feel better.

Firstly I want to put one point to bed: we all know someone who says - ‘my old grandpa smoked every day of his life and he lived until he was 95.' Well this may be true; my grandfather smoked from the age of 12 and lived until he was 85. Unfortunately he spent the last 15 years of his life in the shadow of smoking-related disease, and the last 5 years of his life needing oxygen and confined to his home. I wish to make this unhappy point to distinguish between staying alive, and living a happy, independent, quality life. All of us have a longer life expectancy than ever before, but a longer life may not equal a quality life unless we look at the way we treat our bodies.
Secondly, anyone of any age initiating large lifestyle changes such as a change of diet or activity levels should talk to their doctor first.

Let's look at some of the effects of the ageing process on our bodies, and find out how we can influence them through healthy living;

1. Slower Metabolism; as you get older, you need fewer calories at rest. Many people gain weight as they grow older. Counteract this by eating smaller portions, eating healthy food, and staying active. Your metabolism runs more efficiently on 5 small meals a day rather than 3 larger ones.

Step 1:Maintaining a healthy weight will allow your body to run efficiently and last longer.

2. Loss of muscle mass (including heart muscle); between the ages of 40-60 you may loose 30% of your muscle mass- ouch! A little is lost each year after age 30. As muscle consumes calories, less muscle means a lower metabolism (as above).

Step 2:It is important to maintain muscle mass through weight bearing activity; this will help preserve strength, tone and, healthy metabolism- avoiding weight gain. Lift weights, walk with a big bottle of water in a ruck-sack, and go to classes which use hand weights or body weight.

3. Hormonal changes, particularly in women, alter body composition (ratio of fat/bone/muscle) and body shape. Many women report damage to their self esteem as their body shape changes and they gain weight easily. Hormonal changes can lead to mood swings.

Step 3:Exercise releases feel-good hormones called endorphins which help balance mood swings. Eating carefully and performing aerobic and weight-bearing exercise will help lessen the effects of weight gain, and changes in body composition. A recent study showed that women who ran several times a week were more likely to maintain their body fat percentage as they aged (they did not gain weight).

4. Loss of bone density; bones become weaker and osteoporosis may develop. Usually seen as a women's disease, men over the age of 65 are as susceptible as women. Women who have used extreme calorie-restricted diets in their youth may be more prone to developing this disease.

Step 4: Bone density can be improved at any age with weight-bearing activity such as walking, jogging, racket sports and aerobics. For people who cannot participate in these activities through injury, a brisk 1 mile walk has positive effects on bone density.

5. Reduced flexibility and range of movement; joints, tendons and ligaments stiffen and loose elasticity, leading to restricted movement at the joints. This may result in a loss of independence as people loose the ability to get into a car or bath easily, dress or get out of bed.

Step 5: Reduce the chances of this happening by stretching after exercise, taking yoga, Pilates or a Tai Chi class. As a studio teacher I see many people leaving before the stretch session, or stretching inefficiently. Please believe me that it is so important to stretch, and is never a waste of your time. Support your joints by having a diet rich in oily fish, or by taking a fish-oil supplement. Many people feel the benefits of supplementing with glucosamine which is believed to keep the joints healthy and youthful.

6. Less efficient cardiovascular system; circulation is impaired through clogging of blood vessels, the heart muscle may weaken becoming less efficient at pumping blood around the body or the vessels supplying it with blood may become clogged. Blood pressure rises and the ability of the blood and muscles to take up oxygen decreases. All of these things will have a negative effect upon quality of life, and life expectancy, many are exacerbated by inactivity and poor nutrition, all of these can be improved at any age through improvements to diet and activity levels.

Step 6: take aerobic ecercise regularly (walking is eccelent for most people), keep your salt intake low guarding against high blood pressure, and cut down on animal fats, keeping arteries clear.

7. Less efficient digestive system; it becomes more difficult to extract the goodness from food. Because we need to eat less food, it is vital that what we consume is fresh and nutrient-rich. It is a terrible thing that many elderly people cannot afford a good diet, and others are provided with low-quality, low-nutrition food at a time when they need good food most.

Step 7: Make sure that your digestive system is supported by a diet rich in water and fibre. Eat some raw fruit and veg as these foods contain enzymes which help you digest them. Eat nutrient-rich foods, including complex carbohydrates, oily fish, and a wide variety of lightly cooked fresh vegetables and fruit. Spurn convenience foods which are high in fat, salt, and sugar and low in nutrition.

8. Reduced balance and co-ordination; changes in the muscles, brain and nervous system together with loss of flexibility and range of movement will lead to decreased balance and co-ordination. Team this with weaker bones, and elderly people are vulnerable to falls which may be the first step to a loss of independence. People often tell me that they aren't co-ordinated or have no sense of balance, but this is not true; balance and coordination are skills that can be developed at any age, and are important at all ages. I watch people of all ages and abilities in class improving their balance and coordination over the weeks.

Step 8: Take part in an activity that promotes balance and coordination. People who practice Tai Chi are proven to suffer less falls, and yoga, cycling and racket sports are also good for balance and coordination. Taking a dance or aerobics class is a great way to improve coordination, and keep your mind challenged.

When you are younger it is difficult to accept that you will one day be an elderly person, but all elderly people out there were once the same age as you. Many of you have a pension plans, or save for the future, and I am asking you to invest in your body so that you can get good mileage from it. Each time you take a positive step towards living a healthier lifestyle you are buying time for yourself, and improving your future quality of life. We all wish that we had done things differently in the past, but now is your chance to make a change for the better and ensure that you never look back and wish that you had taken more care of your younger body.

In order to keep your body youthful at any age you must:
Cut down on red meat, salt and animal fats, eat complex carbohydrates (whole grains and brown breads) and eat as many different coloured fruit and vegetables as possible. To optimise your nutrition choose organic, local or seasonal vegetables- the fresher the more nutritious. Make sure that you drink plenty of water, only small amounts of alcohol, and participate in aerobic, weight bearing and stretching activities on a regular basis.

• Regular aerobic exercise (cycling, swimming, running, brisk walking) can add 7 years to your life span. This may not seem so important if you are 30, but may seem extremely important if you are 90!
• In the US out of the 2.2 million who die each year, 1.8 million die of diet-related disease. Eat well and slip through the net!
• Children who take part in intensive frequent exercise grow into healthier adults, with lower resting heart rates (a good thing), lower blood pressure and strong cardiovascular systems, meaning that they are more resistant to heart problems, hypertension (high blood pressure) and less likely to suffer a heart attack; so protect your family by nurturing an interest in Tennis, basketball, netball, football, racket sports, martial arts, athletics and dancing- they will derive a lifetime's benefit from this.

For more comprehensive information on ageing and exercise visit www.acsm.org

GOOD LUCK and STAY HEALTHY!

Do you have any friends and family who could benefit from getting fitter and feeling better? If you do, then treat them to free copy of this newsletter, forward it to them, and get them to e-mail me with a request. E-mail getfitter@yahoo.co.uk subject: newsletter request. Would you like to bring health into the workplace? Get fitter now offers a corporate package, including yoga classes/courses, Nutrition seminars, conference breaks, Company Wellness days and Healthy Friday a monthly wellness event. Please visit www.corporatechill.com

The information contained in the Get fitter Newsletter is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice of or treatment that may be prescribed by your physician. Before adhering to any recommendations or undertaking any exercise program or diet regimen, you should consult your physician.

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An extensive study has been undertaken at Columbia University in light of the anticipation that these conditions will become more prevalant as the aging population swells. The following article delves into this issue and is worth the read.

ABC's of Slowing the Aging Process -The Anti-Aging, Anti-Alzheimer's and Dementia Diet

We all age: an unfortunate but natural truth. How quickly and how gracefully we age is the key distinguishing factor amongst those who stay young and those who do not. If you ask my 92 year old Grandma, she would tell you that age is just a number and to feel young you have to feel younger than the age you are....to that she told me she feels like she's 90!

All kidding aside; aging is a serious matter. With an increasing number of baby boomers approaching retirement and a population poised for increased cases of dementia, Alzheimer's and age related mental illnesses it is important to take time to reflect on what one can do to prevent and slow down the aging of not only our bodies but our minds as well.

For those who cannot remember long lists of details; I've compiled the A-B-Cs of my anti aging program for your convenience.

A: Antioxidants
B: B12 and Folic Acid
C: Challenge the Mind

Antioxidant rich foods and supplements retard the oxidation of our cells. Free radical damage is more than just skin deep; cellular slow down occurs as a result of aging but also due to a lack of antioxidants. Pumping up your diet with rich, leafy greens, dark veggies, low sodium and high fiber can ensure you promote your cellular regeneration. Taking supplements like Vitamins C(Ester form) & E Grape Seed Extract, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Acetyl L-Carnitine and Selenium are key as we age.

B12 and Folic Acid have been linked to decreased energy but also decreased mental function. According to a new study published in the Archives of Neurology offers further insight to the belief that diets high in folic acid (folate) may be associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease. Columbia University researchers followed the diets of over 900 senior citizens for six years. They found that individuals with the highest intake of folate were the least likely to subsequently develop Alzheimer's. Interestingly, folate from both food sources and from supplements were included. Folic Acid is suggested to be supplemented together with B12. A few foods rich in Folic Acid are Brewers Yeast, Wheat Germ, Soy Beans, Lentils, Spinach, Kale, Peanut Butter and Kale.

Challenging the mind is essential to maintaining good mental health. "The research is clear on this issue: challenging your mind on a regular basis helps to lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease," says Dr. Andrew Weil, author of Healthy Aging: Your Lifelong Guide to Physical and Spiritual Well-Being. Puzzling (Cross words, Sudoku), a positive mental outlook and keeping the mind engaged is absolutely essential to slow aging. Think young to be and feel young.

And too, don't forget your omega fatty acids!

Melissa Gallagher is the founder and president of Healthy Being, LLC. She is currently completing her Doctorate of Naturopathy and CNHP (Certification for Natural Health Practitioner) and fell upon natural health and healing as a means to combat a severe case of mono she had over 4 years ago. Ms. Gallagher's passion is in her ability to coach and council her clients in best practices for superior healthy. Currently undergoing the trademark process is her Healthy Living Consulting business where Ms. Gallagher works with clients in their offices or homes and sculpts individualized, targeted programs that address their health concerns.

In addition to individualized health consulting Healthy Being launched Healthy Being in a Box: a product line that produces specific kits that contain a variety of specific vitamins and supplements, homeopathic products and herbal remedies that target various ailments and health concerns. For more details please visit our blog at http://healthybeings.blogspot.com

Being aware of what signs will appear as we move through the aging process can help us to be more accepting of those things that are inevitable. The following article briefly outlines the major changes you can anticipate which, hopefully, will arm you against surprises.

Changes You Can Expect through the Aging Process

As you age time creates change on the body’s organs and systems. Everyone is unique in the aging process. How you age is unique as well as when you age. There are some typical changes, however, common to everyone. In this article you will learn about some of those changes that take place during the aging process.

The cardiovascular system, your heart muscle, becomes less efficient and will work harder to pump the same amount of blood through your body.

Bones reach a maximum mass between ages of 25 and 35. The aging process causes bones to shrink in size and density. You might notice yourself becoming shorter. The bones can become more susceptible to fracture. Muscles, tendons and joints lose some strength and flexibility.

The digestive system experiences changes through the aging process. Swallowing may become slower. The motions that automatically move digested food through the intestines slows down. If you have ever watched an elderly person eat, you will sometimes notice it seems as though they are having great difficulty getting their food chewed and swallowed. This is a lot due to the aging process.

Other changes in the digestive system during the aging process are:

• Amount of surface area within your intestines diminishes slightly
• Flow of secretions from the stomach, liver, pancreas and small intestine decreases.

Since the above changes generally do not disrupt your digestive process you may never notice them other than you might notice more constipation as you age.

As time goes on the kidneys become less efficient in removing waste from the bloodstream. Any kind of chronic disease you have like diabetes or high blood pressure and even some medications can damage the kidneys further.

It is estimated that about 30 percent of people age 65 and older experience some loss of bladder control. Urinary incontinence can also be caused by obesity, frequent constipation and a chronic cough. Women are more likely than men to experience urinary incontinence.

An older man may experience urinary incontinence because of an enlarged prostate. An enlarged prostate can block the urethra. If this occurs you may experience difficulty emptying the bladder and small amount of urine to leak.

Changes you can expect in the brain and nervous system during the aging process are:

• Memory becomes less efficient

• In some areas of the brain the number of connections between cells increases, which helps maintain brain function

• Reflexes become slower

• You may become less coordinated during the aging process.

During the aging process the eyes become less able to produce tears, the retinas thin and the lenses turn yellow and less clear. A person in their 40s may experience problems focusing on objects that are close up. You may experience difficulty adapting to different levels of light, and driving at night may become a problem. Three common problems of aging eyes are cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma.

One of the most common conditions affecting middle-aged and older adults is hearing loss. It is estimated that one in three people older than 60 and half of all people older than 85 have a significant hearing loss.

If you have cared for your teeth and gums over the years you should be able to maintain your natural teeth all your life. However, even with extremely meticulous brushing, flossing and dental exams the aging process may still cause your mouth to feel drier and your gums to pull back from your teeth. The teeth may also darken slightly and become more brittle during the aging process.

Your skin thins and becomes less elastic and more fragile during the aging process. You might even bruise more easily. The natural oils of the skin decrease significantly leaving your skin drier and more wrinkled. The hair usually turns gray and thins. As you age you will most likely perspire less, which makes it harder to stay cool in high temperatures. This puts you at risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. How fast your skin ages depend on many factors.

The more sun your skin has been exposed to the more damage you may attain. Smoking causes skin damage and wrinkles. Skin cancer is also a concern as you age.

Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight if you are overweight becomes more difficult as you age. This is partly due to a slower metabolism. A slow metabolism means your body burns fewer calories and will start to be stored away as fat. If the level of activity decreases you will experience unwanted weight gain.

During the aging process sexual needs, patterns and performance may change. For women, vaginal dryness may be a problem, which can make sexual intercourse painful. Impotence problems become more common for men as they age.

Today our life expectancy is around 77 years. The longest documented human life span is 122 years. With improvements in medicine, science and technology during the last century more and more people are expected to live longer, healthier lives.
It is never too late to stop unhealthy habits such as smoking or eating a variety of fruits and vegetables and getting health benefits from taking daily walks.

If you are living a healthy lifestyle now it can dramatically improve how and when the aging process will affect you.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.

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Applying Pilates to mitigating the aging process is discussed in the following article which stresses that it is easy on the joints and muscles while, at the same time, delivering benefits.

Why Strength Training Slows Down The Aging Process

Studies show that strength training is a good idea when we are young and it’s a better idea as we age. Pilates can supply strength training exercises, balance and flexibility. All are important age defying benefits.

As we age, we lose 3-5% of our lean muscle mass for every decade after the age of 25. That information alone is enough to get you started with strength training! It’s not impossible to continue gaining strength as we age. We just need to work at it. And the need to keep our muscle mass is important.

Under a microscope, the muscle fiber of a twenty year old looks like that of a seventy year old. Studies have proven that we can start a strength training routine later in life, even if we haven’t ever had one before, and see results. That gives the phrase “it’s never too late” new meaning. Start building muscle now to avoid frailty later.

Muscle mass isn’t the only loss age delivers. Loss of balance, flexibility, and stamina also wane. Pilates is available to all ages and any level of fitness and can help to restore the losses of age with gentle exercises that are easy on the joints.

I am reminded of a client from my days in a New York Pilates studio.

Elsa was age 92. She was petite, loved to ice skate, and even rode the stationary bike after our sessions. We had a regular strength training routine and stretching exercises that we did every week when she came for her Pilates session. She managed to keep fit, healthy, and active well into her eighties and nineties.

My 96 year old grandfather lived at home in good health to the very end. He never thought about his age nor did he act it. Life never got him down and he certainly kept active all his life.

These two remarkable people have something in common that I believe is the key. An active lifestyle, a social network, and a sunny disposition can certainly help in adding years and joy to your life. Add a little luck from the gene pool and there you are. Strength training is an important piece to any healthy lifestyle, and it’s never too late to reap the benefits of regular exercise.

Susannah Marchese is a certified Pilates instructor and a frequent contributor to the popular and informative web site everything-about-pilates.com

One of the best strategies in combatting the onset of disease in the aging process is to strengthen our immune system. There are a number of steps which can do just that, and the article that follows covers these in some detail.

Tip! Slowing down the aging process includes providing your body all the nutrients it requires. These nutrients must work at the cellular level repairing your DNA and RNA.

The aging process does increase the need to strengthen the immune system. Aging is not synonymous with illness. However, getting older does increase the risk for many diseases and disorders. Overall, elderly people have an increased rate of chronic disorders, arteriosclerosis, infections, autoimmune disorders, and cancer.

This increased risk may be caused, in part, by the nature of these disorders. Most of the chronic disorders such as arteriosclerosis are slowly progressive and do not show symptoms until they have been progressing for years.

Tip! Aging well is not just about adding years to your life, but adding life to your years.

Another significant part of this increased risk is probably related to aging changes in the immune system. The immune system protects against diseases. It seeks out and destroys viruses, bacteria, fungi, and cancerous cells before they can damage the body. It learns to tell the difference between "self" tissue and "non-self" particles. If you strengthen the immune system you enhance your protection against those diseases.

Strengthen the immune system to respond to aging changes

The thymus, one of the organs of the immune system, is the site where certain immune cells called T lymphocytes or T cells mature. The thymus begins to shrink (atrophy) after adolescence. By middle age it is only about 15% of its maximum size.

Tip! With improper diet, the body produces vast quantities of highly reactive oxygen molecules, known as free radicals. Free radicals attack healthy cells and accelerate the aging process.

Some of the T cells directly kill foreign particles. Others help coordinate other parts of the immune system, which are specialized to attack different types of infections.

Although the number of T cells does not decrease with aging, T cell function decreases. This causes a weakening of the parts of the immune system controlled by these T cells. If the T cell function are enhanced this will strengthen the immune system.

Tip! · Meditation leads to better health and longer life. The results of stress can accelerate the aging process.

Strengthen the immune system to counter the effects of aging changes

There is a slow, steady decrease in immunity after young adulthood. When the body is exposed to bacteria or other microorganisms (by an actual exposure or by immunization), fewer protective antibodies may be formed or they may be formed at a slower rate.Flu shots or other immunizations may be less effective, and protection may not last as long as expected.

Later in life, the immune system also seems to become less tolerant of the body's own cells. Sometimes an autoimmune disorder develops -- normal tissue is mistaken for non-self tissue, and immune cells attack certain organs or tissues.

Tip! Although, our bodies produce its own antioxidants, the level of product declines over time because of environmental factors and through the aging process.

The immune system becomes less able to detect malignant cells, and cancer risk also increases with age as a result.

The immune system also becomes less able to detect foreign particles, and infection risk is greater.

Other things also increase the risk of infections. Sensation changes, gait changes, changes in the skin structure, and other "normal aging changes" increase the risk of injury in which bacteria can enter broken skin. Illness or surgery can further weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to subsequent infections. Diabetes,
which is also more prevalent with age, can also lead to decreased immunity.

If you strengthen the immune system it will also reduce the risk of inflammation and slow wound healing. Inflammation is an immune response, when the immune system thinks there is trouble, it sends more cells to the site of the problem and this causes swelling, pain, redness, warmth and irritation, which are the hallmarks of inflammation. Inflammation
often indicates infection, but may also occur due to autoimmune attack on "self" tissue as well.

Tip! Following through with these suggestions will make sure you get control of the aging process and, are blessed with fresh regard from those you meet, plus future years of youthful vigor.

Many older people heal more slowly. This may be directly related to changes in the immune system, or it may be a consequence of other problems such as diabetes or arteriosclerosis, which leads to decreased blood flow to some parts of the body such as the lower extremities.

Also, many older people take anti-inflammatory medications (to control conditions such as arthritis) and these are also known to slow wound healing.

Tip! Successful Anti-Aging is probably as much attitude as what science and a healthy lifestyle can do.

How to strengthen the immune system

Just as routine immunizations are important to prevent illness in children, a few routine immunizations are important as we get older. Adult tetanus (Td) immunizations should be given every 10 years (a booster may be given sooner if there is a "dirty" wound).

Your health care provider may recommend other immunizations, including pneumovax (to prevent pneumonia or its complications), flu vaccine, hepatitis immunization, or others. These optional immunizations are not necessary for ALL older people, but are appropriate for some.

Maintaining your body in good physical condition is important to strenghten the immune system. Wheter you are in good shape or not you should also give your system a little extra support with health supplements. Perhaps obvious, here are the "must do's" to strengthen the immune system:

• Exercise
• Eat a well-balanced diet
• Stop smoking
• Minimize alcohol use. Moderate drinking seems to have some health benefits, but excessive drinking can cause serious
  damage
• Use safety measures to avoid falls and other injuries
• Take good health supplements specifically created to strengthen the immune system

Tip! If you feed your face with anti-aging food on a consistent basis, you'll find it easier to stay young. Another way to say this is to just make sure you're not feeding your body full of junk that is sure to perpetuate the aging process.

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As we delve into the process of aging, just what is it we're talking about? If baby boomers are going to obsess about aging, then it certainly would be well to gain some understanding of what's involved. The article that follows attempts to shed some light.

Aging - Understanding the Process

Tip! Slowing the aging process is as much based on attitude as it is on healthy lifestyle or scientific progress.

Less than one hundred years ago, the life expectancy of a male was only 48 years and a female was 50 years. Because of the incredible advances in medicine and the improvement in living conditions, this life expectancy has increased to well into the seventies for both genders.

Many of the diseases that claimed the lives of children and young adults in past decades have now been virtually eradicated because of the mass immunization programs mounted by the public health sector. This, along with better housing and sanitation has led to a huge increase in the number of people living well into old age. Thus, there has been a great expansion in the need for geriatric care to alleviate the disease and disability attributed largely to old age.

Tip! Regularly taking vitamin C (1,200 mg/day), vitamin E (400 IU/day), calcium (1,000-1,200 mg/day), vitamin D (400-600 IU/day), folate (400 mcg/day), and vitamin B6 (6 mg/day) is good for the aging process.

There are a number of reasons why the life expectancy of people varies. Some of these reasons are genetic whereas others are environmental. Tobacco smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can threaten health, as can living in poor conditions. Stress can also be a factor in aging. For instance, the psychological effects of redundancy may cause a person to age more quickly than while the person remained in his or her employment.

Genetically, a person who comes from a family where most have lived to old age is also likely to enjoy longevity. This genetic heritage can also determine the aspects of good health such as a healthy heart, healthy brain, good circulation and good eyesight and hearing.

Even people who do not come from a heritage of longevity can live to old age if they look after themselves and avoid the risk factors that cause poor physical and mental health, thus accelerating the aging process. Following a healthy diet, regular exercise, drinking in moderation, cutting out smoking, and following safe practices can all help to increase potential life span.

Tip! As you browse through anti-aging product descriptions, remember that so far, no one has been able to find a way to stop the aging process. It's not physically possible and unfortunately, the process is inevitable.

There are other traits that run in families as well though these may not necessarily be genetic. Overweight parents often have overweight children though this is more likely to be due to the eating habits followed in the home. Similarly, children of smokers are more likely to take up smoking when they are older. These children are also more likely to suffer from bronchitis and asthma than the children of non-smokers. They are also more predisposed to the serious conditions of emphysema and cancer.

As we age, there are certain processes which cannot be avoided. This is particularly so of cell aging. As our body cells age, we are more likely to contract certain conditions because of the decline in strength and resistance to infection. Our body's also begin to show signs of ‘wear and tear'. The skin loses its elasticity, thus resulting in the wrinkling we associate with old age.

As our body's cells wear out, they are replaced by a process of cell division. The only cells which don't replicate are those in the brain which cease to divide after birth.

There have been a number of theories of why women live longer than men (they have a life expectancy of five or six years longer). In ealier decades, it was believed that women suffered less stress as they didn't hold positions of high responsibility in the workplace. They also smoked far less than men. However, both of these factors have changed over the past few decades with women holding highly responsible roles and with young women smoking far more. This may, in time, cause a radical change in the average life expectancy of women.

Another theory is that female hormones contribute to the longevity of a woman's life by protecting them. However, some evidence shows that the decrease in femle sex hormones after menopause can actually contribute to a shortened lifespan. The research in this matter remains inconclusive.

Tip! And remember that even though the aging process cannot be stopped, it is possible to slow the effects of aging and the best way is by adopting a healthier lifestyle. Diet, exercise, social interaction, vitamin supplementation, physical contact, limiting exposure to ultraviolet rays, and not abusing nicotine and alcohol all play an important role in living a healthier life and that's the secret to keeping the aging process under control.

Some believe that the lack of estrogen hastens the process of wrinkling and causes the vagina to lack lubrication. The amount of calcium is also reduced, thus making them more susceptible to thinning of the bones (osteoporosis) leading to more fractures and spinal curvature. This can be prevented to a certain degree by the use of hormone replacement which should only be considered in consultation with a doctor.

The role of the older person has changed over the years. They were once well respected in the community and occupied a pivotal role in the family. However, as families have become fractured and many have become geographically scattered, this role has become undermined. This can make older people feel useless and unwanted, resulting in depression which can lead to a shorter life.

The general attitude of the older person can make a great deal of difference. Rather than focusing on the negative aspect of aging, they would be better advised to look at later life as an opportunity to start life afresh and to take up new interests. It is also important for families to reconsider the needs of their older family members, making them feel more influential in shaping the lives of future generations.

Anne Wolski has worked in the health and welfare industry for more than 30 years. She is a co-director of http://www.magnetic-health-online.com and http://www.betterhealthshoppe.com which are both information portals with many interesting medical articles. She is also an associate of http://www.timzbiz.com which features many articles on internet marketing and resources.