He can insist all he wants, but that's not really true in one major aspect. On July 28, 2009 Obama told the AARP that he wants to eliminate $177 billion in subsidies to Medicare Advantage programs which are very popular with seniors because they offer benefits and care coordination which basic Medicare plans do not provide. This means, basically, that he wishes to see Medicare Advantage repealed. However, he smoothes that over with assertions that there will be no change in Medicare benefits to seniors.

I'm presently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan for which I pay a monthly premium. I'm willing to do so because there's always the spectre, when you're older, of catastrophic illness for which Medicare will not pay in whole. This exposes me to the possibility of large medical expense despite Medicare. I consider covering that gap vital to my financial well-being, and I'm willing to pay the current reasonable premium cost for that.

I'm not worried that my government is driven to "pull the plug" on me or grandma, or any of that nonsense. But, I am concerned that a significant part of health care reform may well be financed on the backs of seniors (me for one) as is being argued in many quarters, and, apparently supported by my president.

So, should I kiss Medicare Advantage goodbye?

Last year a dozen eggs cost me $1.29 at my supermarket. Oddly, I keep track of this stuff in my head. Yesterday I paid $2.39. Folks, that's a 53% jump! While prices at the gas pump have fallen recently, they're still well above what we've seen over the last five years. And, does anyone believe they'll stay lower?

Now, I don't argue that cost of living increases should be tied to eggs. In fact, the Feds, in calculating the Consumer Price Index (CPI), tell us that they weigh a whole market basket of goods and services. The problem is that these numbers can be manipulated, and are manipulated, to achieve political objectives, not to benefit retirees receiving social security. Food and energy are excluded from the CPI calculation because they are so "volatile". What does that tell you? It's just part of a lie the government foists upon us.

In fact, one reason for lying to us about inflation is to keep a lid on payments to grandma and grandpa. Cheating senior citizens is nothing new. And, in past years, whatever increases were logged, have been offset, in large part, by increases in Medicare premiums. There's some indication, however, that there will be no Medicare boost for 2009.

It's illegal for businesses to cook the books, but the government has a free reign to do just that. In the final analysis, older Americans are being cheated out of billions of dollars. I guess that in light of the current, mounting financial meltdowns, that can be viewed as a good thing. Right?

Robert G. Knechtel

One of the best ways to locate an affordable used mobility scooter is to shop the auctions. Follow this link to browse a selection - Shop for Used Mobility Scooters.

You can save money buying a used mobility scooter if you shop around wisely. There are many reasons as to why this would be beneficial, including the fact that it obviously saves the individual money. Many people will also find that they are more able to get the used mobility scooters more rapidly as compared to ordering a new scooter simply because they do not need to save up more money. They have to save for a more limited amount of time because they will need to save up less overall, for a comparable scooter.

Many people may realize these benefits, but then be very interested as to where they can find acceptable second-hand mobility scooters. Choosing a used scooter over a brand new one will not limit the selection that an individual will be able to consider to as high a degree as most people think. There are many online auctions that offer mobility scooters. The largest one on the internet is Ebay. Using online auctions and other retailers on the web provides more opportunities to get a great deal. Beware however, you need to consider shipping cost.

If an individual does want to buy locallyor the web, you can still locate used mobility scooters. Unclaimed baggage stores are an excellent place to start looking for a used mobility scooter, although they are found infrequently in these places. If there isn't a scooter being sold presently, then we recommend that you ask the manager about how regularly they get mobility scooters. I would recommend keeping an eye on the newspaper from the largest big city near you. For instance, if you lived in Rome, Georgia, be sure to check out the classifieds of the Atlanta Constitution. Also check out the local radio stations early in the mornings for a buy/sell show. Many smaller local stations have that. That said, there are a lot of different places you can buy a terrific scooter.

Looking for a satisfactory used scooter to meet you transportation needs at a great price can be a challenge. Patience is the key. Just be smart and keep looking. Don't just settle for the first one you find, unless you know you really like it. The benefits will last for years, by helping you to get places that you never thought possible.

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.

Tips for Anti-Aging Treatment

I know this is as obvious as the nose on your face , but we are a culture obsessed with aging or rather, fixated on reversing the aging process, slowing it down, studying, finding a fountain of youth in the latest and greatest antiaging treatments available. It is a multibillion dollar industry. It is almost as of yore in total denial of the aging process and this is no doubt seated in some deep psychological roots to preside in us. We love the look of the youthful innocence and we cherish the times when life was less involved, less complicated, less demanding. We seek anti-aging treatment, justified in our need to erase the life-battle scars we might otherwise be proud to show off, were white teeth, shiny hair, and perky this or tight that not so sanctified.

It is almost sadly place such value and in and deny these well-deserved and hardfought battle scars that we have accumulated through life. In another respect, it is fair to acknowledge that, as my septuagenarian friend says, as we age we "fall apart". Our eyes need constant updating, our hips and other joints need replacing, our organs weaken and wear. We break down, pure and simple. Even and especially, the largest and most visible of all the human organs, the skin, turns on us, hardens, wrinkles and cracks exposing to others that which we have lived for decades.

It dries and cracks and mars, revealing the effects of what is known as "free radical damage." Evidently, as we age, our skin exfoliates less often; sebum production slows; and therefore less oil flushes the skin…thereby drying it. There's been quite a bit of study about free radicals over the last few decades and scientists that are studying it are beginning to get a pretty good handle on exactly what they are and what they do. It is a flattening of skin layers occurs, subsequently causing thinner skin. Collagen stabilizing enzymes decrease. Blood vessels thin out, preventing the usual blood flow. Anti-aging treatment becomes a mighty fine looking option.

Now science and economics takes over and sets the stage for Botox, elastin enhancers, and scores of shelves of anti-aging treatments that might appear to be the panacea. Plump those lips, raise that brow, flatten that paunch. The splaying of nose bones—a natural phenomena in the aging process—got you feeling less than ideal? Cosmetic reconstruction. ED (erectile dysfunction) reminding you high school football stud years are now nothing more than pages in a yearbook? Go for the infamous or most touted ED drug. We now you can see instances of gradeschool children having plastic surgery to correct whatever flaws that they are perceived to have.

But despite all our anti-aging treatment and fixation (not because of it), we continue to age…but more slowly! Yes, longevity statistics show that people as a whole are living years longer. Again, this is not necessarily due to minor or occasional anti-aging treatments, but more likely to evolution, preservatives, and poisons, as well as healthier living that includes eating well, exercising often, and resting enough. Romeo and Juliet, for example, were they alive (and real) today, would not be worrying about marriage at fifteen (which was not the source of the tragedy, anyway) but at twenty-five or thirty. I just saw a study today when the average male now gets married at the age of 27, whereas in 1950 that age was 22. There's no question we are living longer and that's only going to further the feed into our quest to fight aging.

So regardless of, in spite of, or maybe with the help of SOME anti-aging treatments, attempts, and so-called cures, those of us eligible for anti-aging treatment are in our mid- to later years…when we do care about staying alive and living a quality life but we care less about what others have to say about how we should live our lives and how we should be. Spirituality and new age attitudes are becoming more prevalent. We care less about material gain or other external, superficial forms of nurturing and are just beginning to invest in our holistic health. We are coming into understanding peace, prayer, serenity, solitude. We know which anti-aging treatments might help and which are tools of denial. We know anti-aging treatment plans (outside of healthy, natural efforts) do not defeat aging or death. They just contribute to drawing out, prolonging, or holding it at bay a bit longer. And I guess all and all it's not a bad thing to feel a little bit better about ourselves.

Morgan Hamilton offers his findings and insights regarding the world of health and beauty. You can get interesting and informative information here at Anti-Aging Treatment

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Obviously, one way to mitigate the risks of sun damage to the skin is to avoid the sun altogether. This, however, may not be practical. The following article offers an understanding of how sunburn operates, and what positive steps you should take to avert skin cancer and accelerated aging from too much sun.

Sunburn: Skin Cancer and Aging of the Skin

The experience of sunburn can be a very efficient (i.e. painful) reminder to heed adequate protection on future occasions. However more importantly, it should be a reminder of the long-term effects of sun exposure on our bodies and health - which can include aging of the skin and skin cancer.

In order to more fully understand these consequences, let's take a look at exactly what sunburn is, its symptoms and its effect on the body.

Sunburn results when the amount of exposure to the sun, or other ultraviolet light source (e.g. tanning lamps and welding arcs etc.), exceeds the ability of the body's protective pigment, melanin, to protect the skin. Melanin content varies greatly, but in general darker skinned people have more melanin than lighter skinned. (Although fairer skinned people are generally more prone to getting sunburn than darker skinned people, this certainly does not exclude the latter from risk.)

Sunburn destroys cells in the outer layer of the skin, damaging tiny blood vessels underneath. Burns deeper into the skin's layers also damage elastic fibers in the skin, which over time and with repeated sun overexposure, can result in the appearance of yellowish, wrinkled skin.

The damage to skin cells from UV exposure (either sunlight or tanning lamps etc.) can also include damage to their DNA. It's this repeated DNA damage, which can lead to a cell becoming cancerous. With the incidence of skin cancer rising dangerously in many parts of the world, and with its ability to develop and establish itself in the body ‘long' before external signs are detected, -- paying attention to this aspect of sun exposure and sunburn should certainly not be ignored if we are serious about preserving our health.

Now while it may be easier to ignore the effects of sunburn occurring at a cellular level, ignoring the external symptoms of sunburn in the days immediately following such exposure is entirely another matter.

While sunburn is usually not immediately obvious, skin discoloration (ranging from slightly pink to severely red or even purplish) will initially appear from 1 - 24 hours after exposure. Although pain is usually worst 6 - 48 hours afterward, the burn can continue to develop for 24 - 72 hours after the incident. Where there is skin peeling, this generally occurs 3 - 8 days after the burn occurs.

While minor sunburns typically cause nothing more than warm/hot skin, slight redness, and tenderness to the affected area, -- in more serious cases, extreme redness, swelling and blistering can occur. These blisters filled with fluid may itch and eventually break. This can then cause peeling of the skin, exposing an even tenderer layer of skin underneath.

Severe sunburn can cause very red, blistered skin but can also be accompanied by fever, chills, nausea (in some cases vomiting), and dehydration. In instances of extreme sunburn where the pain is debilitating, medical treatment may be required.

While the immediate effects of sunburn can certainly be painful and cause discomfort, the real deterrent to UV overexposure should be the potential damage to your long-term health - including the risk of premature aging of the skin along with skin cancer.

Don't let sunburn and sun overexposure kill your chances of enjoying youthful skin, and a healthy body. Remember, the easiest way to treat sunburn will always be to avoid it in the first place!

Angela Perin is author of the comprehensive new guide "Your Personal Guide to Tanning" - covering everything from your skin, uv light & sun-tanning, to sunburn, skin cancer, sunburn, sun protection and sunless tanning. Discover Safe Tan - The Ultimate Experience in Natural Sunless Tanning and download your free copy of this guide including bonus homemade recipes for sunburn relief, sunscreen and exfoliation!

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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