These days there are many anti aging products and supplements on the market that claim to stop and/or reverse the aging process - use them with extreme caution, whether they work or not remains to be seen. Here are some excellent articles you can read to expand your knowledge of the extremely important subject of aging.

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I often hear people make remarks such as, "My mind isn't what it used to be." It sounds harmless, but if you make remarks like that often enough you will come to believe them.

Two analogies are applicable. First, our minds are like muscles-use them and they grow strong; don't exercise them and they wither. Second, our minds are like computers. As we age we develop a rich collection of programs (software), which we hopefully update with experience and new information. We acquire a rich repertoire of data. And alas our processing speed (megahertz) becomes a little slower. A computer with excellent software does things better and faster than a computer with mediocre software. For example, an older, skilled bridge player runs circles around someone who has only been playing for a few years.

If you are inclined to make a remark like "I just can't remember things very well anymore," be kind to yourself and remember that you have much larger, richer data files to search than a younger person has. So it may take a little longer. Part of the difficulty in remembering something might be that you now have a lot more information to search. Often if you trust and instruct your mind to continue searching for the information, it comes to you later in the day. That is a good indication that your mind is still sharp. Ask yourself, would I really want to trade a computer with a wealth of programs and data for a computer that had a faster speed but few programs and little data?

While many older people have avoided computers, that too is changing. More and more seniors are using computers and teaching their friends how as well. E-mail has bonded many families and friends scattered around the country and even around the world. It also has bonded many grandparents and grandchildren. Fortunately, computers are becoming more user friendly each year. Features to help people with poor vision are improving as well.

One woman told me that her parents adamantly resisted computers. One day she visited them and they were clicking away on their Web TV. Why? It was so easy for them to learn because it was "just like TV"-sit on the sofa, watch the screen, and work the remote control. It is always easier to learn new things when we have a template. (USA Today knew this when they designed their vending stands to look television sets).

We need to think of our minds as flexible, always learning, and open to change. As George Bernard Shaw put it, "Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything." Rev. Denny Brake described the alternative: "Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set."

So can you teach an old dog new tricks? We "old dogs" object! We don't wait anymore for someone to teach us, we have lots of ways of learning the tricks at our initiative.

About the author: Dr. Michael Brickey, The Anti-Aging Psychologist, teaches people to think, feel, look and be more youthful. He is an inspiring keynote speaker and the Oprah-featured author of Defy Aging and 52 baby steps to Grow Young.

It's a fact: Many Boomers plan to work in some capacity in retirement. When they reach the big six-o, they won't automatically switch into the role of typical traditional retiree. It's is not part of their life plan.

They will not fade into the sunset to play bingo, shuffleboard, or waste time and money gambling at casinos. They exercise, are in fabulous good health, and will work to stay that way.

That means an increasing number of 60-plus year-old men and women do not think, look, or live like their parents at the same age. However, judging by images and portrayals of seniors in TV ads, these folks do not exist.

For example, TV ads pitching supplemental Medicare insurance for seniors, depict only typical retirees: grandma kissing the baby; grandma blowing bubbles with the grandkids; grandma and grandpa strolling along the beach holding hands; grandpa playing ball with the grandkids.

Those ads generate a positive response from those who identify with the images and portrayals. And that's okay. But where are images of "new" retirees who look and live differently? Many of them are also on Medicare and are candidates for supplemental insurance. They are loving grandmas and grandpas but not in the traditional mold.

People have the right to live the way they choose to live. But I am bothered by the almost exclusive portrayal of seniors in the same way they were portrayed 25 years ago.

Showing traditional seniors as the norm to the exclusion of the "new" productive young vibrant seniors perpetuates the stereotypical idea that traditional aging is the acceptable or only way to age. Worse, it gives midlifers a license and even a subliminal mandate to accept a traditional sedentary, non-productive lifestyle as they age.

In Don't Stop the Career Clock, Dr. Helen Harkness defines the new stages of aging that many midlifers are adopting as their framework for living:

* First Midlife:40-60
* Second Midlife:60-80
* Young Old:80-90
* Elderly:90 and above
* Old-Old:2-3 years to live

The media needs to acknowledge that "Harkness adopters" -- those in their "second midlife", and the "young old" resent the out-dated, antediluvian portrayal of how "old" people are and how they live, and frankly, I don't blame them. It's time for corporate America and the advertising industry to catch up with reality. The earth is not flat and 75 is still young to those who don't fit into the traditional "old" mold.

About the author: Barbara Morris, R.Ph. is a pharmacist and author of "Put Old on Hold". Sign up for her newsletter at: www.PutOldonHold.com

Look around the next time you hear someone using a cell phone in public. How many times do you see a senior citizen talking on one? I bet not very often, if at all. For some reason, our elderly are not comfortable owing and using cellular phones. This is not a good thing, though, because older people just don't realize what a life-saver these little handy devices can be. Why don't seniors feel comfortable using cell phones? Well, there are several different reasons.

First of all, a senior's eyesight may not be as well as it used to be when they were younger. Cell phones are sometimes substantially smaller than a regular home phone, and the keys are even smaller. The senior may not be able to see the keys well, or may fear that they can't. Surely there are models available with larger keys, though, which would solve this particular problem.

Another reason why elderly individuals may be reluctant to use cell phones is because they may seem too technologically advanced for them. Most seniors didn't even have regular phones back in their youth, let alone mobile phones. They may feel that they are too old to use a device that is so modern and complex. Some feel that cell phones are only for younger people. They may feel like they couldn't possibly learn to use one, and with all the different features that typically come on cell phones, elderly people may be overwhelmed at the thought of attempting to learn to use one, or even downright terrified.

Senior citizens may simply feel that they don't have a need for a cell phone, so why go through the hassle of learning to operate such a complex object? This is certainly a misconception, because more and more seniors are living longer, and lots live alone. They could definitely benefit from a cell phone if they ever leave home, which many do. They never know when to expect an emergency, and a cell phone can really make it easier to call for help. What if a senior were to get stranded in their car after the car stops running, on a bitterly cold winter day? It wouldn't be a very good idea to get out and start walking, as hypothermia could easily set in, but if they had a cell phone, they could easily contact a family member, road service, or even the police if necessary. If they had no cell, they could possibly freeze to death. Seniors need to be educated on the importance of having and learning to use a cell phone.

The American population is on a whole staying healthy and therefore living much longer. There is no question that the number of drivers that are above 55 is on the rise. We find that more and more senior citizens are traveling on a regular basis and most by car. The fact is because the senior citizen population is driving more, there is a rising rate of car crashes that involve this population. Senior citizens have one of the highest death rate per mile driven, 2nd only to teens who have the highest death rate.

Most people do not consider the amount of strength that it takes to drive and control a motor vehicle on the road. Nor do they consider the implications of the multitudes of medications that they may be taking. If they miss one, what will happen? If they take too much, will this cause a problem too?

It is important to realize that as we age many things in our body become affected by the process. Our reflexes begin to slow down which could cause our reaction times to slow down dramatically. Our vision become impaired and our depth perception could become an issue as well. The ability to make quick decisions and handle the multiple tasks of driving to avoid accidents and emergency situations becomes diminished. The body begins to lose muscle strength and tone as well as decreased bone mass. Hearing can be affected or diminished not allowing us to use the sense to hear what is going on around us. And the biggest impact of all could be prescription medication, how are body responds to it as well as what happens when we forget to take our prescriptions. All of these things mentioned can impact our ability to drive and the possibility of it causing an accident.

The decision to give up driving is very tough for people to make. Driving is viewed as the last greatest measure of independence for a person. It makes it much more difficult to do the things that you were doing before. Many seniors do not want to give up their driver's license because it makes it difficult to go to appointments, get to the grocery store and social with friends.

Seniors should really take time to consider if they are able to continue to drive before getting in behind the wheel. If you have had several minor accidents, tend to get lost easily, or have family members that are worried about your driving ability, you should really consider giving up your keys. If the family is really worried, they will help out on transportation. There are also many public transportation programs throughout the US that allows seniors to ride at discounted rates.

About the author: Bekie Cohner is a nurse and writer who has 10 years of experience working in the Austin Health Care field in the geriatric population.

Your Attitude & Mindset About Aging May Shape Your Achievements And Lifespan.

To reinforce this fact, and as a motivated person you already know, you have it in you: the most powerful means to achieve anything you want in life. This is true for every individual as well.

Imagine what it would be like, if you discover, or learn how to unleash that unlimited power: your own mind, and apply this power in similar ways as the most successful individuals do. Now keep an open mind and keep reading.

Your health, wealth, professional success, and all personal achievements you may get in life are directly linked to the primary dominant attitude you feel about yourself.

Current controlled studies found that people with a positive attitude about aging, by and large live an average of 7.5 years longer than those with negative attitudes. However, there is even more.

Optimistic attitudes toward aging seemed to favorably influence not just longevity but also the course of achieving a successful life. Positive feelings about life in general are the influential factors most commonly found in all high achieving individuals that reach success in anything in life, including health, wealth, family, and personal relationships. Individuals with positive attitudes come into view healthier, happier than even those that seek medical means and drugs in dealing with health issues, like seeking to reduce their high cholesterol levels, or control their high blood pressure. Positive optimistic feelings even seem more beneficial to their health than smoking cessation and exercise.

Do You Know Why We Age? Unconsciously during the early periods of life, we accept some negative concepts about aging. We agree to these negative beliefs without questioning their validity. And when we grow older, these negative stereotypes become even more relevant.

Now, we know that these negative views may actually have a real negative impact in how long we live, and affect the quality of our remaining life.

Currently we know with conviction that in the past, at the beginning of civilization, when lifespan was shorter, our genes did not develop enough or more of what was needed at that specific period. There was no need to develop ways to keep us going through a longer lifespan.

The cave man reached optimum physical fitness at 30, but was most likely dead at 40. There was no need to build the human body for a longer lifespan. Life then was brutal and truly short.

Despite all breakthroughs in medical science, the existing facts consider that biologically speaking, today we're still living with bodies that were intended and planned for the Stone Age and not for life in the 21st century.

Body, Mind and Soul

A healthy person must develop in body, mind, and soul to reach a full significant life. We know that the purpose of life is development.

Everything that is alive has an unrestricted, unlimited, absolute right to reach all the development and success it is capable to achieve: the use of all the tools that may be necessary to accomplish the full physical, mental and spiritual development.

"Every person naturally wants to become all that they are capable of becoming. This desire to realize innate possibilities is inborn. We can not help wanting to be all we can be. Success in life is becoming what you want to be". W. Wattles.

I don't know what stage in life you are now. Maybe you already reached your goals and success, or still searching for it, or ready to become a success now.

From all we know at this time, the way to achieve success in life, in health, or wealth, is not a matter of age; people become successful at any age. It is not a matter of education either; the world is full of educated people, but only a few real successful. It is not a matter of race or color, sex, nationality or language, or vocation either.

All these observations are the fundamental message that the most prominent world motivational, self improvement, psychology speakers, mentors and authors, are determined to get across to everyone willing to listen. That the only real difference between a successful individual and the rest is, that the successful person's mind either naturally or because of training, learned to do things in a certain way.

You already know, or have heard that, your mind - or plainly the way you use it- is the most powerful tool you already got to achieve anything you want in life.

However, since everyone has a mind, you may ask, why doesn't everybody use it to create the life they dream about? Why do most people use this unlimited universal mental power against themselves, instead of for themselves?

That is the million dollar question that the successful individual seems to have discovered. You are encouraged and free to find out how you can also get everything you want in life... if you really desire to be successful.

About the Author: Jorge Hinojosa MD - Physician & Surgeon for 35 years, currently active, convinced advocate of the positive beneficial value of self improvement and self motivation programs to achieve all the success in life.
 

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A friend of mine lost his father within the past two weeks, after years of emphysema and a long bout with Alzheimer's. His father spent all but the last three months of his life at his home, cared for primarily by his wife and two adult children, until his health declined to the point where he had to be transported to the hospital. He went from the hospital to a nursing home and back to the hospital, where he died.

My friend was shocked and very shaken by the experience. The nursing home was understaffed, the food was awful and inadequate, and the staff that was in existence was, from his perspective, neglectful. "I don't ever want to go into a nursing home," my friend said. And yet he was horrified by the toll caring for his father had taken on the family, particularly his mother.

It occurred to me that we of the baby boomer generation are going to have to redefine not only aging, but the ways in which we will either care for ourselves or be cared for as we face a possible loss of independence. Part of the formula may be starting now to optimize our health so that our chances of a healthy old age will increase; another part may involve creating new communal facilities that we define for ourselves. I can't see my generation going into old age quietly, and settling for insensitive caretakers that treat us as so much furniture, calling us "dear," and patting our heads. We may have to form friendly alliances so that we can look after each other and escape even the most benign form of institutionalization, a la "The Golden Girls", and hire caretaking assistance ourselves if we need to.

The generation that raised hell during the Vietnam War, pushed civil rights and feminism, and redefined education and all of society isn't about to sit in a nursing home and crochet doilies. I don't know what is facing the baby boomer generation as we age, but it will probably be noisy, it will probably be revolutionary, and it may change the treatment of the elderly for decades to come. Let's hope so.

About the Author: Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire. She has written numerous articles for local and regional newspapers and for a number of Internet websites, including Tips and Topics.
 

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Anti-aging health has literally exploded in the last few years particularly as the world's baby boomer population keep searching for ways to maintain some semblance of youthfulness. This generation of folks has been responsible for just about every major boom we've seen during the last 60 years and now, they are targeting health and wellness.

Anti-aging relates to both outside physical appearance and internal appearance. The anti-aging craze has meant billions of dollars being spent each year on products such as anti-aging cream, drug, food, cosmetic and anti-aging antioxidant products and major companies can't "pump" new products out fast enough.

There are quick fix solutions such as anti-aging cream. They're designed to temporarily reduce the signs of wrinkles and from a manufacturers point-of-view, they're an absolute boon given they are a consumable product that needs to be replenished every time the user runs out.

When do people start thinking in terms of anti-aging health? My estimate would be when they turn the corner at age 30; heck, it's only 10 years away from 40 and they, in the main, don't want to lose their youthful looks. But can Father Time really be met head on?

Well, there is nothing known yet to human kind that will actually stop and reverse the aging process unless there is a successful secret experiment conducted in a lab somewhere in the world that we are not aware of yet. However, yes, the anti-aging process can be slowed somewhat and if you have just turned 30 take heed; now is the time to take steps to ensure you'll age gracefully over the next 50 years.

My philosophy has always been if you look after your body, particularly your body cells, then anti-aging should be smooth sailing. How? Nutrition. A proper nutrition balanced diet with associated exercise. The right and optimum balance of antioxidants and minerals daily is a great start.

Anti-aging health shouldn't be something you decide is a good idea when it's too late. Your body cells are constantly bombarded by those little nasties called free radicals and if left unchecked, without the daily optimum replenishment of antioxidants and minerals, over time, they will kick start a degeneration process that more often than not, can't be reversed. The good news is that this process does usually occur over an extended period of time. Antioxidants, like little body commandos, will seek out these free radicals and neutralize them. But, you need to keep them coming on a daily basis.

The effect?

Healthy body cells means you are one step ahead of the anti-aging health game. Set the pace and make sure you don't slip back and become another aging statistic.

About the Author: Dean Caporella is a broadcaster with a wide interest in social issues such as anti-aging.
 

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There are numerous remarkable events and activities of Nature. Some of them can even be observed in our day-to-day life. However, the human mind is unable to understand the mystery behind them because it has its own limitations.

Generally, only a few people are blessed with long healthy life. But in some places, it has been found that the average life span of the inhabitants is 85-100 years! This is one such mystery of Nature. Let's look at the facts and figures regarding this riddle.

In Italy, on top of the mountain range between Sienna and Naples, there is a village named Campodimele. The natural beauty of this village is picturesque, blissful and stunning. In Europe, this village is also known as "Forever Young" village. All of the residents of this village have seen a minimum of 85 years. To uncover the mystery behind the long life of these villagers, a group of European psychologists went to Campodimele and carried out research on them.

They found that the villagers live a peaceful and stress free life. Their eating habits are vegetarian and controlled. Their diet is mandated by fresh fruits, green vegetables, milk, sprouts and boiled cereals. They relax for a time after lunch. Traditionally, they sleep by the early evening and wake up fairly early in the morning. They spend their life in the proximity of Mother Nature.

Nature's comparable gift has been given to the people of Symi island of Greece. The average age of the inhabitants here is 90 years. All residents use tomato, vegetables and salad in abundance. Normally they eat raw or less than cooked vegetables.

Due to their diet or nature's unique gift, these people are found working very hard even at the age of 80-90. Hard work, integrity and goodwill are the basis of this society. Their family life is bonded with strong threads of mutual love and caring with a supportive and charitable nature. Inhabitants of this island live stress-free and happy lives with their families.

In the East China Sea, there is an island group known as Okinawa Archipelago. This island is also blessed with longevity. It has been found that the vegetables like sweet potato, leafy vegetables, and cereals are part of their daily diet. Soya bean also forms an essential part of their diet. According to the physiologists, all these elements contain antioxidants, which stop the harmful effects of aging and growth of cancerous free radical cells. Significantly their food contains minimal salt, as a result these people don't have blood pressure and heart related diseases.

Even at the age of 80, they can easily do farming. They are very fond of exercises such as, gardening, walking, folk dance and ancient marshal arts. Inhabitants of Okinawa give a great deal of importance to meditation. They successfully try to resolve all of their problems through meditation.

Much research and many tests have been conducted to understand the secret behind the longevity of inhabitants of different regions but no conclusive outcome has been achieved. One thing is for sure that by leading life in a balanced, harmonious, mutually loving, self-controlled and systematic manner and in companionship with nature, one can attain good health and longevity. Naturalists have also come to a consensus that nature and life have a deep inter-connection.

What is the reason that in today's world, long life has become only a dream whereas in ancient India average age of a person used to be 100 years (Jeevem Sharadah Shatam)? Ayurvedic scriptures provide an answer to this. They profess to follow the regimen of Hitbhuk, Ritbhuk and Mitbhuk to attain long and healthy life. Hitbhuk means eating according to the state of health and what is beneficial for health. Eat for health and not taste. Ritbhuk means eat food according to the season and that is prepared with goodwill. Mitbhuk means eat with moderation. Don't overeat. People desirous of attaining healthy body and healthy mind should strictly follow this advice.

There are many who identify anti-aging research as simply cosmetic; at the same time there are serious medical research programs which work toward finding the right weapon to fight aging; not only from a cosmetic point of view but also from a health point of view. A breakthrough in this aspect would not only help in improving looks, but also slowing down diseases and the dilapidating effects of old age.

Stem Cells as a Medical Breakthrough

Stem cells are cells that come from the umbilical chord of a mammal. These cells have a wonderful way of “becoming” whatever it is you would want them to turn into. There have been many research studies carried out on the regeneration capacities of these cells with some very encouraging results. In many instances it has been found that stem cells can successfully regenerate tissue which has been destroyed due to accidents or diseases, including brain tissue. This breakthrough is almost a miracle.

Applications of Stem Cells in Antiaging Research

Antiaging research can benefit greatly from this break-though in medicine. The options can be simply limitless. It can be to regenerate skin of course, but it also has tremendous implications with regard to the possibility of regenerating say a lost eye, or muscle tissue of the face among other things. Things that today are taken care of by intricate and expensive plastic surgery can be replaced by totally regenerating the missing tissue/ organ.

Antiaging Research and Longevity

Besides the cosmetic aspect which actually gained prominence because of the high commercialization of appearance today, antiaging research will have tremendous benefits in helping delay organ malfunction by keeping them younger. As the organs age, they start giving trouble but if stem cells or other research such as Vitamin K application s are successful, then a person’s longevity will increase. Their vitality and health will also be less liable to suffer from aging problems.

Hope in The Future

Millions of dollars are pumped into antiaging research and hopefully sooner than later people will learn how to use nature to their advantage. Many do not mind dying, but they really seem to mind old age. If people could stay in their physical condition of a 30 year old and live till 65 – 70 years, it would be a dream-come-true. This is a lot to hope for today, but with every step that medical science makes we find ourselves closer to realizing the dream. It may take a decade or two, but we will definitely get there.

About the Author: Fame Ahmed is a well known author worldwide. He has written numerous works on various topics. He is an expert in research and writing reviews and articles based on his findings.
 

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