Baby Boomers' Guide to Long Life and Happiness

Attention baby boomers, you are probably seeking ways to live your best life. Many of us want to infuse healthy nutritional habits into our busy schedules. We baby boomers are willing to change how/what we eat if it means existing in a more positive state of being.

Motivating ourselves to move and exercise our baby boomer bodies builds healthy bones, burns fats, and promotes a healthy outlook on life. Many recent studies have even suggested that those who exercise more will live longer and have fewer, less serious bouts of mental distress.

Don't all baby boomers strive for that Holy Grail of maintaining consistently positive mental/emotional well-being? Research about pets as companions provides some unexpected knowledge-experts discovered pets have an impact on owners' sense of security and support.

Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen's Suggestions for Baby Boomers to Stay Fit

Growing up in the '60s and '70s provided the perfect backdrop for baby boomers to focus on their bodies, minds, and souls. Drs. Mahmet Oz and Michael Roisen recently appeared on "Good Morning America" to share suggestions about how to ensure healthy minds and bodies. For those baby boomers maturing like fine wine, Oz and Roisen's formula to protect our abilities to think and reason clearly includes:

1-Walk 30 minutes every day. Just do it, even if it means splitting it into 3 10-minute sessions daily.

2-Creatively add the ingredient tamarind to your foods each day. It's commonly found in curries and mustards.

3-Take great care of your teeth and gums. Yes, that's right, don't skip your nightly flossing ever. Recent medical evidence has emerged indicating that a build-up of tartar between teeth causes inflammation, which can lead to the development of heart disease and even Alzheimer's.

4-Get those Omega 3 fats into your daily nutritional plan. They are found in walnuts, fish, or DHA supplements.

5-Eating plenty of tomatoes and green leafy vegetables 7 days a week is just (excuse the expression) the icing on the cake in terms of improving nutritional health and increasing longevity.

Keep Moving--Baby Boomers Must Increase Daily Activity

Most baby boomers know by now the importance of moving our bodies and keeping them going as long as possible. Expanding on Dr. Oz and Dr. Roisen's #1 above:

--Figure out ways to sneak in some extra movement, no matter what you are doing, if your doctor says it's okay. Sitting is better than lying down or reclining, standing is better than sitting, walking is better than standing, jogging is better than walking. You get the picture.

--Stretch every morning when you arise and again in the evening before retiring. Especially important, do some stretching after you exercise to relieve your muscles and protect from soreness and injury.

--To improve posture, be sure to stand up straight with shoulders back, and try to keep your abdominal muscles tight. As a baby boomer, you may be asking yourself, is that really possible all the time? It becomes easier when you make it a habit.

--And, again, if your doctor approves, try some of those calisthenics we baby boomers used to do in gym class in the '60s and '70s. Various leg exercises, squats, and push-ups are just a few examples of physical exercise you can do while watching television or listening to your favorite tunes.

Pets Enrich Owners' Lives

Did you know that having a pet can actually decrease levels of mental and emotional stress? One Delta Society study included interviews with women, questioning them about how they felt about their dogs. Many respondents reported their dogs had been a main source of comfort when confronted with various life changes. Their pets provided a special kind of social support that simply could not be obtained from people.

Another insightful Delta Society research project yielded some interesting results. Married people who converse with their dogs reported feeling more positive mentally. Those married people also were more content with their marriages than people who didn't own a dog. Maybe this means boomers who don't already have pets might want to consider getting one. Having a companion in the house that is always happy to see us is especially uplifting to those who live alone.

Taking a holistic view of your health will enrich your life. Practicing Dr Oz. and Dr. Roisen's tips above ensures baby boomers will enjoy improved physical and mental health. Monitoring nutritional intake, getting daily exercise, and having a pet for companionship and comfort are effective means to ensure long, healthful lives for baby boomers.

Sources

Allen, Karen. 2006. Coping with Life Changes & Transitions: The Role of the Pet. Delta Society website.

Chaney, Rita, (a.k.a. Pearl Grace) 2007. Long Life and Happiness: The Baby Boomer's Guide. Helium website (Original version of this article). November 21, 2007.

Oz, Mehmet, and Roisen, Michael F. November 13, 2007. Interview on "Good Morning America". ABC. You: Staying Young.

Roisen, Michael F. and Oz, Mehmet C. 2006. You on a Diet: The Owner's Manual for Waist Management. For more information, You On A Diet website.