Five years ago, TechCrunch predicted that in 2021 checkbooks, cash, credit cards and passwords would be entirely replaced by digital magic. Well, that didn’t happen. But we can see the advantages of eliminating them (especially passwords).
The new recommendations for postmenopausal use of the bone-building medications called bisphosphonates say they too should be gone in five years -- from your medication regimen, that is. JAMA has released a “Patient Page” that outlines the latest findings on using the medications to halt the bone deterioration of osteoporosis and reduce the 1.5 million related fractures every year. The fractures lead to more than half a million hospitalizations, over 800,000 emergency room visits and the placement of 180,000 folks in nursing homes.
The risks associated with the medications include loss of blood supply to the jawbone (rare) and fracture of the thighbone. Necrosis of the jawbone often happens after an invasive dental procedure (ask about stopping the med before such work is done). Fracture of the thigh bone becomes more likely after taking the meds for five years. So, stopping the medication before that maximizes benefits (they’re substantial) while minimizing risk. That’s especially true if you also adopt bone-protecting lifestyle habits, such as doing strength-building exercise two or three times a week; jumping 20 times morning and night if your doc agrees; eating calcium-rich foods such as dark leafy greens, canned salmon, and fortified soy products; and making sure to get 1,000-1,200 milligrams of calcium daily from food and 600-800 IU of vitamin D daily through foods and supplements.
Optimizing your health after retirement
There’s a retirement boom going on. In the third quarter of 2020, about 28.6 million baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964 said they’d retired. That’s 3.2 million more boomers than retired in the same quarter of 2019.
If that’s you -- or soon to be you -- it’s important to recognize retirement’s rough spots and access its pleasures. Those who go abruptly from working full time to complete retirement are especially challenged, according to a study in Work, Aging and Retirement. But many seniors find a solution. By 2026, around 30% of the labor force will be made up of folks 65 to 74. Working can help you stay emotionally connected and mentally sharp. Interested? Go to www.aarp.org and search for “Top 25 Part-Time Jobs for Retirees.” Other smart moves:
Joining clubs, taking classes, volunteering and strengthening relationships with grandkids and family provide a sense of purpose and enhance self-esteem. Staying socially connected to six people a month makes your RealAge at least two years younger.
-- Getting 30-plus minutes of exercise and 10,000 steps daily enhances brain function, heart health and mood. At age 65, that makes your RealAge 4.8 years younger. But after age 65, if three major stressful events (retirement? death of a spouse? moving?) go unchecked (try counseling and meditation) that adds 30 years to your RealAge!
Genes account for about 33% of your chance of living to be 85. It’s healthy behaviors that make the difference, and it’s never too late to make them part of your life.
