To all my elderly bros and sisters. Nanganallur J K SIVAN
(second and concluding part)
You might not have forgotten what I wrote in my earlier post to you, about our body, aging, its maintenance, and the normal processes connected with aging. Now Now let me tell you, what I promised, ie., to write something about our brains and nerves:
The number of nerve cells in the brain typically decreases. Contrary to popular belief, some new nerve cells may form in some areas of the brain, even during old age.
The brain has more cells than it needs to do most activities,which is referred as “redundancy”. The brain has ways and means to compensate for the loss of nerve cells that occurs with aging.
When we are old, the heart and blood Vessels become stiffer. The heart fills with blood more slowly. The stiffer arteries are less able to expand when more blood is pumped through them. Thus, blood pressure tends to increase. The muscles used in breathing, such as the diaphragm, tend to weaken . The number of air sacs (alveoli) and capillaries in the lungs decreases. Thus, slightly less oxygen is absorbed from air that is breathed in. Many suffer from pulmonary disorders like ashthma, wheezing cough phlegm etc. I suffered for a long time and cured it with hot water, pepper, salt water goggling avoiding citrus fruits etc. never looked towards fridge or used cold items. Normally I am fond of ice water.
Digestive system is less affected by aging than most other parts of the body. In the large intestine, materials move through a little more slowly. In some people, this slowing contributes to constipation. drink more water even if not thirsty preferably luke warm hot water.
As we are aging the liver function declines. Certain changes in the urinary tract may make controlling urination more difficult. The maximum volume of urine that the bladder can hold decreases. Thus, older people may need to urinate more often. The bladder muscles may contract unpredictably (become over active), The muscle that controls the passage of urine out of the body (urinary sphincter) is less able to close tightly and prevent leakage. Many of my friends go about with wet pants.
Growth hormone levels decrease, leading to decreased muscle mass. Aldosterone levels decrease, making de hydration more likely. This hormone signals the body to retain salt and therefore water. Insulin, which helps control the sugar level in blood, is less effective, and less insulin may be produced.
The amount of active bone marrow, where blood cells are produced, decreases .The cells of the immune system act more slowly.
Let me end this with some reminders for all of us to follow — strictly if possible.
No matter your age, Take care of your body and prevent it, If you are 65 or older. Even simple flu or a common cold can progress and lead to complications. This includes secondary infections like pneumonia, bronchitis, an ear infection, or a sinus infection. If you are chronic asthma patient or diabetic, a respiratory illness can make these worse. Follow these nine tips to stay healthy year-round.
1. Get active. Physical activity is an immune system booster. The more you move, the more your body is able to fight inflammation and infections. Low impact exercises are effective. consider biking, walking, swimming etc 20 to 30 minutes a day. Do some simple exercises .
2. Take supplements in consultation with your doctor. The supplements are: calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B6, or vitamin B12. or multivitamins.
3. Eat a healthy diet. Fruits, vegetables protect against harmful viruses and bacteria that cause illnesses. Antioxidants protect your cells from damage and keep your body healthy. Limit your consumption of sugary and fatty foods which trigger inflammation in the body and lower your immune system.
4. Wash your hands frequently which has now become a habit after Corono influence. good.Washing your hands on a regular basis is another excellent way to stay healthy year-round. Viruses can live on surfaces for up to 24 hours. It’s possible to become ill if you touch a virus-covered surface and contaminate your hands, and then touch your face. Wash your hands with warm soapy water often, and for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your nose, face, and mouth with your hands. Using antibacterial hand sanitizer when you’re unable to wash your hands. Also, disinfect surfaces around your home and workstation frequently . Corona has taught us this.
5. Manage the stress which increases your body’s production of the stress hormone cortisol. Too much cortisol can disrupt different functions in your body, including your immune system. Increase physical activity, get plenty of sleep, set reasonable expectations for yourself, and explore relaxing, enjoyable activities.
6. Get plenty of rest. sleep reduces stress level, sleeping repairs the body. Getting an adequate amount of sleep can result in a stronger immune system, making it easier for your body to fight off viruses.Sleep is also important as you get older because it can improve memory and concentration. Aim for at least seven and a half to nine hours of sleep per night is what doctors recommend.
7. Take steps to prevent infections. Getting annual vaccinations is another way to stay healthy throughout the year. If you’re age 65 and older, talk to your doctor about getting a high-dose or adjuvant flu vaccine. vaccine yearly.
8. Yearly checkup can also keep you healthy. Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can go undetected. Regular physical examinations will enable your doctor to diagnose any problems early. Getting early treatment may prevent long-term complications.
9. Avoid contact with sickly people. Dont be close to sickly people. Avoid crowds. Wear a face mask. Wash your hands frequently.
10. Finally have faith in God. Pray to Him. I never fail to do this. He is omniscient , omnipotent and omnipresent, ever protecting us. Every moment of my life is blessed by Him and I remain grateful to HIm.
Share your talent, skills, knowledge, and time with others. You will get plenty in return. Try to meet friends whenever possible and you have time as they are your assets. Use your time and knowledge to share with other to bring happiness to all.–Value your friendship and relationship with everyone with maximum gratitude. Work hard every day to be the best person you can be unmindful of your age .The Sun takes no holiday.Dont yield to any pressure, temptation and greed. Remain dedicated to service with no returns. zoom to a happy get together with everyone to achieve your goal of obtaining maximum happiness in life.
Sometimes we are happy when some one gives a novel idea. It may be something for which we have been toiling and struggling to get a solution. It may just be a piece of advice but when it comes from a friend, or through a speech of some one,or from a book we are reading, or just an insight during a dream… we learn some thing new from it which we did not know before. It is not something learnt from outside. It is exactly what you have realised within yourself. The secret to happiness is the acceptance of yourself. Happiness is not based on external status, it is an internal state. Money can’t make anyone happy, but self- satisfaction and contentment in mind prevents the unnecessary worrying. We must always remember that each one of us has the liberty and right to choose our own destiny. You define your own path , the way to tread on. Follow your gut, you’ll thank yourself later. Remember what your mother taught you, because it came from the most sacred place of love that exists in this world. Dont hold any grudge, it will make your heart heavy. The easiest solution and remedy is to forget and forgive. Be grateful for this moment, because it is all there is. and available for us to enjoy and live happily. I say this because if you analyse and recognize, frustrations and anxiety are the result of brooding over the’past’ or dreaming of the ‘future’. Atleast spend an hour alone with only yourself every day. Always go with yourself, You have to be your own best friend. It is essential because you cant walk away from what you say to yourself, as you do with what others say. Be truthful to yourself and speak the truth always. It will set you free, Your thoughts create the reality. Remember being kind is more important than being right. Your heart guides you because it is the best compass showing the right direction. Love is the supreme expression of life. It alone produces in you creative thoughts. Kindness is loving people more than they deserve.
