WALK....RUN.....DANCE

I'm still in St. Louis and have spent some time visiting with 2 of my relatives over 90. My 91 year-old aunt is in a re-hab center and frankly, it was really depressing to see her there because I feel the accident that put her there could have been prevented. Her health problems all started with a fall near her front porch.

So, I'd just like to remind you to:

1. Do a safety check, not only in your home, but your parent's place as well.

Make sure that all railings are properly attached; walkway's well lit and clutter-free. Do a complete walk through of every room and look for ways that you can improve their environment. The GOLD VIOLIN Independent Living Catalog is a great source for items that can make life easier for us BOOMERS and our parents.

WEBSITE: http://www.goldviolin.com/

If you live alone, consider getting a medical alert button. Aunt Betty didn't have one, so she had to crawl up her front steps!

For additional info: http://www.firststreetonline.com/Featured+Products/New+Innovations/Designed+for+Seniors+Medical+Alarm.axd?sc=86072&gclid=CMzIjPab0pwCFSDxDAodJXzUKQ

2. WALK....RUN....DANCE......just move every day while you still can. When I see those elderly people stuck in a bed or wheelchair, it makes me want to exercise and play even more. A key factor to maintaining good health as we age is a daily exercise program......so find out what works for you and keep at it at least 5 days a week. Don't forget to work on balancing exercises because that will help prevent falls.

REMEMBER the NIKE AD and "JUST DO IT"

Where will you live?

Have you thought about it?
It's an issue most of us don't want to address even as we get older...but where will you live when you can no longer take care of yourself?

It really hit me hard this week while visiting my 84 year-old mom; then we went to the nursing home to see my 95 year- old aunt and I also spent a day with my uncle who's 90.

The hardest part was the nursing home visit because my aunt knows she's never going home again. My uncle also tore at my heart when he told me "I never anticipated living in a place like this" and he's living in a very expensive Continuing Care Facility, nothing like your typical nursing home. It's a very difficult choice that your children will have to make if you don't have a written directive, so it's critical that you make your choices known well in advance.

Another option that most people would prefer is to age in place in their own home. It's almost like when you had to childproof your home, but instead you need to make it more user friendly as you find it difficult to do your daily chores. To find ideas on home modifications for the elderly, go to http://www.homemods.org/

To check out nursing homes in your area, go to the Internet and type in:
Nursing Homes + your city

Either way, put it in writing and let your family know how and where you'd prefer to live!