AtHomeWithGloriaHunnifordOctober2016 - 61


1

TRAVEL

It really does broaden the mind, so don't be scared - if you're in good
health, get out and see the world! According to a survey by holiday
company Travelsphere, two thirds of those aged 55 and over see holidays
as a necessary spend, compared with only half of 45 to 54-year-olds and
even fewer, 45%, of those under 45. And for good reason.
A US study from December 2013, by the TransAmerica Center For
Retirement Studies, found travel really does make you live longer. The
study showed that not taking an annual holiday increased the chances
of death by 20% in men and heart disease by 30%.
And travel seems to help with a 'can do' attitude, too. Heavy and
moderate retired travellers are much more likely to be satisfied with
their ability to get things done than light and non-travellers.
And if it's the secret of longer life you're after, why not travel to
Kyotango in Japan? Not only do many centenarians live there, but it
was home to the oldest man ever. Jiroemon Kimura died in 2013 aged
116 years 54 days. Or you could go to Campodimele, in Italy, where a
Mediterranean diet may explain an average life expectancy of 95.

2
3

EXERCISE

It's never too late to start and there's no right or wrong
way to make exercise work for you. Those over 65 are
recommended to do 150 minutes of moderate aerobic
activity every week. That could be gardening, doing
housework, walking the dog or choosing to do something
more structured.
Alternatively, you can do 75 minutes of vigorous activity
(such as running or interval sessions) and two sessions of
resistance/strength work. Exercise can make life so much
better - and even though you might not always feel like
doing it, you'll always feel better when it's done.
HIIT or High Intensity Interval Training - where short
periods of intense anaerobic exercise are followed by
less-intense recovery periods - has had a lot of coverage in
recent years, and some of the negative press focuses on the
intensity, with some people left wondering if it's safe for
them as they get a little older.
A study of 4,500 exercisers reported in Medicine
& Science in Sports & Exercise magazine found that
a 50-year-old who works out regularly and with high
intensity intervals can be just as fit as a 20-year-old.
And, you don't have to lift weights to build strength.
Gentler exercise such as yoga, Pilates or swimming can be
of great benefit too, helping to keep you strong, as well as
mobile and flexible.

STAY INTIMATE

Having sex is a wonderful way to enjoy the now - whatever your age. But sometimes
when the mind is willing, the body isn't. A survey quoted by the NHS suggests 84%
of menopausal women find sex painful, with nearly 70% adding their relationships
had suffered as a result. And this can carry on after menopause, leading many
women to avoid or give up on their sex lives.
But there's no reason why sex shouldn't carry on for as long as you do. After the
menopause, there's no pregnancy to worry about and sex can be all about pleasure!
It is also good for your health, with feel-good hormones helping to energise you and
make you feel youthful. Practical issues such as dryness can be helped with lubricants.
If your partner's having problems, he's not alone. It is estimated half of all men
between 40 and 70 will have erectile dysfunction to some degree, so get him to see
a doctor. Read more about how to solve common sexual problems on pg 74.

4

BE MINDFUL

Life is short. There's no point
being stuck in the past, or
worrying about the future - the
present is the best place to be.
The power of 'now' and
'mindfulness' is a popular concept
these days, but it's nothing new
and has its origins in Buddhism.
Being mindful is a very practical
mental health toolkit to help you
to live in and enjoy the moment.
According to Oxford
University's Mindfulness Centre,
its benefits in preventing serious
depression and emotional distress
have been shown by 10 clinical
trials. The National Institute for
Health and Care Excellence
has recommended Mindfulnessbased Cognitive Therapy to be
offered to prevent relapse for
people who are currently well but
who have experienced recurrent
depression. It's not complicated to
be mindful, but it does take
practice. Go to www.bemindful.
co.uk to teach yourself online.

www.athomemagazine.co.uk NOVEMBER 2016 | 061
http://www.bemindful http://www.co.uk http://www.athomemagazine.co.uk
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