Have you heard of the “Displacement Theory for Diets”? Basically, what this theory says is that as you age, your metabolism begins to slow down. Even if you ate a perfect diet in your younger years and kept eating the same foods in the same quantities as you age, you will gain weight. To account for the slowing metabolism, you should increase your exercise, including some for of resistance training (to maintain your muscle mass) and eat fewer calories. A great way to do this is increase fruit consumption while decreasing consumption of fatty, high calorie foods. Seems logical, but most people never think of aging and weight gain this way. If you make a small change gradually, keeping your weight in check should be no problem.

Getting older does have its advantages. Many seniors are on a fixed income and therefore are always on the lookout for bargains.  The internet is a great place to locate places that offer specail deals for seniors. The following is a short list of sites that offer coupons and savings. You can also do a search in google under senior discount, or senior coupons.

http://www.seniordiscounts.com/
http://www.seniorjournal.com/Discounts.htm
http://www.travelocity.com/AARP/home

Please note that CareGrade.com does not endorse any of these sites.

This article was written by Idaho Attoreny General Lawrence Wasden

What Are The Scams Seniors Should Look Out For And How Can They Be Prevented?

The U.S. government estimates that nationwide there are more than eight hundred active “bunco” or fraud scams, most of which can victimize the elderly as well as members of other age groups. Some of these con games, such as high pressure, deceptive sales pitches for living trusts, “low-risk, high-yield” investment scams and “miracle” arthritis remedies, are specifically aimed at senior citizens. However, seniors also fall prey in large numbers to scams involving advanced loan fees, home improvements, auto repairs and work-at-home schemes.

Here are a few quick tips you should observe to avoid being taken by any of these fraudulent schemes:

• Don’t let greed overcome common sense. Look out for get-rich-quick schemes, “free” offers, or “you have won” solicitations. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it is.

• Wait 24 hours before making a purchase; there is no need to rush. An offer from a reputable source will remain available from one day to the next.

• Get a second opinion; consult with someone you trust before making important financial decisions.

• Never reveal your “vital numbers” such as credit cards phone cards, date of birth and social security numbers or your personal identification numbers (PIN) for automated teller machine (ATM) transactions to verify a contest prize, low-cost vacation or other prize offer;

Be wary of…

• high pressure sales

• demands for cash only

• the need for quick decisions

• secret deals available only to specially selected people

• no-risk, high-yield investments

• delayed delivery or products or services (the con artist could be long gone before the promised delivery date)

• offers requiring that cashier’s checks be sent immediately by private over-night carriers

If you think you have been victimized by a fraud scheme or you know of a con game that is targeting your friends or neighbors, call the Attorney General’s Office or the fraud division or your local police department.

To read more information from this article, visit http://www2.state.id.us/ag/consumer/tips/seniorcitizenscams.htm

Get moving! Exercise isn’t just about improving your heart and fighting flab that comes with aging. It may also be the answer to preventing stiff, achy joints that can lead to debilitating arthritis. An Australian study suggests the more time older women spend exercising, the better their chances are of staying pain-free from one of the biggest chronic conditions plaguing developed countries.Even exercising as little as one hour and 15 minutes a week now can make a difference over the next three years, according to findings recently published in the journal Arthritis Research & Therapy.

By MARGIE MASON, AP Medical Writer Tue Apr 3

Many seniors still enjoy being outside and doing yard work. Now that spring is here, many will head outdoors and begin cleaning the yard and gardens. This can be great for both mental and physical health, but a little preparation can make this far more enjoyable. Like any other activity, start slowly to let your body warm up. After you get the body warm, do some light stretching. Take regular breaks to stretch and change positions. If kneeling down for an extended period of time, get up slowly, possibly using some support to lean on. Don’t try to get everything done in one day. It is better to do the job spread out over a period of several days. If jobs are very big or require heavy lifting, hire someone to help with that part of the job.

Staying active is one of the secrets to a long and health life. Be smart and enjoy your passions.