Growing Older With Grace and Yoga : Yoga for the Elderly

Growing old is an unavoidable circumstance that can be a beautiful and gradual process if you take care of your health. Older bodies become more susceptible to bone fractures, high blood pressure, arthritis, and other conditions of age. Even if a person has not experienced long bouts of depression before, it may occur at this stage in life. The deaths of lifelong friends, a spousal death, and declining health are all difficult to deal with, especially if the events take place around the same time in a person’s life.

When one’s physical and mental health are in a poor condition at any time during their life, they should think about taking up yoga by attending an instructional class. There are various types of yoga to suit the needs of the millions of people involved with the practice. An instructional class for beginners is the best choice for individuals who have no experience in yoga and may require additional assistance and more basic poses. Older students may choose this route for their level of comfort and health.

There are also asanas (the word yogis use for “pose”) that are ideal for older people interested in yoga that will target specific problem areas without injuring any body parts in the process. It is also important to remember that if yoga hurts at any time, you should ease out of the asana and rest until you are feeling better.

Asanas Suitable for Older Yoga Students

Corpse Pose, also called Savasana:
There are few steps involved in performing the calming corpse pose which is often held before or after each asana and at the end of the yoga session. First, lie down on your yoga mat with your arms and legs relaxed but straight and slightly away from the body. Your body should be as flat as possible. Raise your knees to your chest so your back is straight, and then return the legs to the resting position while maintaining the back’s posture. Next, lift your head off the ground so you know your upper back and shoulders are in alignment as well. Relax the head and lower it back to the ground. Take deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth and concentrate on each breath. You may feel the effects of yoga throughout your body, and pay attention to what they are. To release yourself from the Corpse Pose, bend at the knees and roll to a side, and eventually to a sit-down pose. The Corpse Pose allows for total body relaxation and helps train the mind to meditate. When in the Corpse Pose at the end of a yoga session, all of the benefits acquired during yoga are free to flood the body with positive qualities. When in this state, heart rate returns to normal, blood flows evenly throughout the body, and the mind is very calm.

Easy Pose, also called Sukhasana:
Yes! There is actually an asana called “Easy Pose”, and indeed it is simple. Easy Pose often follows Corpse Pose as you are already sitting down. If you are not sitting with your legs crossed over top of the opposite foot, do so and rest the hands on the knees. Sit up straight with good posture because that is what the Easy Pose will improve. This pose is often used for meditation, and eases the internal body and mind.

Kapalabhati, which translates into that which brings lightness to the skull:
Kapalabhati is a different way to breathe to clean the lungs and sinuses; another word for a breathing technique is Pranayama. Kapalabhati gently forces mucus from the nose and lungs by rapid breaths. These breaths should come from the diaphragm, not the chest because the chest is used to force this mucus out of the system. Pressure builds as the short, forceful breaths continue. Kapalabhati relieves pressure from the head that is caused by sinus blockage, and clears the lungs, throat and nose of excess mucus.

Cat Pose, also called Bidalasana:
The Cat Pose is an essential asana because it teaches a yoga practitioner to relate their movements to their breaths so the body and mind can connect which is essential in yoga. To begin the Cat Pose, get down on your hands and knees on your yoga mat, with the body in perfect alignment. The hands should be underneath the corresponding shoulders, and the same goes for the hips sitting directly atop the knees. The fingers are spread apart, and the eyes are focused on the floor. Inhale bringing the chest high, exhale with it lowering as the breath is released from the body. Do this a few times so you grow accustomed to the way in which the movement should feel. Next, try the Cat Tilt. Inhale a deep breath and exhale it as you arch your back, and plant your hands firmly on the ground to remain in this position. The back should be rounded, the ears even with the arms, and the buttocks should be tight and nearly above the knees, if possible. The cat pose is a great spinal exercise that flexes and strengthens each vertebrae, which become stiff with age. The pelvis is also exercised which makes hip movement more comfortable.

Dog Pose, also called Adho Mukha Shvanasana:
The Dog Pose begins exactly as the Cat Pose does, so get down on all fours with the body aligned. Perform all of the same movements as mentioned above, but be prepared for something slightly different. Inhale a breath and change the format of your stance. The back should now be curved similar to a U shape, with your belly closer to the ground than any other part of the abdomen. The head becomes part of this arch as the gaze is directed slightly, but not fully skyward. Place pressure on your hands to keep you firmly planted in the Dog Pose; this first part of Dog Pose is sometimes referred to as Dog Tilt. The next step in this pose takes the body in a slightly different direction. Take a breath in and lift your upper body off of the floor, and breathe out while shifting your hips so they allow you to perform the same action with your legs. The feet and hands should now be the only thing touching the ground and the bottom is in the air point towards the sky, ears even with the arms and the body forms a triangle. At different points in this part of the Dog Pose, the back may be arched or straight depending on the instruction the yoga class receives. The Dog Pose is beneficial to the body because it allows healthy amounts of oxygen-rich blood to circulate the brain, breathing becomes more pronounced yet relaxed, and the whole body receives a nice stretch.

Air-Releasing Pose, also called Pavanamuktasana:
The Air-Releasing Pose is essential for good digestion because it rids the body of excess air that forms uncomfortable gas inside the body. To perform this asana, lie backside down on your yoga mat. On the first inhalation bend both legs at the knee and bring them high to the chest. Breathe out and return the legs to their starting position on the mat. Repeat this exercise with each leg, one at a time. Some people prefer to lie completely still for this pose while others rock with the motions of the body. Do this pose whichever ways suits you the best. Aside from relieving the body of gas, this pose also stretches the legs and strengthens the stomach muscles.

*Because health problems are prevalent in older people, it is best to consult with your physician before beginning any type of exercise regimen or fitness routine.

You also consult qualified Yoga Teacher before you start.


Source: Yoga for the Elderly

26th International Conference of Alzheimer's Disease International 2011

Top 10 reasons why delegates should attend the 2011 Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) Conference.

One-stop opportunity: If you attend only one Alzheimer conference this year, this is it. Up to 1,500 international delegates devoted to all matters Alzheimer's will convene in one convenient place. It's one of the largest and most important conferences in North America.

Sparking ideas and solutions: A packed agenda that covers all aspects of Alzheimer's disease and dementia allows for sharing experiences and gaining new knowledge with colleagues worldwide.

Groundbreaking content: Hear, learn and debate Alzheimer issues that matter today in a friendly setting of informative sessions, face-to-face meetings, dynamic presentations, special exhibits and more.

Unparalleled networking opportunities: Meet and connect with leading dementia experts in a variety of fields for fresh new insights in Alzheimer's and dementia research, care and policy. Hear firsthand the experiences of caregivers and people with the disease.

A truly global conference: Take part in a truly global experience and find out what other countries are doing to change the face of dementia. Last year's ADI Conference attracted delegates from over 40 countries.

Register Here: http://www.adi2011.org/default.aspx?PageID=Home

Money Life Foundation presents Free counselling on Financial Issues in Mumbai

Moneylife Foundation & Disha Financial Counselling are here to guide you!

Disha's expert counsellors who have decades of experience will guide those who need help in understanding banking and financial products, credit issues and credit history and identifying suitable products and options. They will also advise you on debt management and dealing with defaults.

This is beneficial to Senior Citizens.

One-on-one counselling on financial issues,every Wednesday and Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Moneylife Foundation office.

Please call or email us to set up a prior appointment. Since these will be confidential, prior confirmation is a must.


To set up an appointment:

Call (022) 2444-1058-60 or email mail@mlfoundation.in
or visit www.moneylife.in

Venue: 305, 3rd floor, Hind Service Industries Premises,Off Veer Savarkar Marg, Shivaji Park, Dadar, Mumbai 400028.
Landmark: Chaithyabhoomi lane, behind Tamnak Thai restaurant.

Maharashtra’s first geriatric treatment centre will be set up at JJ Hospital

Maharashtra’s first geriatric treatment centre will be set up at JJ Hospital after the central health department decided to fund such departments in eight states.

Under the ‘National Health Care Programme for Elderly’ scheme, the Centre will give Rs2.13 crore to JJ Hospital in the first year. The hospital will create a special ward for patients over 60 years old with age-related diseases.

Geriatrics is a sub-specialty of internal medicine that focuses on healthcare for the elderly. It aims to treat any disease that a patient is suffering from and to decrease the effects of aging. There is no set age at which patients may be under the care of a geriatrician or physician who specialises in the care of elderly people.

According to senior doctors from the hospital, there is a no dedicated research done in our country on this specialty. “Abroad, they do a lot of research on healthcare for the elderly. Any physician can treat such diseases, but patients can do better if they are treated by specialised doctors,” a doctor said.

Geriatrics is becoming a sought-after medical field, as life expectancies rise. The life span of an Indian is between 60 and 64 years. Better treatment of diseases related to old age can extend life expectancies to 70 years.

Dr TP Lahane, dean of the hospital, said, “We will create a state-of-the-art ward for geriatrics. With the setting up of such a centre, our resident doctors will also get a chance to learn geriatrics.”

He added, “We have planned a 20-bed ward for geriatrics. We have also decided to take some senior doctors on honourary basis. We will give special training to paramedical staff.” Around Rs1 crore from the grant will be spent on the new ward’s infrastructure. The remaining will be spent on buying medical equipment.

Dr WB Tayde, director at the Directorate of Medical Education and Research, said there is no super specialty degree in geriatrics. “But looking at the growing expectancy of human life, we need this degree. We will write a letter to the Medical Council of India to create this degree,” he said.


Source: http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_maharashtra-s-first-geriatric-centre-to-come-up-at-jj-hospital_1492539

Help Sailesh Mishra, Raise Fund for Silver Inning Foundation ,NGO dedicated for our Elderly

Iam raising Rs.5 lacs for Silver Innings Active Ageing Center,Mira Road.Center provides Elderly opportunities to interact with others in the community, and the mental, psychical and emotional stimulation through social activities.

Donate Online and support the cause of Elderly : United Way Mumbai -- Helping Build Sustainable Communities


Thks.

Sailesh Mishra
Founder President
Silver Inning Foundation
www.silverinnings.com

MHealth: Mobile technology brings healthcare home

Nativo Mira Esplugues is an active 85-year-old from Delta del Ebro, near Barcelona in Spain. He is recovering after having had a total knee replacement.

This is serious surgery, with a long recovery time. Nevertheless the wound is healing nicely, and he was discharged from hospital after just a week.

Normally Mr Esplugues would attend daily physiotherapy sessions. Instead, he is being monitored remotely through an interactive terminal at home.

He accesses the service through a touch screen interface, which shows him what to do.

"The application is no problem, you have only to touch the screen and that's all. The machine says to you what you have to do," he says.

It is connected to the internet by 3G, meaning the unit is not only portable, but accessible to people without broadband - which accounts for 85% of over-75s in Spain.

He straps on sensors containing accelerometers - devices which help ensure he is exercising correctly. They send data on his progress through the telemonitoring unit to his health care professionals.

Mr Esplugues is pleased with the system.

"Somebody has to take me to the hospital and back to my home. Here at home I feel better because I can choose my time, I can make my exercises at seven o'clock or eight o'clock or nine o'clock."
Challenging times

The technology has been developed by telecoms giant Telefonica.

An ageing - and expanding - population is presenting health care providers and governments with a budgetary crisis. In Europe about 7% of GDP is spent on healthcare, and in the US that figure rises to 15%.

Telecoms companies are also facing challenging times, with traditional markets reaching saturation, forcing them to explore other revenue streams.

Vodafone, Orange, AT&T Wireless, Turkey's Avea, and Japan's NTT DoCoMo are all investing in mobile healthcare.

At the Institut Municipal d'Investigació Mèdica (IMIM), attached to Barcelona's Hospital del Mar, cardiologist Dr Josep Comín is talking to one of his chronic heart patients at home, using video conferencing.

The patient is being followed through the remote monitoring terminal. The device tracks weight and heart rate, with scales and a blood pressure cuff using bluetooth technology. If a test is missed, a nurse contacts the patient to find out why.



Read More:
BBC News - MHealth: Mobile technology brings healthcare home

BBC News - Today - 'In my mind I'm still young'

Today's guest editor, Diana Athill, was surprised at how well her memoir on ageing was received internationally. Pakistan correspondent Aleem Maqbool speaks to his aunt and uncle in Lahore.

Excellent advice of staying young at old age.




Source:BBC News - Today - 'In my mind I'm still young'