Seniors and Vitamin D

Last month I visited my doctor's office for a yearly blood test and prescription refill. My doctor told me all the doctors in the practice were "pushing" vitamin D, and he thought I should start taking it along with my daily multivitamin. I asked him if it would help the SAD (seasonal affective disorder) I was struggling with and he said, "Absolutely."

Yesterday his office called to confirm that advice, as apparently my blood test revealed I was depleted in that area. In fact, they doubled the amount I had already started taking.

Today I found several articles on Senior Journal dot com that affirmed my doctors advice. An increasing number of studies show low levels of vitamin D are an invitation for some deadly diseases to take over our bodies. As vitamin E is losing it's popularity, vitamin D is picking up steam as studies prove it is a helpful deterrent against diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis.

Check with your doctor, obtain a blood test if necessary, and follow your doctor's recommendation before proceeding with any dosage.

Those who spend a lot of time in the sun, drink plenty of milk, and obtain vitamin D in other ways, probably won't need any additional vitamin D. But, if you live in a frigid climate such as MI, as I do, and your diet is lacking in this essential vitamin, you may want to make sure you get the nutrients you need.

To read these important articles, click on this link => SeniorJournal.com. There are a growing number of articles that will confirm vitamin D is a most important nutrient for an increasing number of people, especially seniors.

Communications 101: Back to the Basics

Most of us tend to be social creatures. Emotionally, we need interaction with other people.

The week after my mother's funeral, Dad began attending Tuesday and Thursday senior lunch programs just a couple blocks from his home. He already knew several people who attended and has met many more during the past four years.

For a while he enjoyed the day trips offered through the Senior Center, but due to his eyesight he decided he was no longer able to attend.

That same week, he also purchased a motorized vehicle which enabled him to get around town. Driving himself to the dentist, barbershop, drug store, and several local restaurants gave him a freedom he had not experienced in quite a while.

Dad and his brother were born with limited eyesight. He attended the School for the Blind during his high school years. Dad was also color blind most of his life due to a childhood illness. He has not had a drivers license since his thirties and has had to depend on others for transportation for many years.

His travels around town, connecting with other people, provided him a social life he would not otherwise have enjoyed.

Dad belongs to the local Masonic Temple and has actively participated in their meetings as well as attended meetings in several neighboring towns. His fellow Masons provide rides to most of the functions. I tease him about his "guys night out", but I believe it has helped him after the loss of his wife.

Between the Senior Center and the Masons, Dad has something to look forward to other than sitting in his chair and watching TV or listening to his talking books. When I first moved in with him, I noticed his struggle with depression. Being actively involved in outside activities has brought him new energy and the opportunity to look to the future.

On another communication note: This afternoon I am meeting a friend at our local cappuccino spot for coffee and conversation. In her early 70's, she provides care for her eighty-five-year- old husband who has Alzheimer's. We met through a local writers group in the fall of 2006 and meet on occasion to chat. With mid-eighties men and a love of writing in common, we enjoy our time together.

We need our social time, whether we are the senior needing care or the caregiver in need of respite. Having a specific place to go, meeting new people or touching base with old friends, enlarging our circle and opening our minds to new and varied topics provides us the opportunity to keep moving forward.

As we age we are sometimes tempted to spend too much time dwelling on the past. Our social network helps us plan and anticipate, look forward to the next meeting, laugh, enjoy, and experience life outside the home, at least for a couple of hours.

If possible, reach out today and connect with a friend. You'll be glad you did.