We often talk about eating whole foods and staying active in order to achieve optimal health, but many of us tend to overlook the importance of sun exposure as we age.

This is not entirely the fault of the individual, as many health campaigns, focused on reducing skin cancer, have created a near-phobia of the sun in many people.

As with most things related to health, balance is required. It is not wise to have skin exposed to the sun for long periods in the middle part of the day when burning is likely.

It is just as unwise to avoid the sun altogether, as our bodies rely on the sun’s rays for our adequate vitamin D requirements. Getting out in the sun and soaking up vitamin D is very important for keeping our bodies healthy against many age-related diseases. Continue reading →

‘Pets as therapy’. This is a phrase that you may have heard and with good reason. Pets are excellent for keeping us healthy and are often used as therapy, especially for those getting on in years.

Of course, you don’t have to be older to benefit from having a pet around. It’s just that as we age, or enter our maturing years, a pet helps to keep a greater focus on the now. Many elderly citizens worry about their future, their tomorrow. What if it doesn’t come? A pet, by its needs and its actions, helps to keep them thinking of ‘right now’.

Having this mindset is particularly helpful for those who are battling with a disease. Their thoughts of tomorrow may bring fear and unnecessary worry. These feelings of anxiousness can hugely decrease or even cease to exist once they start caring for a pet. Continue reading →