Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Friday, September 27, 2013
The Science of Trips and Falls
Yoga routines exercise the spine along all planes. Additionally, there are specific balance exercises such as ek padasan, tadasan, veerbhadrasan, etc. Stithaprartanasan not only improves balance but also builds concentration and will power.
On Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 12:58 PM, P. Venkatraman <venkat.kanna@gmail.com> wrote:
From Athletes to the Elderly: The Science of Trips and Falls
New research into how we maintain our balance could help athletes and prevent falls among the elderly
New research into how we maintain our balance could help athletes and prevent falls among the elderly.Scientists are finding that maintaining stability and balance with each step we take requires complex coordination of foot placement, arm movement, trunk angle and neck and head motion. That's because every step is different from the one before it. There are slight variations in stride length and width and the angle at which the foot hits the ground, as well as small shifts of weight in the torso. People's bodies when walking must constantly make minuscule adjustments to accommodate these variations.Kelly Lynn JamesResearcher Kelly Frank demonstrates a study at the University of Texas at Austin of how people stay balanced. Reflective markers on her body help analyze movements.Other research is exploring how the brain controls our balance, which isn't well understood. A recent study identified a pocket of motion-detector neurons deep in the brain that sends out an alert when the body moves in unexpected ways, such as after stumbling on a crack in the sidewalk. The alert triggers compensating reactions throughout the body aimed at helping us to not fall down."The cerebellum is computing unexpected motion within milliseconds to send information to the spinal cord to maintain balance," says Kathleen Cullen, a physiology professor who performed the study with colleagues at McGill University in Montreal.The research on balance and stability could someday be used to help improve training techniques for athletes, such as skiers and gymnasts, for whom balance is critical, experts say. It also might be able to help doctors better predict people's risk of falling and lead to improvements in prevention and rehabilitation strategies. Falls are the number one reason for death and injury among people age 65 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than two million older people went to an emergency room in 2010 because of a fall, the CDC says.The body has three main systems that help us stay balanced. The visual system takes in information from the outside world and transmits it to the brain. The proprioceptive system, which incorporates sensory systems throughout the body, tells us how the body's parts are oriented relative to each other. And the vestibular system, located in the inner ear, focuses primarily on how the head is moving. Generally, if at least two of these systems are impaired, people tend to have trouble with balance.As people age, the vestibular system becomes less sensitive. Instead, individuals tend to rely more on their vision, which is relatively slow compared with the vestibular system. As a result, older people don't process information as quickly to correct for missteps, Dr. Cullen says.Sjoerd Bruijn, a post-doctoral researcher on the Faculty of Human Movement Sciences at VU University Amsterdam, has been mapping in a series of studies the tiny natural variations people make from one step to another to see if these can be used to indicate whether a person is unstable. Greater than normal variability, typical in older people, could indicate a higher risk of falling, he says.Other research, at the University of Texas at Austin, tracked healthy people as they walked and ran and found that older individuals are more at risk from small variations in steps than younger people. Jonathan Dingwell, a professor in the department of kinesiology and health education, said younger people can more quickly adjust to the changes than the elderly.The study was conducted by attaching reflective markers onto various parts of participants' bodies. The positions of the markers, which reflected infra-red light caught on cameras, were reconstructed in a computer to generate a digital image that allowed researchers to analyze the gait of the participant.Dr. Dingwell plans another study to track the relationship between variability in steps and risk of falling, by deliberately tripping older people walking on a split-belt treadmill. To avoid injury, participants wear a full-body harness, similar to what mountain climbers wear, that is attached by ropes to the ceiling.Whether walking more slowly helps to maintain balance isn't clear, and study results have been mixed. In one study of 10 healthy people who were faced with a moving platform that swayed from side to side, researchers found that more important than speed were shortening steps and increasing step width, according to research published in the Journal of Biomechanics in March.Foot placement is the primary mechanism for maintaining side-to-side balance. But sometimes foot placement is constrained, such as when people are attempting to walk a straight line. Instead, people use other parts of the body, particularly the upper body, including flinging arms, angling the trunk differently and making adjustments in the head and neck that allow the body to stabilize, says Art Kuo, a mechanical engineering professor at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.Less clear is how the brain controls balance. After implanting electrodes in the brains of monkeys, McGill's Dr. Cullen and her team have identified, for what is thought to be the first time, neurons in a small region of the cerebellum that respond to unexpected motion and alert the body to react. For instance, if a person starts to trip, the neck may flex to keep the head stable, the torso becomes more rigid so that the body remains upright and the legs and feet take a stutter step, she says. The study was published in May in the journal Current Biology. Dr. Cullen says additional research is planned to try to identify how the brain calculates when unexpected motion is happening.After a fall, older people often say they tripped or slipped. Researchers at Simon Fraser University, in Burnaby, British Columbia, wanted to observe what really happens. The team outfitted a long-term-care facility with video cameras and recorded residents going about their daily lives. They recorded 227 falls from 130 individuals over about three years. Tripping caused just 1 out of 5 of the incidents. The biggest reason for falling—accounting for 41% of the total—was due to incorrect weight shifting, like leaning over too far, says Stephen Robinovitch, a professor in the biomedical physiology and kinesiology and engineering science departments. Other, less frequent reasons for falling included loss of support with an external object, like a walker, or bumping into something.Dr. Robinovitch says a typical test in a doctor's office of older people's balance and risk of falling might involve watching them walk around. Assessments should be more involved, because a greater risk of losing their balance is when they are shifting their weight, such as standing up and sitting down, he says. The study was published in the journal The Lancet in January."The environment certainly is important but by and large intrinsic causes of imbalance dominate over extrinsic," Dr. Robinovitch says.
--
P. Venkatraman ( Kanna )
++91 98210 27556
Monday, September 23, 2013
Life After 60
Life After 60
But, it need not be so, if only we understand the basic principles of life and follow them scrupulously. Here are ten mantras to age gracefully and make life after retirement pleasant.
If you have time for one very special email today this is it.
1. Never say I am aged' : There are three ages, chronological, biological, and psychological. The first is calculated based on our date of birth; the second is determined by the health conditions; the third is how old we feel we are. While we don't have control over the first, we can take care of our health with good diet, exercise and a cheerful attitude. A positive attitude and optimistic thinking can reverse the third age.
2. Health is wealth: If you really love your kit and kin, taking care of your health should be your priority. Thus, you will not be a burden to them. Have an annual health check-up and take the prescribed medicines regularly. Do take health insurance coverage.
3. Money is important: Money is essential for meeting the basic necessities of life, keeping good health and earning family respect and security. Don't spend beyond your means even for your children. You have lived for them all through and it is time you enjoyed a harmonious life with your spouse. If your children are grateful and they take care of you, you are blessed. But, never take it for granted.
4. Relaxation and recreation: The most relaxing and recreating forces are a healthy religious attitude, good sleep, music and laughter. Have faith in God, learn to sleep well, love good music and see the funny side of life.
5. Time is precious: It is almost like holding a horses' reins. When they are in your hands, you can control them. Imagine that every day you are born again. Yesterday is a cancelled cheque. Tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is ready cash - use it profitably. Live this moment; live it fully, now, in the present time.
6. Change is the only permanent thing: We should accept change - it is inevitable. The only way to make sense out of change is to join in the dance. Change has brought about many pleasant things. We should be happy that our children are blessed.
7. Enlightened selfishness: All of us are basically selfish. Whatever we do, we expect something in return. We should definitely be grateful to those who stood by us.
But, our focus should be on the internal satisfaction and the happiness we derive by doing good for others, without expecting anything in return.
Perform a random act of kindness daily.
8. Forget and forgive: Don't be bothered too much about others' mistakes. We are not spiritual enough to show our other cheek when we are slapped in one.
But for the sake of our own health and happiness, let us forgive and forget them. Otherwise, we will be only increasing our blood pressure.
9. Everything has a purpose: Take life as it comes. Accept yourself as you are and also accept others for what they are. Everybody is unique and is right in his own way.
10. Overcome the fear of death: We all know that one day we have to leave this world. Still we are afraid of death. We think that our spouse and children will be unable to withstand our loss.
But the truth is no one is going to die for you; they may be depressed for some time. Time heals everything and they will go on.
Viewpoint expressed in "The Hindu."
Secrets of Old Age...
Take the time and accept the secrets of old age.
Do Not miss to click o this video
Friday, August 30, 2013
Saturday, August 17, 2013
websites for Seniors Citizens to help them learn basic computer
Under are few websites for Seniors Citizens to help them learn basic computer skills.
Skillful Senior - http://www.
BBC – Webwise - http://www.bbc.co.
Microsoft Accessibility - http://www.
HP Learning Center - http://h30440.www3.
Meganga - http://www.meganga.
GCF Learn Free - http://www.
- Yamini NairWednesday, July 31, 2013
How to stay 'safe' at old age:...........Money - Your last power at old age !
1. Do not retire. If you're over-aged, retire and get all the benefits but find another income-generating job or open a business that will keep you active physically and mentally. Travel and bond with true friends, play a sport, learn a new hobby and volunteer in your community or parish. Don't loaf around. Your spouse will hate you because you've become a sloppy, listless bum with nothing good to say about the household and things that you never bothered about before. Solve crossword puzzles, play Scrabble, write your memoirs, and above all, read ...this will keep you alert and keep Alzheimer's at bay.
2. Live in your own place to enjoy independence, privacy and a solo life.If you move in with your children, your rank or degree of importance is reduced to that of a bed spacer who has no place of honor or, worse, like crumbling furniture merely displayed with no added value. Might you kowtow to conform to their own rules that are not kind, considerate or mindful of you? If you witness your children engaged in a war of will and wits with your grandchildren, whom will you side with? Will they even appreciate your arbitration? Remind your children that silence is not a sign of weakness; you are merely processing data that is taking longer to complete.
3. Hold on to your nest egg, bank deposits and assets. If you want to help your children, do give, but not to the extent that you wipe out your life's earnings, singing heroically not a shirt on my back nor a penny to my name. Staying solvent and in the black is a good hedge against all kinds of tempests. You will sleep better, you will not be afraid to express your opinion and you will be confident about yourself.
4. Don't believe your children's promise to care for you when you grow old priorities change. Many children are not guilt-ridden or filled with a sense of moral obligation when the wife and offspring take top billing in their lives. There are still children who would consider it a privilege to show compassion, genuine love and deep concern for their parents but be warned that not all children think alike.
5. Expand your circle of friends to include young ones who will definitely outlive your old BFFs. Keep up with new inventions, trends, music and lifestyle including all the scams and schemes you should guard against. Remember that when you mix with the young, you also open a fresh avenue to channel your thoughts, experiences andvalues through so that the lessons you learned are not lost, forgotten or buried with you.
6. Be well groomed and smelling fresh of spring water all the time. There's nothing more depressing than seeing people exhale when you walk by because you reek of baul (camphor chest) or lupa (dirt). Old age or bust, don't look and smell like a corpse when you're not one yet.
7. Do not meddle in the life of your children. If they ask for your counsel, give it, but be ready to accept that they may not take it. Their situations in life cannot be compared to the situations that you experienced in your life. The playing field has changed and they need to develop their own set of survival skills. If you raised them to be street smart, they can handle themselves in tough situations and be able to read people. Champion and encourage their dreams and desires but on their own terms.
8. Do not use old age as your shield and justification for turning grumpy. There's nothing more annoying than an arrogant, old fool. Welcome each day as another chance to be kind and forgiving, to yourself and to others.
9. Listen to what others may say. Do not throw your weight around just because you are a septuagenarian or a nonagenarian. You are not a depository of knowledge. Even if the roles have been reversed, make growing old a fun-filled, pleasant experience for you and your brood.
10. Pray always and focus on your eternal life. You will definitely leave everything behind, a final journey detached from burden and care. Be more accepting that, sooner, not later, you will croak. Prepare your swan song with a humble and contrite heart. If you believe in a merciful and loving God, there is no need to strut like a star. Nobody is.
2. Live in your own place to enjoy independence, privacy and a solo life.If you move in with your children, your rank or degree of importance is reduced to that of a bed spacer who has no place of honor or, worse, like crumbling furniture merely displayed with no added value. Might you kowtow to conform to their own rules that are not kind, considerate or mindful of you? If you witness your children engaged in a war of will and wits with your grandchildren, whom will you side with? Will they even appreciate your arbitration? Remind your children that silence is not a sign of weakness; you are merely processing data that is taking longer to complete.
3. Hold on to your nest egg, bank deposits and assets. If you want to help your children, do give, but not to the extent that you wipe out your life's earnings, singing heroically not a shirt on my back nor a penny to my name. Staying solvent and in the black is a good hedge against all kinds of tempests. You will sleep better, you will not be afraid to express your opinion and you will be confident about yourself.
4. Don't believe your children's promise to care for you when you grow old priorities change. Many children are not guilt-ridden or filled with a sense of moral obligation when the wife and offspring take top billing in their lives. There are still children who would consider it a privilege to show compassion, genuine love and deep concern for their parents but be warned that not all children think alike.
5. Expand your circle of friends to include young ones who will definitely outlive your old BFFs. Keep up with new inventions, trends, music and lifestyle including all the scams and schemes you should guard against. Remember that when you mix with the young, you also open a fresh avenue to channel your thoughts, experiences andvalues through so that the lessons you learned are not lost, forgotten or buried with you.
6. Be well groomed and smelling fresh of spring water all the time. There's nothing more depressing than seeing people exhale when you walk by because you reek of baul (camphor chest) or lupa (dirt). Old age or bust, don't look and smell like a corpse when you're not one yet.
7. Do not meddle in the life of your children. If they ask for your counsel, give it, but be ready to accept that they may not take it. Their situations in life cannot be compared to the situations that you experienced in your life. The playing field has changed and they need to develop their own set of survival skills. If you raised them to be street smart, they can handle themselves in tough situations and be able to read people. Champion and encourage their dreams and desires but on their own terms.
8. Do not use old age as your shield and justification for turning grumpy. There's nothing more annoying than an arrogant, old fool. Welcome each day as another chance to be kind and forgiving, to yourself and to others.
9. Listen to what others may say. Do not throw your weight around just because you are a septuagenarian or a nonagenarian. You are not a depository of knowledge. Even if the roles have been reversed, make growing old a fun-filled, pleasant experience for you and your brood.
10. Pray always and focus on your eternal life. You will definitely leave everything behind, a final journey detached from burden and care. Be more accepting that, sooner, not later, you will croak. Prepare your swan song with a humble and contrite heart. If you believe in a merciful and loving God, there is no need to strut like a star. Nobody is.
Money - Your last power at old age !
Thursday, July 11, 2013
USEFUL LINKS FOR SR. CITIZENS AND CAREGIVERS ...HARMONY MAGAZINE
USEFUL LINKS
Here are some useful sites for silvers. If you come upon a site that you think other visitors will enjoy, email it to contact.us@harmonyindia.org
Happy surfing!
Advice
www.lifegoeson.in
www.elderwisdomcircle.org
www.fathom.com
http://societyforservingseniors.satyamcsr.org/
http://www.silverinnings.com/
www.elderwisdomcircle.org
www.fathom.com
http://societyforservingseniors.satyamcsr.org/
http://www.silverinnings.com/
Careers
Caregiving
www.eldess.com
www.elderweb.com
www.caregiver.org
www.eldersearch.com
www.ElderLivingSource.com
www.newlifestyles.com
www.eldercareteam.com
www.seniors-site.com
www.aging-parents-and-elder-care.com
http://seniorhousing.botw.org/
Chats, forums and pen pals
www.elderweb.com
www.caregiver.org
www.eldersearch.com
www.ElderLivingSource.com
www.newlifestyles.com
www.eldercareteam.com
www.seniors-site.com
www.aging-parents-and-elder-care.com
http://seniorhousing.botw.org/
Chats, forums and pen pals
www.e-seniors-village.com
www.online96.com/chat
www.babyboomerbistro.org.uk
www.seniors.s5.com/
www.online96.com/seniors/
www.writeseniors.com
www.online96.com/chat
www.babyboomerbistro.org.uk
www.seniors.s5.com/
www.online96.com/seniors/
www.writeseniors.com
Cooking
www.fatfree.com
www.tarladalal.com/TotalHealthRecipes.asp
www.agingwell.state.ny.us/eatwell/recipes/index.htm
www.clevelandseniors.com/home/cooking.htm
www.mealsforyou.com
www.mediterrasian.com/delicious_recipes.htm
www.asiafood.org/recipe_home.cfm
www.tarladalal.com/TotalHealthRecipes.asp
www.agingwell.state.ny.us/eatwell/recipes/index.htm
www.clevelandseniors.com/home/cooking.htm
www.mealsforyou.com
www.mediterrasian.com/delicious_recipes.htm
www.asiafood.org/recipe_home.cfm
Diagnostic calculators
Entertainment and brain training
http://www.300incredible.com/main.htm
www.happy-neuron.com
www.brainbuilder.com
www.brainage.com
www.50plusfun.com/index.htm
http://www.300incredible.com/main.htm
www.happy-neuron.com
www.brainbuilder.com
www.brainage.com
www.50plusfun.com/index.htm
General
www.helpageindia.org
www.seniorindian.com
www.dignityfoundation.com
www.aarp.org
www.eons.com
www.thirdage.com
www.seniorsnetwork.co.uk
www.50plus.org
www.agenet.com
www.online96.com/seniors/
www.go60.com
www.MatureResources.org
www.50plus-feeling30.com
www.grandtimes.com/
www.seniors.yahoo.com
www.suddenlysenior.com
seniorliving.about.com
www.seniorswitch.com
www.4seniors.4anything.com
www.wiredseniors.com
www.cennet.co.uk
www.seniorworld.com
www.seniorglobe.com
primeseason.com
www.only-seniors.com
www.matureconnections.com
www.50plus.com
www.boomretirement.com
www.saga.co.uk
www.seniorindian.com
www.dignityfoundation.com
www.aarp.org
www.eons.com
www.thirdage.com
www.seniorsnetwork.co.uk
www.50plus.org
www.agenet.com
www.online96.com/seniors/
www.go60.com
www.MatureResources.org
www.50plus-feeling30.com
www.grandtimes.com/
www.seniors.yahoo.com
www.suddenlysenior.com
seniorliving.about.com
www.seniorswitch.com
www.4seniors.4anything.com
www.wiredseniors.com
www.cennet.co.uk
www.seniorworld.com
www.seniorglobe.com
primeseason.com
www.only-seniors.com
www.matureconnections.com
www.50plus.com
www.boomretirement.com
www.saga.co.uk
Grandparenting
www.grandloving.com
www.igrandparents.com
www.egrandparents.com
www.grandsplace.com
www.goodgranny.com
www.legacyproject.com
www.igrandparents.com
www.egrandparents.com
www.grandsplace.com
www.goodgranny.com
www.legacyproject.com
Health and beauty
www.medindia.net
www.bbc.co.uk/health
www.doctorndtv.com/home/default.asp
www.healthandage.com
www.home-remedies-for-you.com
www.seniorhealth.about.com
www.elixirnews.com
www.scienceforseniors.org/links.shtml
www.neuroswing.com/gpr100.html
www.senior-health-news.com
www.seniormag.com/index.html
www.cosmeticsurgeryanswers.co.uk
www.health.nih.gov/search.asp/27
www.savethefoot.com
www.thenaturallook.co.uk
http://www.healthinaging.org/agingintheknow/
http://www.healthopedia.com/
http://www.rxlist.com/
www.medindia.net
www.bbc.co.uk/health
www.doctorndtv.com/home/default.asp
www.healthandage.com
www.home-remedies-for-you.com
www.seniorhealth.about.com
www.elixirnews.com
www.scienceforseniors.org/links.shtml
www.neuroswing.com/gpr100.html
www.senior-health-news.com
www.seniormag.com/index.html
www.cosmeticsurgeryanswers.co.uk
www.health.nih.gov/search.asp/27
www.savethefoot.com
www.thenaturallook.co.uk
http://www.healthinaging.org/agingintheknow/
http://www.healthopedia.com/
http://www.rxlist.com/
Helplines
BENGALURU
HelpAge India: 22124594
Nightingale Helpline: 1090
Dignity Helpline: 080 - 41511307
HelpAge India: 22124594
Nightingale Helpline: 1090
Dignity Helpline: 080 - 41511307
CHANDIGARH
Chandigarh Police's Helpline for Senior Citizens: 1090
Chandigarh Police's Helpline for Senior Citizens: 1090
CHENNAI
HelpAge India: 25322149
Dignity Helpline: 044 - 42133002
HelpAge India: 25322149
Dignity Helpline: 044 - 42133002
DELHI
Delhi Police's Senior Citizens' Helpline: 1291
Senior Citizens' Security Cell: 23490010, 23494336, 23490233
HelpAge India: 42030400
Agewell Foundation: 29836486, 29840484
Delhi Police's Senior Citizens' Helpline: 1291
Senior Citizens' Security Cell: 23490010, 23494336, 23490233
HelpAge India: 42030400
Agewell Foundation: 29836486, 29840484
HYDERABAD
HelpAge India: 27428472, 27427066
Heritage Trust Helpline: 23390000
HelpAge India: 27428472, 27427066
Heritage Trust Helpline: 23390000
KOLKATA
Senior Citizens' Helpline: 9830088884
Senior Citizens' Helpline: 9830088884
MANGALORE
Nightingale Helpline: 1090
Nightingale Helpline: 1090
MUMBAI
Mumbai Police's Elder Line: 1090, 103
Dignity Helpline: 022 - 61381100
HelpAge India: 26370740, 26370754
Senior Citizens' Helpline: 23898078, 23898079
Mumbai Police's Elder Line: 1090, 103
Dignity Helpline: 022 - 61381100
HelpAge India: 26370740, 26370754
Senior Citizens' Helpline: 23898078, 23898079
PUNE
Shweta Association for Vitiligo: 09923709210 [Dr Maya Tulpule]
Pune Police's Senior Citizens' Helpline: 1091
Dignity Helpline: 020 - 30439100
Shweta Association for Vitiligo: 09923709210 [Dr Maya Tulpule]
Pune Police's Senior Citizens' Helpline: 1091
Dignity Helpline: 020 - 30439100
Libraries
Marketing
www.InternetSeniorSuccess.com
www.second50years.com
www.advantage50plus.com
www.researchingseniors.com/1tip.htm
www.smartandrich.com
www.seniorized.com
www.agenet.com
www.seniormedia.com/marketing/newsletter/nlindex.html
www.seniorsworldnetwork.us
News and lifestyle
www.second50years.com
www.advantage50plus.com
www.researchingseniors.com/1tip.htm
www.smartandrich.com
www.seniorized.com
www.agenet.com
www.seniormedia.com/marketing/newsletter/nlindex.html
www.seniorsworldnetwork.us
News and lifestyle
www.seniorsworldchronicle.com
www.seniorjournal.com
www.brandnewyoumagazine.com
www.todaysseniorsnetwork.com
www.seniorsomething.com
www.homefrontmagazine.com
www.bonzer.org.au
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sss-global/
www.seniorjournal.com
www.brandnewyoumagazine.com
www.todaysseniorsnetwork.com
www.seniorsomething.com
www.homefrontmagazine.com
www.bonzer.org.au
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sss-global/
Nostalgia
Retirement
www.demko.com
www.RetirementLifeToday.com
www.2young2retire.com
www.retired.com
www.YourRetirement.org
http://www.rrewa.org/
Search engines
www.RetirementLifeToday.com
www.2young2retire.com
www.retired.com
www.YourRetirement.org
http://www.rrewa.org/
Search engines
Shopping
www.goldviolin.com
www.MySteppingStone.com
www.dynamic-living.com
www.seniorcelebration.com
www.seniorssuperstores.com
www.productsforseniors.com
www.msglobaldirect.comwww.glad.net
www.Thrifty50.com
www.exclusivelyseniors.com
www.activesenior.com
www.metropolisindia.com
www.seniorshops.com
www.thevitalityshopuk.com
www.MySteppingStone.com
www.dynamic-living.com
www.seniorcelebration.com
www.seniorssuperstores.com
www.productsforseniors.com
www.msglobaldirect.comwww.glad.net
www.Thrifty50.com
www.exclusivelyseniors.com
www.activesenior.com
www.metropolisindia.com
www.seniorshops.com
www.thevitalityshopuk.com
Technology
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