Four Health Signs that could Change Your Life

Photo provided by LifeHealth

Many of us are concerned about our health. Whether or not our heart beat maintains a proper rhythm, if our airflow is normal or are we short of breath, is my cough really something more than just the common cold? We have these few signs or symptoms that encourage us to call the doctor in order to have them checked out, maybe get a diagnosis.

Now, according to The Toronto Star, there are four new signs that can help aging adults determine whether or not they are at risk for contracting heart disease or even having a heart attack. These four symptoms include: Earlobe creases, hairline receding at the temples, baldness at the crown of the head and yellow fat deposits around the eyelids.

These findings, presented at the American Heart Association meeting, showed "that patches of fatty bumps around the eyes were the strongest single predictor of cardiovascular illness among the four traits."

At the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, researchers discovered that "people with at least three of these characteristics had a 57 per cent greater risk for a heart attack and a 39 per cent higher chance of heart disease," said The Star.

These recent discoveries are not only stipulated as signs of aging, but that it is aging in an unhealthy manner. Although there are more studies that are expected to delve into the matter, one of the more commonly known risk factors that could cause a heart disease or attack is high cholesterol.

Regardless of our health symptoms, what's important is taking care of them. If you are feeling weary or concerned about something, there is no harm in asking to have it looked at. It's important to ensure that your body is "fully tuned" and in working order.

It’s all in the “Can-do” Attitude

Photo by: David Madison/Getty Images 

The Little Engine That Could has it right; “I think I can” gets you places. It may be a children’s book that is meant to teach kids the value of optimism and hard work, but it’s a message that can be targeted to all ages.

This can-do attitude resides in 50-year-old Adrienne Lotson, who is running her first marathon race on Sunday. Her motivation stems from the death of her mother a few years earlier, who lived a some-what inactive lifestyle. Lotson told The Wall Street Journal, “While walking during a four-mile race in Central Park last year, [she] was encouraged by a fellow runner to try running the last mile. To her surprise, she pulled it off with ease, and since then has become a 12-minute miler alternating walking with running.” 

Lotson used to think marathon runners were “certifiably insane.” But now, she is giving herself the ultimate challenge, all because she changed her mind, decided to amend her lifestyle and believed that she could do it. And it’s not just her who has decided to do so.

The Journal reported on a study, completed by Running USA, that “runners 50 years and older represent one of the fastest-growing age groups participating in the increasingly popular events. As the total number of runners finishing marathons in the U.S. doubled to 518,000 in the 20 years ending 2011, the number of finishers age 50 and older nearly tripled to 92,200.”

So as the population of runners (and their age) increases, growing concern over health issues arise. But the CBC News Health reported that older marathon runners face no greater health risks than younger runners. If you train well and stay hydrated, you should be OK.

According to Alan Culpepper, an Olympic distance runner who specializes in training older marathoners, older bodies generally need more hydration and nutrition, particularly during long runs. "If you're in your 40s or 50s or older, you should be taking in something at every water station, ideally a sports drink if your stomach can handle it," he told The Journal.

If you take care of yourself, and have an attitude that gets you motivated, you can accomplish great things. Just ask 81-year-old Ed Whitlock, he ran the Toronto Marathon earlier this month in three hours and 30 minutes, beating the previous age-81 best by 16 minutes. So where is the harm in trying? Switch it up a little bit and try something new! And for all those who have decided to challenge themselves, we know you can do it, and good luck!

And for all you tech-savvy runners out there, click here to see the top 10 essential iPhone apps for you!

Entering the workforce… Again? Here’s how:

Image provided by Comfort Life.

“People want a continuing sense of purpose.”

- Ross Mayot, Vice President 

of Community Development for 

CARP and SERC Board Member

It doesn’t matter what age you are, we all have trouble finding that perfect job. Although, we don’t all face the same challenges. Over the past few months, there has been quite a bit of talk in the workforce about age discrimination around the world and how it can be prevented. It’s intimidating thinking you’ve already been rejected from a new job position due to your wiser years. And yet, shouldn’t that experience be giving you a leg up?

According to Paul Bernard, “You can land a good position after 50 if you know how to overcome the perception during job interviews that you’re too old.” The founder and principal of Paul Bernard & Associates (a life-coaching and career management consulting firm), he recognizes that although individuals in their 50s and 60s have to work harder, getting a new job is still attainable.

And what’s the best way to do this Paul?

“The best way to combat age bias is to make sure interviewers have no doubt that you've got the drive, enthusiasm, dedication and focus of a younger worker as well as valuable skills derived from your years of experience. You’re nimble and have a background that will help an employer save money and avoid making mistakes.”

And if that isn’t enough, Bernard has set out a small guideline of how you can impress a future employer in an interview, and why you would be a great addition to the team:

1. Prove that experience has taught you when (and when not) to take risks.
2. Note that you’re an innovator, but not someone who’s constantly looking to reinvent the wheel.
3. Demonstrate that you’re flexible.
4. Explain that you’re skilled in social media, but also know that importance of one-on-one connections.
5. Highlight your collaborative skills, but make sure the interviewer realizes you know how to make tough decisions on your own.
6. Enthusiastically point out that you embrace change, but also know that change can be difficult.
7. Finally, create the impression that you’re high-energy and loyal.

If you aren’t sure what the law entails when it comes to working in Canada, then visit their website, here, and find out your rights as an employee in the workplace. We are all entitled to fairness and equality, regardless of our age, so don’t let your fear of being rejected stop you from re-entering the workforce.

If you are interested in learning more about this topic, SERC’s Business of Aging: Information Exchange Network will be hosting a breakfast on January 30 to discuss all aspects of older adults in the workplace.