The Silver Tsunami – A Rosy Outlook for Baby Boomers?

Baby-Boomers-2

There are approximately 73 million baby boomers in the United States. The age range for baby boomers is roughly from 57 to 75 years old, as they were born between 1946 and 1964.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 10% of baby boomers are categorized as poor or at a poverty level. This means that they have an income below the poverty line, which is defined as $12,760 for a single person and $25,750 for a family of four in 2023.

But beyond that, what is the outlook for baby boomers over the remainder of their retirement years?

Influencing Our Genetic Expression for Better Health

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Recently, I discovered that while our DNA remains unchangeable, we can significantly influence how our genes are expressed through a process involving RNA. This led me to delve into the intricacies of gene transcription, the process where DNA is converted into RNA. I also explored the role that your microbiome, or the communities of microorganisms in our bodies, play in this process. This is particularly relevant because gene expression through transcription and translation shapes the proteins our bodies produce. These proteins, in turn, regulate various bodily functions.  

Learn what I found out and determine for yourself if this makes sense to you!

The Link Between Dementia and Diet

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An Examination of Current Research, the Gut Brain Axis, and Viome’s Proposition

Dementia is a progressive neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities, including memory, thinking, and problem-solving skills. While the exact cause of dementia is still unknown, recent research has suggested a potential link between diet and the risk of developing this condition. This article will explore the findings of a study published on Medical News Today[1], which discusses the relationship between diet and dementia and the proposition of Viome, a company that offers personalized nutrition recommendations based on an individual’s gut microbiome[2].

Insulin Resistance and Alzheimer’s

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Postprandial insulin response refers to the increase in insulin levels that occurs after eating. This response is an important aspect of glucose metabolism, as insulin helps to regulate blood sugar levels and prevent hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Insulin signals cells to take up glucose from the blood, which is then used for energy or stored for later use.

However, the postprandial insulin response can be excessive for some individuals, leading to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, resulting in higher levels of insulin needed to regulate blood sugar levels. Over time, this can lead to an increased risk of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and, surprisingly, Alzheimer’s disease.

Is Senior Care in Mexico an Option?

Cielito Lindo Resident Room

Open To Exploring Options

If you are reading this article, then you must be open to at least exploring the possibility that senior care in Mexico might offer a viable solution in contrast to what you have been finding in the US. So let’s begin by characterizing what is commonly found in the US. Then let’s try to put aside whatever misinformation or prejudices you may have been fed about Mexico. Lastly, we will go into greater detail on the reasons that senior care in Mexico might be a better solution, at least for some.

Healthcare Power of Attorney (POA)

Healthcare Power of Attorney

Our last article covered more of the technical aspects of various types of Power of Attorney and how to go about getting one in place. This article deals more with the considerations that go into getting your healthcare wishes articulated in a way that ensures they will be honored via a Living Will, a Durable Healthcare Power of Attorney, or both.

Financial Power of Attorney (POA)

Financial Power of Attorney POA

As our parents (and we) get older, there is a greater risk for a sudden change in physical or cognitive health such that someone else needs to step in and either assist with or entirely take over their health and/or financial decisions. The instrument for assigning someone these powers is a Power of Attorney.

A financial POA can be challenging to get into place because there are high levels of fear, uncertainty, and trust involved. Who, in their’ right mind’ would want to assign the rights over to someone else, even your most trusted child? The problem is that in your ‘wrong mind,’ it is too late to make this assignment.

Is Alzheimer’s an Inevitability?

Is Alzheimer's an Inevitability

Alzheimer’s disease is a relentlessly progressive, neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory loss and impaired cognition, a decline in one’s ability to perform activities of daily living, and changes in personality and behavior. The increasing severity of symptoms over time ultimately leaves the patient entirely dependent on others for care.

Early Alzheimers Detection?

Early Alzheimer's Detection?

What sort of diagnostics have been, and are, used to diagnose dementia in general and specifically Alzheimer’s? How effective and useful are they in enabling early treatment of the disease?

The bottom line is that we most commonly arrive upon an Alzheimer’s diagnosis when the individual is showing very clear signs, and as a result, we have been missing the opportunity to treat and slow the progress for the last 10, 15, even 20 years before the more extreme symptoms manifest.

Manage Getting Older

Loving Older Couple

As we grow older, we experience many changes, both physically and emotionally. Coping with these changes can add stress to your life (not healthy). The vitality we once had as young men and women is now gone, and this serves as a signpost that we are getting closer to the end of our life. On the positive side, if we take good care of ourselves, we can greatly increase our chances for many more years where the quality of life is high.