Senior Health Connection

Immunization Update for Seniors

Every year, thousands of older adults get sick or die from diseases that can be prevented by vaccines. Pneumonia and influenza are among the top 10. Talk to your doctor to be sure you are up-to-date on your vaccinations for:

• Flu — all adults 65 and over, especially those in poor health
• Pneumonia — all adults 65 and over and anyone under 65 who has HIV or diabetes, is alcoholic or has chronic liver, heart, lung, or renal disease
• Tetanus — every 10 years for adults, every five years for older adults
• Diphtheria — required if you haven’t had a booster shot in 10 years or more
• Polio and Hepatitis A — if traveling to areas where polio or hepatitis A is prevalent, even if immunized as a child
• Hepatitis B — if you have had sex with more than one person in the last six months, had a sexually transmitted disease, are a man who has sex with other men, received certain blood products, or are on dialysis
• Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) — protects against these three deadly diseases
• Varicella (Chickenpox) — if you have never had chickenpox and are a health-care/ child-care worker or resident/staff in an institutional setting, are in the military, or travel internationally

Common Health Mistakes Seniors Make

Staying healthy while aging means more than just “taking your meds.” Here are some mistakes seniors tend to make:

• Not exercising. Regular exercise keeps muscles strong, makes your heart and lungs work better, burns calories, prevents depression, improves sleep, and helps keep you independent.
• Not eating a healthful diet. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy foods, more chicken and fish, less red meat, and less fat, salt, and cholesterol.
• Not maintaining a healthful weight. Obesity stresses your heart and joints and increases your risk for cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, and stroke. Eat less, exercise more.
• Not giving up bad habits. Statistics show seniors can benefit even more than younger people from giving up bad habits and taking up healthful ones.
• Not maintaining mental health. Depression isn’t “normal” at any age. If you feel hopeless, anxious, or suicidal, see your doctor!