Author: Irene Pastore

Hello! I am a Personal Trainer, Yoga and Pilates Instructor who specializes in fitness after 50. My service is Live Streaming. Connect with me from anywhere in the world. I look forward to helping you achieve your health and fitness goals.

Core Strength: A Key to Fall Prevention in Older Adults

July 24, 2024

Injuries From Falls Are Rising

Falls in older adults are becoming more common. Seniors who fall, may suffer serious injury, or death.

Falling down isn’t a natural part of aging.  It doesn’t have to happen. Prevention can go a long way to protect you.

Once injured from a fall, many older adults develop a fear of falling again. They may limit their activities, hoping to prevent another fall.

Latest Information from the Centers For Disease Control

  • Every year 1 out of 4 adults 65 and over falls.
  • 20 to 30 percent of people who fall, suffer moderate to severe injuries, such as cuts and bruises, fractured hips, and head trauma.
  • The most common areas subject to breaks, are the pelvis, spine, forearm, leg, hip, upper arm, and hand.
  • Most fatal falls occur at home.

How Core Strength Helps Older Adults

  • A stronger core means you’re more steady on your feet while going about your daily activities. 
  • Strengthening core muscles helps to maintain your independence.
  • Core strength improves your balance. You’re going to stop falling.
  • Life becomes more pleasant when you lose your fear of taking a fall.
  • You’ll be able to participate in recreational activities without fear of falling.

Questions about Core Strength Training For Active Agers are answered on my FAQ page.

Essential Tips for Hiking in Extreme Heat

July 23, 2024

If you’re planning a hiking trip into the deserts of Arizona, Utah, California, Colorado or Nevada, prepare yourself for extreme heat. Knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke can save your life.

Both conditions are avoidable provided you remain well-hydrated before and during your hike. Start your hike early before the sun comes up. Take short, slow hikes to maintain a consistent level of energy, and carry sufficient water for the duration of your trip.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

  • Lack of sweat
  • Red, hot and dry skin
  • Muscle weakness or cramps
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Lightheaded
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Rapid, shallow breathing
  • Throbbing headache

Heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition.

Symptoms of Heatstroke

  • Confusion
  • Hot, dry skin
  • A temperature of 104 degrees or higher
  • Racing heartbeat
  • Agitation
  • Slurred speech
  • Seizure
  • Lost of consciousness
  • Coma

Extreme Heat Hiking Risks: Recent Tragedies in Utah and Arizona

July 23, 2024

Three hikers died during June and July, 2024 while traversing trails in Utah and Arizona during extreme heat. A 50-year-old man from Texas died July 7 while attempting to reach the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, where temperatures are known to reach 120 degrees. In June a 69-year-old man collapsed and died while hiking the Grand Canyon.

A 52 year-old father died while hiking with his 23 year-old daughter after getting lost and running out of water on the Syncline Loop in Canyonlands National Park in Utah. Temperatures reached over 100 degrees. During the weekend of July 20th a 56 year-old woman died after running out of water while hiking in Utah in scorching heat.

Recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Read the news articles here from APNews.com and The Guardian.com

Why Do We Age? Scientists Are Figuring It Out.

July 22, 2024

This is an article from The New York Times on March 20, 2024. The author discusses typical factors that contribute to aging, such as wear and tear, dna, and cellular malfunction.

“According to some estimates, consumers spend $62 billion a year on ‘anti-aging’ treatments. But while creams, hair dyes and Botox can give the impression of youth, none of them can roll back the hands of time”.

At the moment, the best approach we have to slowing down the aging process is regular exercise, keeping weight down, and a nutritious diet. Maybe the day will arrive when, for those who want it, age reversal will be available in the form of a pill or an injection.

Read the entire article, Why Do We Age? Scientists Are Trying To Figure It Out.

Understanding Menopause: Symptoms and Solutions for Women

July 22, 2024

The following article was published on July 16, 2024 in Prevention Magazine. The author outlines topics of concern to women reaching menopause: defining menopause and perimenopause, common symptoms, cessation of birth control, vulnerability to developing health issues, and hormone therapy.

“After centuries of the topic being taboo, celebrities, tech entrepreneurs, and women wherever they gather are talking about menopause. But there’s still confusion, especially about how to deal with the symptoms”.

51 is the average age for the onset of menopause for American women .

Read the entire Prevention.com article, Your Most Pressing Menopause Questions, Answered By Doctors.

Carmen Dell’Orefice 94: The Timeless Supermodel

July 19, 2024

Carmen Dell’Orefice, supermodel and actress was born in 1931 in New York City. Her professional modeling career began in 1946 when she appeared on the cover of Vogue magazine at the age of 15. She’s been described as elegant, graceful and inspiring.

She is known in the fashion industry as the world’s oldest working supermodel. She is quoted in the Tampa Bay Times as saying “I am trying to set an example for young women and say you don’t have to become old and decaying, that they should keep on working on themselves until the day they die”.

You Tube Video: At 94, She Looks 55/Secrets of Youth – Carmen Dell’Orefice