Expert offers advice on balancing act of aging

The heron is more than a beloved icon of local wildlife—it is a perfect guide for one way of preserving one’s long-term health, according to Dr. Daniel Deems. The head and neck specialist offered advice on best practices for preventative care at any age during a Jan. 15 seminar at The Paradise Center.

Deems said a significant starting point for assessing balance skills is to practice standing on one foot, keeping track of the time and height that is comfortable to maintain. He encouraged all attendees to give it a try, monitoring their progress over the course of a few weeks, aiming to reach at least 20 seconds consistently.

The one-leg stand is only one of the suggestions he offered for staying active, improving balance and preserving brain function. Deems also lauded the benefits of simply reading a physical book or journal, giving a deep belly laugh, or dancing in the kitchen while cooking.

Speaking of the patients he’s treated, Deems shared the story of a 105-year-old man who wished to improve his movement abilities.

“He couldn’t ambulate without a walker,” he said. “But he had a younger wife—she was only 99—and he wanted to dance with her. I remember the first time they danced together, and we all cried. They danced to ‘Spanish Eyes.’ There is no age beyond which you can’t engage with activities to make your brain grow.”

Photo by Dana Kampa

Documentation is an essential starting point for taking an active role in one’s healthcare, he added. He encouraged anyone who uses Medicare to utilize the free annual wellness visit to which they are entitled. Having that knowledge of any potential health risks helps patients secure any necessary referrals and creates a path to taking an active role in protecting their long-term health.

“You need to help your doc help you,” he said.

Along with movement, Deems advised senior community members to build healthy habits for nutrition, sleep, hydration and social engagement to invest in their lifelong health. He also encouraged attendees to seek out up-to-date health information, like the Healthy Aging publication by Mayo Clinic, while being critical of the source.

The Tidewell Foundation plans to hold another seminar with Deems on Feb. 24. For a full calendar of The Paradise Center’s upcoming events, visit TheParadiseCenter.org/ongoing-classes.