Joan Lunden Shares her Secrets about Healthy Aging on Lombard Radio
Journalist, television personality and author Joan Lunden, best known for being one of TV's most popular co-hosts, appearing on Good Morning America for nearly two decades, will share her secrets about healthy aging on Aging info Radio on Sunday May 18 at 9am on AM 560 The ANSWER -WIND.
Even her long time TV stint didn't prepare Joan for the inherent challenges of taking care of her mother as her health slowly diminished. Like most people, Joan was suddenly confronted with dramatic decisions she had to make as a caregiver, and evolved from a daughter to the parent.
"We take care of people all the time, but we don't really see ourselves as caregivers until a crisis throws us into a serious situation. I didn't have a plan and knew nothing about options for caring for my mom. After making some ill-advised initial choices, I discovered A Place for Mom, where advisors lead me through the process so that I was making informed decisions about mom's care. I watched her spirits rise along with her health," related Joan, who is now the "face" of A Place for Mom in America.
Joan admitted that her biggest mistake in her mom's care was not recognizing the toll that isolation takes on a senior both psychologically and physically. While aging parents want to stay in their home, in many cases this isn't the best option, especially if a spouse has died and the wife or husband are all alone, since isolation is a huge health risk.
The myth that someone will go to a nursing home and die isn't relevant since many options are available for an enjoyable standard of living, such as senior communities and assisted living facilities which promotes interaction and activities.
"If I have one piece of advice for anyone, have a talk with your aging parents about their wishes for care, whether they have a living will, what their finances look like, and where they keep all of their important papers. The discussion can be difficult, but it should take place before health begins to deteriorate. You'll be ready to act when necessary so it doesn't become a crisis, like it did in my case," proposed Joan.
Joan also noted that caregiving puts a toll on the caregiver's mental and physical health, and she strongly advises that caregivers get enough sleep, and more importantly, rest. Joan advises everyone to get enough sleep, which brings along with it many benefits. So she tells everyone to sleep on memory foam mattresses, which are part of her Awaken Sleep solutions line, which can make an enormous difference in your energy and even your metabolism.
While a good night's sleep is a temporary respite from stress, Joan also holds an annual 4-day getaway for busy women at her Camp Reveille in Portland, Maine. The camp is a place to relax and interact with other women who are experiencing the same types of challenges. It's an escape from the multi-tasking world that weighs on busy moms and working caregiver women.
"It is a real treat to have Joan on our show because she shares our philosophy that while we all age, we can do it without growing older. With her keen interest in family, health, and wellness, she has continued to be a reassuring and informative presence in American homes for more than 30 years. She has inspired millions of people to play a more active role in their personal health," suggests Aging Info Radio host, Sue Zawacki.
Joan's most important advice is that that the investment we make in our bodies and lives today will be invaluable as we age. "Don't be afraid to say "YES" to things that will enrich your life," concludes Joan, who invited listeners to visit her website at www.joanlunden.com to learn more about healthy living and her products.
About AgingInfoRadio.com
Aging Info Radio broadcasts each Sunday morning from 9-10 am on AM 560The Answer-WIND. The coverage area for AM 560The Answer is all of Chicagoland, southern Wisconsin, N.W. Indiana and S.W. Michigan with the potential to reach nearly half a million listeners and millions more by the way of www.560TheAnswer-WIND.com where the show streams live. The show's philosophy is that boomers and seniors are aging, but not growing older. For more information or to stream past shows, visit www.aginginforadio.com.