As we wander, intentionally or not, into the minefield of being seniors, or caring for them, the issues of disabilities often come to the fore. In fact, they usually slap us in the face with intensity of their presence.

Although disabilities are not limited to seniors, it is at that time of life that our control becomes limited over their interference in our lives. Bella Online has some terrific forums and editors dealing with the individual issues of disabilities, from thyroid conditions to diabetes. I encourage you to browse the forums, and check out my list of suggested information article, which can be found in the bar on the left. "Bella Editors are here to Help."

My focus today is more on the mental and emotional emphasis that we put on the ailments of getting older. What ways we can realistically change our mindset to allow us to make it through our days without too much pain or discomfort? Are you irritated about all the trite sayings and quotes we have heard: You are only old as you feel. or, Aging is mind over matter; if you do not mind, it does not matter! Good! Then maybe there is hope for your senior years!

The twilight years, or senior years by any other name, still create in us a focus on what we are losing, rather than what we are gaining. I don't want do the Pollyanna song and dance, getting older can be a fearful, uncertain time. In addition, there are other factors that come into play as well; the economy, family dynamics and the growth of technology in our everyday lives. Nevertheless, I still believe we can learn to control what of our environment and health issues we can (or those of our elderly parents) by keeping positive and alert. My mother used to say, Be alert... The world needs more lerts! So I recommend to you taking on the mantle of lertness.

Presently I go to U.C. Davis Medical Center for my routine doctor visits. They have a computerized system that keeps my fabulous doctor, Meredith Coble, D.O. [osteopathic physician] and me on the same page. Each visit, I get a printout of what medication I am taking (including those over-the-counter and herbal remedies I take, that the doctor and I have discussed) and what my latest blood sugar, blood pressure, and/or lab test results show. Future appointments are listed, and contact information for my doctor. It is an incredible help. If your doctor's office doesn't have such a system in place, ask about it, having everything written down in one place is a real boon.

Let's take a closer look at Senior disability. The ones that come to mind most readily are those of mobility, hearing and vision. I realize that these are not necessarily senior ONLY issues, but rather more likely to appear in seniors. I am profoundly hard of hearing, and have been since birth, so my hearing issues are definitely not senior related. However, my husband's are, and knowing more about hearing problems and causes has helped me be supportive of him as he struggles with his loss of hearing.

Mobility is a constant worry for seniors, even with the newest technology that keeps us moving longer (knee replacements or motorized chairs.) This is a place where such sayings as "use it or lose it" might actually be useful! Move. Every day. As much you can. For example, a month ago, our car was stolen. It took 2 weeks for the police to find it, and return it. During those two weeks, we did some serious re-evaluating of our lifestyle and needs. We are fortunate to live in a suburban area with lots of trees and sidewalks, and many services nearby; the library, the post office, the movie store, the grocery, and the coffee spot are all within walking distance. Therefore, we walked. We have our car back now, and guess what; we have weaned ourselves of its use except for long trips. Both of my knees were replaced in a total knee replacement operation some years ago, so I understand the struggles with mobility, and walking daily has been a blessing, not a curse! Water Aerobics are great as well, I can keep moving without a great deal of impact on those stiffer joints and muscles.

For further info on senior health and disabilities look at what Bella Online Editors have to offer. The better educated you are about your life's issues, the better prepared you are to deal with those circumstances in a healthy, upbeat way. Be Alert!