How to Cope with Chronic Illness: 11 Strategies

Sarasota, Florida, offers a wealth of resources to support seniors in leading healthy, active, and fulfilling lives. From healthcare services to community engagement programs, these resources are designed to meet the diverse needs of the aging population.Healthcare ServicesAccess to quality healthcare is paramount. Sarasota provides various medical services, including specialized geriatric care, wellness programs, and rehabilitation services.Transportation AssistanceReliable transportation is essential for seniors to maintain independence. Local programs offer affordable and accessible transportation options for medical appointments, shopping, and social activities.Community EngagementStaying socially active contributes to overall well-being. Sarasota's community centers and organizations host events, classes, and volunteer opportunities tailored for seniors.Financial and Legal AssistanceNavigating financial and legal matters can be complex. Resources are available to assist with budgeting, estate planning, and understanding benefits.Explore Senior Resources in SarasotaFor a comprehensive list of senior resources in Sarasota, visit our directory:Senior Resources in Sarasota

It is a sad commentary on our current cultural worldview that sunlight is widely perceived to be harmful, a cancer-causing threat. But what does the research actually say? And does this research affect older adults differently than other people?Spectrum: For starters, we should understand that sunlight is a complex combination of photons, with different wavelengths and properties. The sun is the original full-spectrum illumination, while both incandescent and LED lights emit, as one might expect, mostly visible-spectrum light.Intensity: The other important variable is the intensity of light, measured in LUX units (a foot away from one candle): direct sun comes in at 100,000; a cloudy day at 1,000; a kitchen or office measures 500; and a living room only 50. Thats why you need to get outside.UV: At one extreme is ultraviolet light (UV), whose wavelength is slightly shorter than visible violet. With regard to our health, UV is a mixed bag.It does cause sunburns, damages DNA, and triggers the aging of skin. It is also statistically associated with malignant melanoma, although, curiously, not with increased deaths from melanoma (because these cancers are mostly treatable).On the other hand, there are numerous health benefits: UV lowers the risk of hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), blood inflammation, and COVID infections. UV also stimulates Vitamin D synthesis in the skin. A large-scale study of 500,000 Brits, with a 12-year follow-up, found that frequent UV exposure lowered all-cause mortality by 14%, with cardiovascular deaths down 21% and total cancer mortality decreased by 13%. It gives one pause to reconsider the vast sums spent on sunscreen lotions. Just wearing light summer clothing blocks 80% of UV.IR: UV radiation represents only about 3% of the sunlight that strikes the surface of the earth, while about 50% is infrared (IR), whose lightwaves are just beyond (longer) than visible reds. IR radiation is more predominant at the beginning and end of days, while UV is strongest when the sun is overhead. A thick cloud cover reduces IR significantly more than UV. In a recent superb Huberman Lab podcast, Dr. Roger Seheult touted the many benefits of IR radiation. Most severe and chronic diseases also involve mitochondrial dysfunction (mitochondria are the small organelles within a cell that produce the energy-generating chemical ATP). One aspect of aging is that we lose 70% of our mitochondrial functioning after age 40. Unlike UV, IR radiation passes through light clothing and the surface of the skin to penetrate deep into body tissues, where it significantly stimulates mitochondrial ATP synthesis.Effects: The effects of improved mitochondrial functioning are pervasive, correlated empirically with sun exposure. Dr. Seheult cited statistics demonstrating that the greatest number of all-cause mortality comes soon after the shortest day of the year, and the lowest number of deaths occurs close to the longest days.People who live far north or south of the equator where days are particularly short in winter have higher overall mortality rates, particularly in mid-winter. In a study of almost 30,000 Swedish women, avoidance of sun exposure carried the same risk of premature death, as did smoking.There is well-replicated rigorous research that moderate IR exposure lowers the risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and it reduces blood lipids and chronic inflammation. IR increases immune system response to infections, such as influenza, COVID and pre-cancerous cells.On a sunny day, just 15 minutes outside can make a big difference. If youre in a green space with lots of grasses, leaves, bushes, and trees, you can receive two to three times the IR dose because plants reflect much of the IR that strikes them (notice that most leaves dont get hot in the sun because of these reflective properties).Red Light Therapy: There are many red-light therapy devices now available if you are considering them, be sure to carefully research IR wavelengths, dosage, safety, and therapeutic benefit. One study, utilizing an IR desk unit shining only on face, neck, and hands, proved to be quite therapeutic.Forest Bathing? Dr. Seheult delighted in reminding us of the wisdom of the ancient beliefs that sunlight and fresh air promote convalescence. Forest bathing has become a thing the air around trees is infused with phytoncides that defend plants from bacteria, fungi, and insects. When inhaled by humans, they up- regulate immune functioning and lower stress levels, and reduce stress hormones. The beauty and serenity of such an environment further enhances these benefits, some of which are detectable by lab tests a month later. Furthermore, getting up with the sun (and out from behind the filtering effects of plate glass windows) helps to set your circadian rhythm, which can improve sleep patterns. Take home message: forests, parks and even golf courses soothe the soul, and the body. And early morning and late afternoon may be particularly beneficial.Sweat Benefits: Dr. Seheult is a pulmonologist who treats many respiratory infections he also reminded us about how previous generations treated patients with hot baths and hot packs, as if to sweat out infections. Its been recently discovered that body temperatures a little over 100 degrees Fahrenheit actually accelerate the production of interferon, a powerful anti-viral protein. Maybe weve been a little too quick to reduce our fevers with aspirin, Tylenol, and Advil. And maybe the saunas so favored by Scandinavians and Russians are more therapeutic than weve realized.Conclusion: As spring has sprung, we encourage everyone to get away from your screens, go outside and enjoy the benefits of the sunshine that so amply surrounds us. Residents at Kavod Senior Life have a myriad of ways to get outside, whether it be on the sunlit patio areas, in the resident gardens, on the nearby walking paths in Cherry Creek or on the many benches and sitting areas surrounding the campus. Come for a visit and see for yourself!Ben and Scott  https://theagingwiselyproject.com/

Chronic illness can take many forms. Common types that I see in my practice include migraines, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia, and chronic back pain, all of which are associated with depression.No matter what type of chronic illness you have, you are likely all too aware of the profound effects it can have on your mental health and day-to-day functioning. Although chronic illness is a massive challenge to your psychological functioning, there are some ways that you can moderate its impact on your perspective and emotional wellbeing.Understand That You are on a Long and Winding roadMany people search for magic bullet solutions to the depression that frequently accompanies chronic illness. Some of these solutions, like medication, therapy, and alternative holistic treatments, may work better than others. However, it is key to understand that depression related to physical health issues will likely be with you in one form or another for a long time.While depression can remit at times, there is always the possibility that it will recur. If you can take a long-term perspective and understand that you will likely always be dealing with the ebb and flow of mental health concerns, then you will feel less hopeless when your depression or other mental health issues return.Guard Against Isolating YourselfWhen people have chronic illness, they are at risk of feeling like a misfit, struggling with everyday things that seem to cause other people no issues at all. For example, if you have to miss work frequently because of migraines, it is hard not to feel like a social outcast who doesnt know the gossip and cant even be counted on to attend the holiday party. Those with chronic illness cant be blamed for thinking, I shouldnt even try to be social, since it rarely works out.This is a dangerous and slippery slope, though, and can result in increased feelings of loneliness and isolation. Try to attend events that you feel well enough to attend, and if you cancel plans with friends, be sure to reschedule. Additionally, finding an in-person support group or even one online can be essential in helping you feel less alone with your illness.Focus on Self-CompassionComparing yourself unfavorably to others who can do more than you can is a surefire way to feel depressed and stuck. Instead, think about ways to be as compassionate with yourself as you would be with a close friend.Focus on what you are accomplishing, even with your chronic illness, and how you are living a meaningful life despite the obstacles life has put in your way. Talk to yourself in the same kind and compassionate tone that you would use with a beloved family member, and steer clear of negative self-talk that can spiral into feelings of despair.Plan Positive Things for the FutureEven though plans may have to be altered because of the vicissitudes of chronic illness, you still need to have things to look forward to. You can even have backup plans scheduled in case you are unable to attend other events or gatherings.For example, you can plan to visit a friend in a nearby city next month, but be sure to tell her that if you need to cancel, maybe you can find a weekend the following month instead. Maybe she can come to you if need be. Most people are much more accommodating and flexible than we imagine, and looking forward to events in your life can help buffer the depressive feelings that often go hand-in-hand with chronic illness.Need to Talk Through It? Therapists Are Here for You!Hopefully some of these techniques can help you fight back against the mental health effects of chronic illness. A therapist can also work with you to effectively integrate some of these strategies into your life.Remember: chronic illness, although it can feel consuming, does not have to define your life or permanently impact your mental health.Talkspace articles are written by experienced mental health-wellness contributors; they are grounded in scientific research and evidence-based practices. Articles are extensively reviewed by our team of clinical experts (therapists and psychiatrists of various specialties) to ensure content is accurate and on par with current industry standards.Our goal at Talkspace is to provide the most up-to-date, valuable, and objective information on mental health-related topics in order to help readers make informed decisions.Articles contain trusted third-party sources that are either directly linked to in the text or listed at the bottom to take readers directly to the source.