As senior citizens writing for MedicineNet, we wanted to introduce Senior Health in a suitable way and were having trouble putting our thoughts into words. So we turned to the Health Information provided by the National Institute on Aging, a part of the NIH (the National Institutes of Health). There we found a number of articles. Here's how some of the topics are titled and the articles begin.

Hyperthermia: A Hot Weather Hazard for Older People: Warm weather and outdoor activity generally go hand in hand. However, it is important for older people to take action to avoid the severe health problems often caused by hot weather. "Hyperthermia" is the general name given to a variety of heat-related illnesses. The two most common forms of hyperthermia are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Of the two, heat stroke is especially dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.

Our Comments: A hot summer is a hazard to those of us who are senior citizens. Well, we'll just leave and go live in a cool climate.

Hypothermia: A Cold Weather Hazard: Cold weather is very risky for older people. Almost everyone knows about winter dangers such as broken bones from falls on ice or breathing problems caused by cold air. But the winter chill can also lower the temperature inside your body. That can be deadly if not treated quickly. This drop in body temperature, often caused by staying in a cool place for too long is called hypothermia (hi-po-ther-mee-uh). A body temperature below 96° F may seem like just a couple of degrees below the body's normal temperature of 98.6° F. It can be dangerous. It may cause an irregular heartbeat leading to heart problems and death.

Our Comments: A cold winter is a hazard to those of us who are seniors. Well, we'll just leave and go live someplace where it never gets real hot or real cold and go take a walk in the neighborhood.

Crime and Older People : Older people and their families worry about crime, and with good reason. Though the elderly are less likely to be victims of crime than teenagers and young adults, the number of crimes against older people is hard to ignore. Each year, about two million older people become crime victims. The elderly are targets for robbery, personal and car theft, and burglary. Older people are more likely than younger victims to face attackers who are strangers. They are more often attacked at or near their homes. Chances are that an older victim may be more seriously hurt than a younger person.

It isn't only strangers who hurt older people. Sometimes, family members, friends, or caretakers may physically, mentally, or financially abuse older people through neglect, violence, or by stealing money or property. Even though there are risks, do not let a fear of crime stop you from enjoying life. There are things you can do to be safer. Be careful and be aware of what goes on around you.

Our Comments: Although it seems that we seniors are prime targets for crime and for elder abuse, we are told (and we quote): "Do not let a fear of crime stop you from enjoying life." Real comforting advice!

Forgetfulness: It's Not Always What You Think: Many older people worry about becoming more forgetful. They think forgetfulness is the first sign of Alzheimer's disease. In the past, memory loss and confusion were considered a normal part of aging. However, scientists now know that most people remain both alert and able as they age, although it may take them longer to remember things. A lot of people experience memory lapses. Some memory problems are serious, and others are not. People who have serious changes in their memory, personality, and behavior may suffer from a form of brain disease called dementia. Dementia seriously affects a person's ability to carry out daily activities. Alzheimer's disease is one of many types of dementia.

Our Comments: We've gone and forgotten what we wanted to say. No problem. We may not have Alzheimer's. Just some other type of dementia. That's comforting, too.

Getting Your Affairs in Order: We all need to prepare for the uncertainties of the future. Making decisions and arrangements before they are needed simplifies caring for an older person or planning for your own old age. Complete personal and financial records will have most of the details you need to plan for any changes that might come up in the years ahead-such as retirement, a move, or a death in the family.

Our Comments: Looks like we start going through some of the boxes we've stored over the years and sort things. Shouldn't take more than a half century or so to do it.

We read through a number of other articles from the National Institute on Aging. The subjects starting with the letters A, B,C, and D included: aging and your eyes, alcohol use and abuse, arthritis advice, cancer facts for folks over 50, considering surgery, constipation, dealing with diabetes, and depression.

The Third Age: Aging and your eyes, alcohol use and abuse, arthritis advice, cancer facts for folks over 50, considering surgery, constipation, dealing with diabetes, and depression. What a bunch of downers!

Our personal philosophy is different. Just as the French call the senior years the Third Age, we believe that the senior years do not need to be as dire and depressing as they are often made out to be. Every time in life has its ups and downs. Our senior years are no exception.

Aging is NOT an illness. It can be a time of health and much happiness. Enjoy it! It's your Third Age.