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Monarch for Seniors

We offer programs, service information and newsletters to help keep our senior members informed and maintain healthy and active lifestyles.

Good News!

Our newest Senior Newsletter is here.

Our Senior Newsletter helps keep you informed with important articles on health, lifestyle, and other topics that interest our mature consumers. Click below to download the PDF version.

Senior Newsletter PDF

If you would like a printed copy or would like us to send one to a friend, please call us at 1-877-GO-MONARCH (466-6627), or click on the Contact link.

Osteoarthritis: The "Wear and Tear" Condition

by Cheryl Patterson, M.D.

Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States, limiting the activities of nearly 19 million adults.

The most common form and oldest form of arthritis is called osteoarthritis (OA). Evidence of osteoarthritis has been found in ice-age skeletons. Today an estimated 27 million Americans live with OA.

Known as the “wear and tear” kind of arthritis, OA is a chronic condition characterized by the breakdown of the joint’s cartilage. Cartilage is the part of the joint that cushions the ends of the bones and allows easy movement of joints. The breakdown of cartilage causes the bones to rub against each other, causing stiffness, pain, and loss of movement in the joint.

CAPG Awards Monarch Elite Status

The California Association of Physician Groups (CAPG) has awarded Monarch “Elite” status — the highest commendation possible — as the result of its 2009 Standards of Excellence (SOE) survey. Of the 85 California physician groups that participated in this SOE survey, Monarch was one of only 20 groups to receive this honor.

Exercise for Seniors

Stepping into the New Year with Exercise.

Exercise for Seniors

There is a fountain of youth. Millions have discovered it - the secret to feeling better and living longer. It's called staying active. Finding a program that works for you and sticking with it can pay big dividends. Regular exercise can prevent or delay diabetes and heart trouble. It can also reduce arthritis pain, anxiety and depression. It can help older people stay independent.

Be good to yourself

Due to absence of loved ones, health problems, trouble paying bills, or other reasons, it’s not uncommon for older people to feel lonely, sad, or stressed in their daily lives. Feelings like these may cause you to lose energy, not feel like doing anything, not eat enough, or overeat.

Being good to yourself may help you to cope with your feelings and improve your energy level, eating habits, and health. Here are some ideas for being good to yourself:

Balance Exercises to Try

Each year, more than one-third of people age 65 or older fall. Balance exercises, along with certain strength exercises, can help prevent fall-related injuries, such as hip fractures. The 4 exercises that follow are aimed at improving your balance and your lower body strength. They include:

Preventing Falls

One fall can change your life. If you’re elderly, it can lead to disability and a loss of independence. If your bones are fragile from osteoporosis, you could break a bone, often a hip. But aging alone doesn’t make people fall – diabetes and heart disease affect balance too. So do problems with circulation, thyroid or nervous systems. Some medicines can also make people dizzy,