9 Lifestyle Changes That Could Improve Your Health as You Age
As you age, your body goes through many changes. The most proactive thing you can do for your health is to acknowledge these changes and adopt lifestyle modifications that aim to improve your overall quality of life. Here are some suggestions that could have a big influence on senior health!
1. Nutrition
Your metabolism slows as you age. This creates dietary requirement shifts. Nutrition practices that once worked for you, may no longer do the trick when it comes to keeping your energy up and your body feeling well. Seniors frequently require fewer calories and more nutrients to be healthy. Seniors should have a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats. Processed meals, sugary drinks, and foods that are high in salt and saturated fats should be avoided.
2. Exercise
Exercise is essential to preserving strength, flexibility, and balance. Frequent physical activity can lower the risk of chronic conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and even osteoporosis. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day. Brish walks, cycling, or swimming are all good ideas (as long as your doctor agrees!). To maintain muscular mass, seniors can also engage in strength training activities up to twice per week.
3. Social Activities
Socialization is critical for mental and emotional well-being. Isolation and loneliness can contribute to all sorts of issues like depression and even cognitive deterioration. Seniors and retirees should make an effort to stay in touch with friends and family, as well as participate in activities that they enjoy. Volunteering, joining an organization, and engaging in community activities are all perfect examples of ways to stay social.
4. Sleep
Sleep habits will change along with the rest of your body as you age. Seniors often have difficulty sleeping or staying asleep. Many also suffer from insomnia or sleep apnea. Not enough rest can seriously impact your health and general feel-good state. Seniors should work to develop a regular sleep schedule and try to stick to it. Before bed, avoid stimulating activities. Make sure your place of slumber is comfortable, cool, and dark for the best sleep experience!
5. Medication
Keep track of your prescriptions! This may seem a little obvious, but, quite often as your age goes up, so does the number of prescribed medications you take. Seniors should always maintain track of their prescriptions. This includes doses and schedules. Always report any adverse effects or interactions to your healthcare practitioner. Also, be sure to refrain from using over-the-counter drugs without first checking with your doctor.
6. Mental Well-Being
Mental health is just as important as physical. Depression and anxiety are quite prevalent among seniors and it is critical they get treatment if exhibiting symptoms.
7. Tobacco and Alcohol
Tobacco use raises the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems, while excessive alcohol intake can result in liver disease and cognitive loss. To lower their risk of these health risks, seniors should quit smoking and restrict their alcohol usage.
8. Relaxation
Stress and worry can be harmful to your health. Meditation and relaxing activities can assist in reducing stress and improving your general well-being. Try new ways to relax like yoga, tai chi, or deep breathing. These techniques can also assist seniors in improving sleep quality.
9. Fall Prevention
Falls are a serious issue among the elderly, and they can result in severe injuries and hospitalizations. Seniors should work with family or aging-in-place specialists to create risk-free environments. A few quick ideas are securing loose rugs, decluttering, and making sure rooms are well-lit.
Diana Reilly
Diana is a health and wellness enthusiast and is a contributing writer for SeniorPlanning.org, the largest eldercare placement agency in Arizona. Here’s what Diana says about probate:
“While not directly connected to senior health, understanding the probate procedure in Arizona is significant for seniors. The probate procedure may be time-consuming and costly, so seniors should speak with an attorney to learn about their alternatives for avoiding probate and ensuring that their assets are distributed according to their intentions. They might also consider establishing a living trust to avoid probate and give greater privacy for asset distribution.”
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Originally published April 11, 2023
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