This September the focus is on healthy aging but there is more to aging “well” than simply being healthy. Being psychologically, socially, and physically well-rounded as you age is essential, and taking proactive steps to ensure this is part of healthy aging. Many physical maladies are not determined by genetics alone and can be fought with the right preventative measures, despite the fact that some people may believe that being diagnosed with certain physical maladies is inevitable due to genetic predispositions. So go on! Get healthy! Its easy with these simple healthy aging tips!
Healthy Aging Tips
Here are some general pointers for living a healthier lifestyle as you age and for successfully aging:
- Eat Well. We all know that overeating causes obesity, which can result in even more serious health issues like diabetes or heart disease. Unfortunately, many Americans are unaware of the proper portion sizes and inevitably eat larger portions than are advised. Additionally, as we age, our metabolism slows and we require fewer calories. Staying healthy requires healthy eating, and the USDA emphasizes the need for more fruits and vegetables in the American diet, advising five a day. Consume a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, and make an effort to limit your intake of processed food. Adding more fresh vegetables to our diets is a simple way to increase our feeling of fullness while consuming fewer calories.
- Move Your Body. Consult your doctor before beginning an exercise regimen if you are not used to it, and start out slowly to give yourself plenty of time to adjust to each level of activity. Walking for ten to fifteen minutes, three to four times per week, with an increase as you go, can serve as a simple form of exercise. Try learning how to play tennis or enrolling in a club where you can swim or use the exercise equipment if you’re more active. Just dancing, senior yoga, gardening, or mowing the lawn will suffice. There are countless activities you can engage in to keep your body moving.
- Get Yearly Physicals and Routine Checkups. Never disregard symptoms. Do not “wait for it to go away” if you are not feeling well. While you don’t necessarily need to see a doctor for every ailment, you should be familiar enough with yourself and your body to recognize any unusual symptoms. Don’t skip routine medical checkups; get a physical every year. and arrange the exams your doctor suggests. This would include not only your physician but also your dentist and optometrist. If you are vigilant about maintaining your health, many diseases can be avoided when discovered early.
- Engage Your Brain. While you eat breakfast, read the newspaper or something else on your tablet to keep your mind engaged. Maintaining mental stimulation and engagement may prevent the chemistry changes in the brain that could cause Alzheimer’s disease. Reading and solving puzzles are both excellent mental exercises that will help you feel less stressed as you age. You could even discover a brand-new creative hobby!
- Socialize. Make an effort to see your old friends as well as forge new relationships. Isolation can cause depression, and a sedentary lifestyle without social interaction with friends and family can cause health problems. Invite your friends and family over instead of staying in and feeling lonely and bored! Alternatively, you can meet people by volunteering, enrolling in a class, or inviting a caregiver along. This may make it easier for you to look forward to engaging in activities like cooking with their assistance, playing cards or games, or just talking.
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Source: https://www.chcw.org
Image by Josep Monter Martinez from Pixabay