As you age, you become more vulnerable to health problems. Therefore, it is essential to take even better care of yourself to continue to live a happy and healthy life. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of our tips for aging well and making the most of what life has to offer.
1. Eat a healthy and balanced diet
As you age, it is essential to adapt your diet. That’s because dietary needs may change as energy requirements decrease, while the need for nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals may remain the same or even increase with age.
To achieve this:
- Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meat, fish and poultry, and some dairy products such as milk and yogurt, fortified with vitamin D if possible.
- Reduce fatty ways and salt consumption as much as possible.
- Don’t forget to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Good to know: taking care of your teeth is essential with age. If you don’t, you increase the risk of gum disease, which is linked to heart disease, stroke, and bacterial pneumonia. See your dentist regularly, and remember to brush your teeth after every meal for at least two minutes.
2. Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is important for your physical and mental health. Sleep also plays a role in the health of your skin. The amount of sleep you need depends on your age. Adults generally need seven to eight hours of sleep each night. In addition, getting enough sleep has been shown to improve concentration and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity, inflammation, stress, and depression. To promote falling asleep and getting a good night’s sleep:
- Reduce naps during the day
- Establish a bedtime routine
- Always go to bed at the same time
- Drink a warm beverage such as chamomile tea or warm milk before going to sleep.
3. Get some exercise
Physical activity improves balance, coordination, breathing, circulation, and mental acuity. Daily exercise keeps you strong and healthy while reducing your risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even cancer. Staying active can also boost your self-esteem, improve your sleep and give you more energy.
Health authorities recommend that seniors get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week and strength training twice a week. There are a variety of sports and exercises to improve health and mobility for seniors: walking, swimming, dancing, cycling, jogging, tai chi, yoga…
4. Maintain your mental health
A stimulating environment facilitates and improves cognitive performance. The science is clear: active engagement in cognitively stimulating leisure activities is associated with better memory function, decreased depression, and increased life satisfaction, as well as a reduced risk of dementia. To always keep your mood up and improve your cognitive performance:
- Spend time with friends and loved ones: social engagement improves mental and physical well-being and helps you live longer. And don’t forget pets. Pet ownership has been associated with lower stress and blood pressure, reduced feelings of loneliness, and improved mood.
- Accept your age: People who maintain a positive attitude toward aging live longer and can better recover from disability. Aging is inevitable, and learning to accept it can make all the difference.
- Do things you enjoy: Taking time to participate in activities you enjoy will only fuel your happiness. Spend time in nature, start a new hobby, volunteer… anything that brings you joy and good cheer.
5. See your doctor regularly
Have routine checkups and follow your doctor’s recommendations for screening and preventive measures. Early detection and treatment can prevent most health conditions from getting worse. How often you see your doctor depends on your age, lifestyle, family history, and health status. Ask your doctor how often you should have your checkups and screenings as you get older. And don’t forget to see your doctor every time you experience symptoms.
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