Some things in life are inevitable, aging being one of them. Aging healthily doesn’t necessarily mean you’re trying to go back to your youthful 20’s look, but it’s about enjoying life while still looking healthy enough physically and mentally. Everyone can maintain a healthy lifestyle, including people living in continuing care retirement communities. Despite the few challenges that come with aging, it’s still possible to stay healthy. Here’s how:
Take Your Family History Seriously
Have you ever wondered how there’s a series of people in a family line who have diabetes or high blood pressure You could prevent some of these if you take charge of your health after such discoveries from your own. Spotting such issues will help you know what to tell your doctor and take more precautions in your lifestyle choices. This is not a cause to fear, but it keeps your mind open to future possibilities which you can avoid.
Do Routine Medical Checkups
Most of us only see a physician when our health is deteriorating and after doing some unsafe self-medication practices that don’t work. However, this should change. Everyone should make it a habit to seek medical attention before feeling sickly or not. Again, as we discussed above on family histories, many conditions would be detected and prevented early.
Luckily for seniors, they can consult geriatric physicians specializing in aging and get a comprehensive health outlook on their health and advice regarding diet, supplements, and physical activity. Also, ensure that you frequent those dental visits. At times, your dietary issues could be caused by bad teeth that prevent you from taking certain foods, so please take care of this.
Exercise More
Most seniors are more vulnerable to health problems due to the many physiological changes, and their immune system also deteriorates more. Lucky for you, if you had started exercising early enough since you won’t have a problem keeping up. However, if you’re in the category of physically inactive, then it’s time to get those muscles moving.
Everyone has an exercise routine they can engage in based on their physical abilities. Again, consult your physician to advise you on the best training to engage in and, if possible, make it more enjoyable. That way, you will never get uninterested in doing it, and you keep it going for long.
Keep Your Brain Active
The brain likes being constantly refreshed to keep it active. Unlike what most think, the brain is still capable of growth throughout your life. A senior is at a greater risk of losing this growth since they are retired and stuck at one place most times.
Therefore, it’s vital that they intentionally take up activities that replenish the brain like gardening, working out, taking up a new hobby, playing mind-boggling games like sudoku, volunteering, and maintaining social interactions. If you have the energy, you can also take up a part-time job that’s not too draining but keeps your mind active at the same time.
Keep A Positive Attitude
We live at a time where there’s a lot of negative news revolving around social media, our neighborhoods, and even the mainstream media themselves. If you’re not careful, it’s easy to get weighed down by all the negative things surrounding us. With the spread of information nowadays, it’s easy to sink into depression.
Still, you can avoid all these if you learn how to deal with the negative feelings. Whenever you feel that you’ve gotten to a critical emotional stage, talk to a close family member, friend, or a professional counselor to get all the help you need.
Make Conscious Choices on Food and Drinks
It’s normal to have some cheat days in your diet. But, if this goes on for too long, it will be detrimental to your health. Therefore, even if you want to have fun, make sure that you strike a balance.
If you’ve been indulging in unhealthy food treats more than usual, this is the time to reduce those and focus more on healthy foods. Also, avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks and drink more water. Your physician has all the knowledge required to help you know which foods and liquids are best for you and in what quantities.
Take Your Rest Time Seriously
The gadgets that you use at home play a huge role in your sleeping pattern. They are best suited to guide you on what to do. However, one way to stick to your sleep routine is to control the screen time and maintain that active lifestyle.
Sleep has a myriad of benefits, including keeping your skin glow and maintaining your mental health. At times, sleep problems could be caused by the medication you’re taking. If you are experiencing sleep problems even after trying to do everything to sleep, don’t delay addressing your concerns with your doctor.
It’s almost impossible to follow a health protocol to remain healthy, and it’s equally important that you enjoy your life to the fullest. With this knowledge, you can now take charge of your health and turn it around for the positive.
About the Author
Jenn Walker is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey.
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