How to Stay Healthy and Well in Old Age

Getting older is no picnic. Aging comes with its challenges, from reduced mobility to changes in appearance. However, you can tackle old age if you are equipped with a few top tips and if you have the right attitude. Here are a few great tips to help you stay healthy and well in old age.

Eat Nutrient-Rich Food

Your body is a temple, and you should treat it as such. Fuel it with food that is highly nutritious and try to avoid processed mulch. Packaged food may be convenient, but if you read the label on the back, you will probably find a bunch of ingredients that do not sound particularly wholesome. Not to mention, the sodium content is probably through the roof. Excess salt consumption can lead to an increased risk of certain health conditions, such as kidney disease and stroke.

Mediterranean Diet

Besides packaged food, Western-style diets are usually high in saturated fats, sugar, and red meat. These food items are a big no-no when it comes to healthy eating. On the other hand, the Mediterranean diet has been linked to improved cognitive skills and could possibly help to decrease your risk of some illnesses. The Mediterranean diet consists of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and fish, and eating more of these types of foods can help you stay healthier in old age.

Do More Exercise

Studies show that regular exercise can be incredibly beneficial for those over the age of 70. Being physically active can strengthen the body and improve balance. Although there are no set guidelines for older adults, the recommended amount of exercise for healthy adults is 2.5 to 5 hours per week. When it comes to physical activity, there are many different types of exercise you can do.

Walk More

Walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercise for staying healthy. It is accessible to most, and it does not stress the body out as much as other types of physical activity. Walking can increase your fitness and reduce your risk of some conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. As with other types of exercise, the number of steps you do per day is completely up to you. However, according to this study, the healthy amount varies from 2,000 to 9,000 steps per day. Take a look at your personal health and your goals, then tailor the number of steps you take to your own needs. Setting a personal step goal can motivate you to walk more.

Take up Yoga

Another type of exercise you can try is yoga. The leading cause of injury in seniors in the U.S are falls and trips. Yoga can improve strength, mobility, flexibility, and balance. In turn, practicing yoga can reduce your risk of falls. It is an accessible exercise that can be practiced by people who are not used to exercising. In particular, chair yoga is ideal for senior citizens. Chair yoga works the body gently and does not stress the joints as much as conventional yoga.

Plan for the Future

Thinking about the future and planning can do wonders for your mental health. Although the future is uncertain, making serious decisions now can empower you and put your mind at ease. Belmont Senior Living provides different types of senior living services. Belmont Senior Living options include independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Do your research into different communities and services available so that you are ready for the future.

Get Your Affairs in Order

In addition to researching future senior living options, getting your financial and legal affairs in order can also provide you with a sense of empowerment. This includes choosing someone you trust to be your power of attorney when you need it and writing a will. Although these tasks can be tedious, sorting it all out now will prevent you from stressing out in the future if unexpected circumstances occur.

Apply Sunscreen Everyday

Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by regularly applying sunscreen. The largest and most exposed organ of the body is the skin. Although sunlight is beneficial for the skin, excessive exposure can age your skin and cause it to wrinkle. Applying sunscreen every day may sound like a boring task, but getting into the habit of applying it every day can help prevent you from getting skin cancer.

Establish a Bedtime Routine

A good night’s sleep can help your skin appear younger. Seven to eight hours of sleep provides your body with enough time to restore elastin and collagen, both of which allow you to achieve healthy skin. In addition, studies show that good sleep can improve mental wellbeing and it can also reduce your risk of certain diseases.

Contact Old Friends

Your mental wellbeing can be positively affected by simply keeping in touch with old friends. Isolation and loneliness can be incredibly harmful, especially if you are reaching your golden years. In fact, social isolation and loneliness are said to be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes daily. Simply conversing with old friends, or meeting new people, can help you feel more connected. In addition to human contact, animal interaction can also improve your mental health too. A furry friend can reduce stress levels, and they can also decrease feelings of loneliness too.

Join a Club

Doing something you love can provide you with a good sense of purpose. This can include taking up a new hobby or doing something you are already passionate about. If you are unsure about how you can do this, do some research and find a local club to join. Not only will this keep your mind busy, but it can also provide a social element. Joining a club will enable you to connect with people with common interests.

Engage the Brain

Engage the brain with brain training games, crossword puzzles, or learning a new language. Performing activities that engage and stimulate the brain can provide you with a higher quality of life. They can also help to keep your mind sharp too.