Feeling good at any age involves taking an active role in one’s own health. Some simple, healthy lifestyle choices can do a lot to prevent decline and disability during those golden years. By adopting and maintaining good habits, you are sure to enjoy many years full of happiness, independence, and fulfillment. Here are some of the best ways to support your lasting health and wellness.
Socialize Frequently
Maintaining friendships and engaging in regular socialization is extremely important for your physical and mental health. According to Elder Law of East Tennessee, staying social can reduce your risk of depression, dementia, malnutrition, and some forms of cancer. Whether you live alone or with a partner, consider downsizing into an independent living community to prevent loneliness and isolation during your senior years. These communities offer all kinds of socialization opportunities, including exercise classes, game nights, and clubs, with the added convenience of housekeeping and meal preparation services.
Mix Up Your Exercise Routine
Most people know that regular exercise is important for preventing disease and staying mobile. But did you know that each type of exercise provides unique benefits for seniors? Aerobic exercise—such as running, walking, swimming, cycling, and hiking—is great for supporting your circulation, heart health, and lung capacity.
Strength training, like lifting weights or using your body weight for resistance, can help preserve bone and muscle density to combat frailty.
On the other hand, balance exercises reduce the risk of falls and stretching routines can relieve stiffness and pain while enhancing mobility. Try to incorporate all types of exercise into your fitness routine to reap the greatest benefits.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating a nutritious diet is the best way to support your physical fitness efforts, especially during your senior years. Aim for a clean diet packed with nutrient-dense foods. According to Healthline, seniors might need to make some diet adjustments to accommodate their changing nutritional needs.
Find ways to consume more protein, fiber, calcium, and vitamins D and B13. Healthy high-protein foods include tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and chickpeas.
Limit Bad Habits
While good habits can enhance your golden years, bad habits can rob you of your time, money, and health. Fortunately, it’s never too late to benefit from breaking a bad habit! For example, limiting your consumption of sweets and sugary beverages like soda will reduce your risk of osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes.
And even if you’ve been a smoker all your life, American Cancer Society says quitting now will provide almost immediate health benefits, including lower blood pressure and improved circulation. If you struggle to quit on your own, note that professional therapies are available to help.
Don’t Neglect Your Healthcare Needs
No matter how well you take care of yourself or how healthy you feel, visiting the doctor is important. Regular trips to the doctor can help you manage any existing medical conditions and catch other health problems before they become serious.
Remember, Medicare can help you cover these checkups and screenings. Many Medicare Advantage plans will cover even more healthcare services, including vision, hearing, and dental, so you can stay on top of your whole-body health and receive the services you need to maintain a high quality of life. Take a look at your coverage during the open enrollment period and check if there is a plan out there that will better meet your needs.
One of the most important things to remember about health is that prevention is always better than looking for a cure. Take a proactive approach, be mindful of your needs, and try making small, healthy changes to your lifestyle. Take steps to keep your body strong and healthy during your senior years, and it will help you live the life you want.
Bob Shannon created SeniorsMeet along with his wife, Mary. Their goal is to create an online meeting place for seniors like themselves who thrive on community. The site offers information and resources that are helpful to seniors as well as ways to keep in touch.