As we get older, we accumulate a lot of experience, become wiser, and attain a higher maturity level. However, aging comes with a fair share of drawbacks as well. In addition to wrinkles and gray hair, these disadvantages significantly impact our mental and physical health.
Have you ever decided to adopt a healthier lifestyle but immediately abandoned it, convincing yourself that you had already missed the train? If so, we have good news for you; it is never too late to adopt healthy habits. As a senior, you can embark on a journey of a healthy lifestyle by sticking to the following tips:
- Get Active Physically
The importance of being active cannot be overstated. It is a great way to stay in shape both physically and mentally. Regular exercise improves blood circulation, strengthens muscles, and minimizes the risk of chronic ailments.
Understandably, your body will naturally get more easily exhausted after reaching a particular age. You may not feel physically capable of engaging in as much physical activity as you did when you were younger.
That said, if you submit to this thinking and stop being active completely, it will not do any good to you.
Remember, at this point in your life; you don’t need to engage in intense workouts. Simply making a habit of moving a part of your daily routine will suffice.
You may begin by doing something such as going for a brisk walk. But, just in case you’re suffering from an illness, it would be best to connect with a relevant medical expert before getting on with an exercise plan.
For example, most veterans or retired workers in construction are diagnosed with terminal illnesses, like mesothelioma, due to asbestos exposure. In that case, talking to a mesothelioma doctor would be prudent before starting a fitness regime.
- Quit Smoking
Smoking is dangerous for everyone. But it is particularly harmful to older adults with COPD. Smoking can damage the alveoli, resulting in breathing difficulties, airway blockage, asthma, and coughing.
While giving up smoking might not always fix any lung damage, it can prevent more lung and breathing issues from occurring in the future.
If you have been smoking for years, here are a few tips that will complement the quitting process:
- Manage triggers: Depending on an individual, cigarette cravings could be sparked by various circumstances, aka triggers.
It may include spending time with specific friends and family members, drinking alcohol, driving, etc. One of the best ways to manage triggers is to distract your mind.
Consider reading a book, listening to soothing music, and talking to a friend until your craving fades away.
- Keep a snack with you: It has been proven that munching on some sugarless gum, hard candy, or even a nut like almonds is helpful.
So, as a senior, it may be a good idea to carry your favorite snack with you at all times.
- Learn from mistakes: When it comes to your health, giving up on bad habits like smoking is one of the best decisions you can make.
But, you mustn’t be hard on yourself and take one step at a time. Instead, a better idea would be to plan everything and learn from your past so you don’t repeat the same mistakes in your present and future.
- Eat Healthy Diet
With age, an appropriate diet becomes more critical. People who eat nutrient-dense meals live longer and experience fewer health problems as they age.
You don’t need to change your diet right from the get-go drastically. Try making just one minor adjustment at a time.
For example, try having one slice of whole grain bread instead of having two pieces of white bread in the morning. Consider low-fat popcorn as an alternative to potato chips and other high-fat salty snacks.
Drinking becomes less of a priority for seniors. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you do not necessarily feel thirsty.
Aside from pure water, you might want to try fat-free milk or 100 percent juice to stay hydrated. Drinking at least 1.7 liters/day, or 57.5 fluid ounces, is recommended for those over sixty-five. Click here to see what is IV hydration therapy and why it is a good alternative for a hydration boost for your body
No matter how hard you try, receiving all the vitamins and minerals your body needs is not always possible just by eating fruits and vegetables alone. In that case, you should consider taking supplements after consulting your doctor.
- Schedule Regular Medical Checkups
Frequent preventive screenings and examinations are prudent at any age, but they are critical as you age.
Visiting your doctor, dentist, and other healthcare specialists regularly is a great way to spot problems before they get out of hand.
According to the American Association of Retired Persons, seeing a geriatrician may be a good idea if you have a history of mobility or memory concerns, are taking several medications, or have lately been hospitalized.
Geriatricians are medical professionals who focus on the care and treatment of elderly patients. After the baseline assessment, they can recommend you to other specialists, coordinate care and treatment for health conditions, and help you build a care plan specific to your requirements.
- Prioritize Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential at any age. It reduces your stress level. Besides, obtaining enough sleep can improve your immune system, making it easier for your body to fight infections.
People who want to perform at their best should adhere to a sleep schedule of 7.5 to 9 hours per night. Nevertheless, as we grow older, various circumstances come into play that makes this more challenging to accomplish. You cannot take sleep deprivation lightly by any means.
One way to ensure quality sleep is to be more consistent with your sleep patterns. Set a specific bedtime hour.
Finding a sleep schedule that works for you and teaches your brain and body that it is time to wind down is critical to a wholesome night’s rest.
Conclusion
If you want to live a healthy life, then you need to embrace some good habits. Do not assume you have outlived the time to make changes for a healthy lifestyle. If an older family member or a friend wants to improve their health, help them plan everything before something severe happens.
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