Aging is an inevitable part of life we are all going to have to contend with at some point. With that being said, old age isn’t necessarily something you need to dread. We work hard all our lives, and these twilight years should be about seeing the fruits of your labors and leaving a legacy. This should be the point in your life when you stop contending with that work-life balance and start to focus on spending quality time with your family and doing the hobbies you love.
However, to truly enjoy these years, you need to ensure you are in relatively good health, both physically and mentally. In order to increase your chances of being a healthy senior, here are a few things you can take action on now:
Keep Active
When it comes to your health, regular exercise is one of the greatest gifts you can give your body, both in the physical and mental sense. Maintaining an active life will help you stay fit and allow you to enjoy your life more independently. Exercise also plays a role in preventing the onset of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes and arthritis.
Regular Health Checkups
Health checkups are vital to prohibit major diseases. As you age, your body undergoes many different changes that affect how it functions. There are several health checkups that everyone should have at least once a year. These include an eye exam, blood pressure test, cholesterol test, and cancer screenings like PAP smears and mammograms depending on the gender of the individual. It’s important to embrace new changes that you may have to make, like caring for your blood pressure or using the best incontinence pads for women. There’s no shame in changing needs, but be sure to pay attention to them.
As we get older, our bodies can’t repair themselves as easily as when we were younger; therefore, even the smallest symptoms should be brought to your doctor’s attention immediately. But, please don’t wait until it is too late! It is better to catch a minor illness while still treatable than become critically ill and possibly die because symptoms went unnoticed or ignored. Ensure that you do regular checkups at the dentist and optometrist as well.
Talking of regular health checkups, you should also consider what habits are causing you problems. From addiction such as substance abuse to toxic relationships, check out your options. A rehab might be useful for addictions and a therapist is useful for talking through your mental health.
Eat Healthy
A healthy balanced diet is another key element in maintaining your faculties as you age. Try to reduce your salt intake, which can contribute to conditions like hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Opt to eat nutrient-dense foods like fresh fruit, vegetables and whole-grains. Everyone’s dietary requirements are different so speak to a doctor or nutritionist for specific advice.
Stay Mentally Stimulated
These days, Alzheimer’s and dementia are becoming increasingly common in elderly people. Thankfully, there are now more care homes for seniors with Alzheimers that are equipped to deal with these conditions. While some cognitive decline is a natural part of the aging process, studies show that people who stay mentally stimulated through active learning will slow their mental decline. Try to keep yourself mentally active. Whether it’s learning new languages, attending lectures or playing sudoku, find something that exercises that grey matter.
Be Social
Loneliness is a huge problem amongst the elderly. The loss of a spouse, retirement, and health issues can all contribute to social isolation. Make an effort to form solid friendships and keep family close if you possibly can, and try your best to get involved in group activities that help grow your social network. Keeping loneliness at bay helps alleviate conditions like anxiety and depression.
Reduce Stress
Although, we’d hope that our retirement years are fairly stress free, a person’s ability to cope with stress declines as we age. Long-term stress can lead to depression, memory loss, and fatigue – all of which also have implications on our physical health. So take care of yourself and try to incorporate relaxation techniques such as meditation into your life.
Maintaining a high level of physical fitness as well as cognitive aptitude are key factors to ward off the negative impact of aging. It’s important to manage your expectations because we won’t always be as sprightly as we once were. However, taking simple steps now will certainly play a significant role in allowing you to fully embrace old age.
Stress is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to be. Everyone feels stressed at some point in their lives. It’s even more common when you’re caring for someone else – your kids, your parents, or maybe yourself. A lot of people feel that they need to take care of themselves completely on their own and can’t ask for help because they don’t want others to think less of them. But the truth is senior home care can make an incredible difference on your stress and anxiety levels.
It is better to catch a minor illness while still treatable than become critically ill and possibly die because symptoms went unnoticed or ignored. If you have a busy schedule and have difficulty making time to see the doctor, consider a home visit doctor in Miami. These healthcare professionals will conduct appointments in the comfort and privacy of your home for the whole family.
