Healthy Habits for the Elderly – 5 Ways to Enjoy Life as a Senior
A healthy body makes a healthy spirit. As we age, our bodies change. But we can still look after ourselves to stay fit. The key is to make healthy choices each day so that the payoff can be a long and comfortable life. But how can you ensure this?
Obviously, it’s only logical to start by exercising and following the right diet. However, you should also remember about staying hydrated and avoiding the excessive sun. The secret to aging well and remaining active is to take care of your body and mind.
You’re never too old to make changes and live a better life. The good news is that you don’t have to stop enjoying yourself as a senior! Even if, for some health-related reason, you need live-in care or another form of assistance. In fact, you can do more than you ever imagined! Continue reading if you’re interested in more details about healthy habits for seniors.
For more on this topic, check out the full Senior Care collection
Stay Active
As we age, it’s natural to slow down a bit, but that doesn’t mean you should give up on staying fit and active. Now, it’s more important than ever to keep moving and avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
There are some simple things you can do to maintain a certain activity level. It’s all about making small changes in your daily routine and looking for opportunities to move around.
For instance, you can take the stairs instead of the elevator. Go for a walk in the evening instead of watching TV, or go for a bike ride every Sunday. All these little things will add up and make a significant difference over time. You may also consider joining a community fitness class or a sports club. These days, it’s easier than ever to find something you like and stick with it.
If your mobility is limited, all is not lost yet. Physical therapists can recommend exercises tailored to your condition and help you improve your mobility and strength. There are also senior fitness centers offering classes specifically designed for the elderly.
Eat a Healthy Diet
There are some simple rules of thumb that apply to seniors as much as they do to younger people. The first one is to avoid processed foods. These are high in sodium, sugar, and fat and don’t provide the body with any real value. Moreover, these foods lack fiber, which helps keep your digestive system healthy and your weight in check.
The second rule is to limit meat and dairy products. Sure, you can still eat them in moderation, but make sure you’re getting enough nutrients from plant-based foods. These include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Finally, the third rule is to eat small meals throughout the day. This will keep your blood sugar stable and prevent you from overeating. It’s also convenient for seniors who have trouble chewing and swallowing.
Drink Plenty of Water
Water helps with digestion, maintains your metabolism, and keeps your skin looking young and healthy. It also flushes toxins from your body, which can otherwise build up and cause serious health problems. The recommended daily water intake depends on your age, activity level, and the weather. For example, if it’s hot outside, your body requires more water than when it’s cold. In general, though, seniors should drink about 8 glasses of water a day.
Also, avoid sodas and other sugary drinks that won’t be good for your health in the long run. If you prefer to sweeten your water, you can use a few drops of natural honey or lemon juice.
Avoid the Sun
The sun is an excellent source of energy and vitamin D, but it is also the leading cause of skin cancer and premature aging. While we should all enjoy the outdoors, it’s vital to limit your exposure to direct sunlight as much as possible. Wear hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen whenever you’re out to enjoy the world without damaging your skin and body.
Prolonged exposure to the sun can also cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which can be quite dangerous. As a senior, you are especially at risk, so be careful even when it’s not extremely hot outside.
[Read:The Science of Sunscreen – Helpful Facts for the Whole Family]
Stay Mentally Alert
As you age, it’s normal to feel less sharp and have slower reactions, but this doesn’t mean that your brain has stopped working. In fact, as long as you stay mentally active and challenge your brain, it can remain healthy and strong.
It’s never too late to learn a new skill. If you’re an avid reader, why not pick up a new language? Or, if you like to cook, why not enroll in a cooking class or start cooking more challenging meals? Other ways to keep your mind sharp include playing board games, doing crossword puzzles, or watching educational shows and movies.
You can also do challenging puzzles such as complicated locks. Yes, lockpicking is actually a puzzle game that can keep your mind active. You can start by solving simple lockpicking challenges with a complete beginner lock picking set. This can make the exercise more exciting and convenient since you have all the tools that a beginner lock picker can need.
Moreover, you shouldn’t neglect your mental health and emotional well-being. Keep in touch with your loved ones, participate in social activities, and find ways to have fun. And if you feel particularly down, don’t hesitate to contact a mental health counselor.
Final Thoughts
There’s no need to give up on a healthy lifestyle just because you are getting older. You can enjoy life as a senior by making small changes that will make a big difference in the long run. Your health is essential and should be taken care of so that you can enjoy your golden years.
Stay mentally alert, take care of your body, eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water, and keep moving. If you can stick to these habits for the rest of your life, you will be able to enjoy it – your loved ones will be grateful and happy to have you.
For more on this topic, check out the full Senior Care collection
