18 Feb A Guide to Staying Healthy as You Get Older

Life changes fast, and before you know it, you’re growing grey hairs and reaching retirement. For many, this is the happiest stage of their life, as they finally get the chance to explore freedom as an adult. One concern, however, is health, as people are more prone to illness with old age.

If you want to stay fit and healthy long after you’ve passed middle age, then follow this guide.

Assess Your Diet 

It’s easy to slip into bad habits when it comes to a diet, but as you get older, you can’t afford to leave out the nutrients your body needs to thrive. If you’re struggling to eat healthily, consider going to a dietician to point you in the right direction.

To make it easy, start meal planning to avoid those mid-week easy meals that have nothing of value in them.

Find a Hobby 

If you’ve hit retirement, then it’s time to find a hobby you enjoy. Being a senior can get a little boring, which can lead to loneliness, which in turn can lead to depression – avoid this by investing your time into something worthwhile. Bonus points if you find a hobby that gets you outside and seeing other people!

Go for Annual Wellness Checks

As you grow older, your body doesn’t run like it used to, so make sure you go for your Annual Wellness Visits. They will see if anything is wrong with your health, help you with a health plan, and talk with you about any concerns you may have. It’s not something you want to miss, even once!

Stretch Your Legs Each Day 

Exercise is crucial for everyone, and while you might not be lifting the same weights you did twenty years ago, it’s still necessary to get some exercise each day. One of the easiest ways to fit that in is by going for daily walks.

Not only will walking give you the benefit of exercise, but it will also help you enjoy the fresh air and nature, which is a natural mood booster. Plus, it’ll help you fight diseases, live longer, and keep your weight in check.

Keep in Touch with Loved Ones

Loneliness is terrible for one’s health, so avoid cooping yourself up by staying in touch with those you love. If you haven’t spoken to your children, grandchildren, or best friend in a week or so, pick up the phone and give them a ring! Don’t forget to visit them as often as you can, too, and let them know they’re welcome at your home.

Learn to Check Your Body

Catching illnesses early increases your chance of fighting them, so get used to checking your body. As you get older, your chances of developing many diseases increase drastically, making it even more crucial for you to know what to look out for. You should keep your weight in mind, too, as having too much body fat will put you at a higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Learn how to check your breasts, testicles, and heart rate often, and make a note of any changes to bring up with your doctor.

Have a Sleep Schedule 

Everyone needs sleep, and unfortunately, many seniors find dropping off difficult. If this is the case, then talk to your doctor about your options. There are plenty of natural remedies, such as essential oils, warm baths, and gentle music, so make sure to try those.

A regular sleep schedule is great for the body, and you’ll find yourself with increased alertness and better memory.

Stay Clear of Ill People

While you might have shrugged off coming down with something as a young person, these days, you must take it seriously. If someone is ill around you, you must do your best to steer clear of them. Your immune system isn’t what it used to be, so you’ll have a harder time fighting off what used to only give you a small headache and a runny nose.

Protect Yourself from the Sun 

Skin cancer is no joke, and your eyes won’t feel the benefit of squinting in the sunshine too often, so make sure you protect your body from the sun. This means wearing long-sleeved clothing, hats, sunglasses, and a strong SPF when you go outside on a hot day.

Eliminate Unhealthy Habits

Everyone should aim to eliminate unhealthy habits, but especially those who are entering their later years. Drinking too much alcohol, smoking, and eating too much salt and sugar are things you might have got away with when you were younger, but now, they’ll only hurt your body. If you want to live as long a life as possible, but you’re struggling to cut these out, consider talking to a doctor for some help.

Create Notifications for Your Meds 

Technology helps your health in a lot of ways, and one of those ways includes reminding you when to take your meds. It’s easy to slip up now and again, but with something as important as prescription medication, you cannot afford to do that. Place a reminder in your phone for when you need to take them for peace of mind and a healthy body.

Consider Taking Supplements 

If you’re struggling to fit all the nutrients you need into your diet, consider taking supplements. Of course, you should speak to your doctor before doing so, but they could help your body receive everything it needs to stay healthy.

Keep Your Brain in Shape

Your brain needs as much exercise as your body, so install mind-testing apps and buy some puzzle books to give it the workout it needs. It’ll help keep your brain sharp, improve your focus, and help keep your memory in check. Plus, puzzles are a great way to pass the time.

Enjoy Yourself

Most of all, keep yourself positive. Your later years are a time to relax, reflect, and enjoy your free time. Watch your favorite comedy shows, enjoy lunches with your friends, and treat yourself to a getaway from time to time. After all, when you’ve lived so long, you deserve it!

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Last Updated on February 19, 2021 by Marie Benz MD FAAD