As people age, they become more susceptible to experiencing adverse health issues. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle can play a huge part in one’s overall well-being while enhancing longevity.
Below are five concrete action steps to prevent unexpected accidents while assuring a healthier, more enjoyable, and longer lifespan. If you’re a senior citizen or an older adult, consider implementing the following actions.
1. Reduce Alcohol Consumption
Increasing wellness is important for older adults. One area to focus on is reducing alcohol consumption. By consuming less alcohol, you’ll:
- Avoid sclerosis
- Avoid experiencing hangovers
Aging and being in retirement can lead to consuming more alcohol. Less daily responsibilities and not needing to report to a job in the morning could lead to indulging more in the evening.
While an occasional drink is fine, it’s imperative to keep things under control, especially if you have a fixed income. Look for productive ways to spend your money besides alcohol. Also, when drinking, you might feel the temptation to get behind the wheel. Drinking and driving are dangerous for everyone, regardless of age.
Some older adults use alcohol for mood regulation due to experiencing loneliness or depression. If this is the case, it might be time for some life changes. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your family or friends for help and support. Loved ones can spend more time with you doing activities and uplifting your mood. You might also consider getting a pet for companionship.
2. Stay Limber
If you don’t stretch your muscles regularly, they will atrophy. If you’re experiencing pains and aches, it’s imperative to develop a safe stretching routine. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself less mobile and accident-prone making it easier to fall and break or sprain something.
A few ideas include:
- Trying yoga classes
- Trying Tai Chi or another martial art
While you might not be able to head to your local gym or the YMCA at the moment due to Covid-19 concerns, you can take online virtual classes. Many yoga studios, martial arts dojos, and others offer frequent and sometimes free online tutorials and classes; a great way to stay physically fit without leaving home. If you have a spouse or partner, consider doing exercise together. Walking, stretching and exercise are great bonding activities that will simultaneously lift your mood.
3. Eat a Healthy Diet
As one ages, maintaining healthy body weight isn’t always easy. However, it’s best to avoid putting on too much weight later in life. Clothing might not fit as well, and you risk straining articulation points such as the ankles and knees.
You can easily maintain healthy body weight by ingesting copious amounts of vegetables and fruits; these provide the vitamins and minerals your body requires. It’s also essential to drink plenty of purified water. While it’s fine to consume organic lean meat, fish, and other protein sources, you should reduce carbohydrates such as white foods that are processed and refined including rice, crackers, bread, cereal, candy, and desserts.
Speak to a nutritionist to learn more about staying in shape and maintaining your energy levels. He or she can look at your diet and give you more specific recommendations based on your individual health needs.
4. Don’t Smoke
Some people smoke their entire lives. If you’re an older individual, you may feel like there’s no point in quitting. However, it’s always a good time to stop using tobacco products, regardless of your age. Even if you cease smoking when you’re eighty years old, your body will still reap the benefits.
Tobacco products cause more harm the longer you use them and are loaded with thousands of dangerous chemicals; harming our environment and nearby people. Learn to create a smoke free zone. If unsure of where to begin, talk to your doctor about nicotine gum or a patch. Together, you can devise a strategy to curb your cravings and kick the habit once and for all.
5. Stay Social
Many studies reveal that older adults should remain social if they want to avoid mental deterioration. You can’t always control whether you’ll be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, but you certainly can slow their effects. Talking to friends and family members will help you to keep your mind active and avoid forgetting things as easily.
If you’re currently unable to visit with family or friends in-person right now, try FaceTime, Zoom, or a similar technology to communicate with them online. You can also talk to loved ones via the phone, text, or by exchanging emails. These methods are free and can help you to avoid feelings of loneliness.
As you age, it’s imperative to stay healthy to enjoy the golden years. Take a proactive approach now that will keep you physically strong and mentally alert in the years to come.
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This post was sponsored. All thoughts and opinions are our own.
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