Staying Healthy In Your Senior Years
Growing older is inevitable.
Growing unhealthy is NOT.
As you grow into your senior years, you face a lot of changes to your mind and body. You can’t run as fast, activities that used to be easy are now harder, and you can have trouble remembering what you were just talking about.
Some of that is inevitable because your body and mind aren’t as efficient as before. But a lot can be prevented or even reversed. Even though you’re in your golden years, you can still work on your physical and mental well-being — and it’s not as hard as you might fear.
Eating Right Is A First Step
“You are what you eat” is a trite phrase, but there’s truth in it. Nutrition and eating right are vital to making sure you stay healthy as you grow older. That’s not just for your body; your mind can benefit from the right nutrition as well, and staying physically fit can improve your mood and self-esteem.
While some seniors have problems with weight gain, a more common problem is weight loss. Your body has a harder time with its metabolism. Problems like osteoporosis, iron deficiency, and more can plague you when you're older. Not only will you need multivitamins, you need to increase your protein intake. And don’t skip on the good fats or carbs, as you’re looking to keep weight on.
Exercise Is The Key To Physical Health
Staying physically active can be harder when you’re in your senior years. Your body begins to lose some of its flexibility and strength. But being inactive can lead to more medical problems and loss of ability to do simple things. More than ever, you need exercise to keep your body fit.
There is no practical difference between exercise and physical activity. Exercise is often structured, while physical activities are often done because you have to. The key is how much it works your muscles and keeps your heart healthy. 30 minutes of a leisurely walk around the park can be less helpful than 30 minutes of cleaning the house.
When deciding what to do, aim for variety. Work on balance, cardio, strength training, and flexibility.
Some examples of great exercises or activities for seniors include:
• Walking
• Water Aerobics and Swimming
• Yoga and Tai Chi
• Low-Impact Sports like Golf, Tennis, and Cycling
Don’t Ignore Your Mental Health
Getting your body in shape and eating right can help improve your mental health, but you shouldn’t focus solely on your body. Getting older can lead to more stress, anxiety, and depression, which can lead to substance abuse and even addiction, but there are some things you can easily do to help.
First, make sure you are getting enough sleep. As you exercise more, you’re putting extra stress on your body. It needs time to rest, heal, and build up energy before the next time. Don’t take long naps during the day, and be careful with how much caffeine you drink.
Stay in touch with your family and friends. If you’ve just moved somewhere, look online for groups of seniors that meet to play games, socialize, or even play a sport. Combining activity with socializing is a great idea.
Lastly, you need to exercise your brain. Don’t sit around watching TV shows and movies. Those are fine, but you need something that challenges your mind. Be creative by taking up writing, painting, or some other art. Find a hobby like gardening. You can even sit around with friends playing board games.
Growing older can be tough but by taking care of your health (both physical and mental), you can make these senior years some of the best you’ve ever had.
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Alternatives for Seniors is a print and online directory that specifically caters
to the housing and personal care concerns of senior citizens and their families.
When the time comes to find Senior Housing for yourself or a loved one, turn to Alternatives for Seniors. We offer FREE personalized assistance in finding the best senior housing option for you or your loved one. A place that matches your interests, needs and offers the amenties that best suit you –– one that is conveniently located near your loved ones.
Call our Senior Advisors at (888) WE-ASSIST (888-932-7747).
If you are not ready to talk to an Advisor, visit the Alternatives for Seniors website to begin searching for the perfect home. Housing options include: Senior Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Nursing/Rehab Centers or explore your options such as Adult Day Centers or in-home assitance like Home Care and Hospice.
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Thank You to Our Guest Blog Writer:
Jim Vogel
jim@elderaction.org
ElderAction.org
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