Ageing well – tips for Staying happy & healthy
Many people fear aging even though it’s a completely natural process we all need to go through. Actually, your senior years can the best time of your life if know a few tricks that will keep you happy and healthy deep into your old age.
Stay active
One of the most important things towards physical and mental health during senior years is physical activity. Regular exercise will not only help you stay fit enough to keep your independence, but also provide you with better health. Physical activities not only help prevent many health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and depression, but they also provide relief from chronic pain. So, make sure to engage in activities that you like in order to stay motivated to work out. If you’re not a gym kind of person, you can go on regular walks and bike rides or join a fitness class. Another great thing to do is incorporate balance, flexibility and muscle-strengthening exercises into your workout routine. They will keep you safe from falls and all kinds of exercise-induced injuries.
Eat well
As you grow older, your metabolism slows down and your taste buds change which leads to weight problems and malnourishment. So, once you turn 50, it’s time to pay special attention to your diet. Fill up on nutritious foods like fruit, veggies and whole-grain, and try to avoid sugary treats and drinks and overly-processed foods. Another thing to pay attention to is sodium. Reduce the salt in your food in order to prevent hypertension and cardiovascular issues.
Choose the best care
If you need some support to remain living independently, why not look into in home aged care support? The nature of aged care support is changing very quickly, and today we have online solutions like Mable which are modern aged care support services that allow its customers to lead an independent life by connecting with independent support workers they choose based on their needs and desires. No matter how complex your care needs are, house companions and registered nurses will know how to provide you with the right assistance. Plus, new models of aged care encourage daily chores like gardening and cooking and want customers to be autonomous and more involved in decision making.
Sleep like a baby
It’s a common misconception that seniors don’t need a lot of sleep. As a matter of fact, they need more sleep than adults—somewhere between 7 and 9 hours a night. And getting insufficient sleep isn’t as naïve as it might seem. Sleep deprivation can trigger depression, mood swings, memory issues and other health problems. So, if you notice any sleeping inconsistencies, consult your doctor. Your medication or your chronic health problems can all affect your sleep, which is something your doctor will know how to handle. You can also reduce naps, organize a good bedtime routine and cut down on caffeine.
Keep your brain sharp
Cognitive decline is a completely normal part of aging. However, the number of people who suffer from dementia is growing every year. So, if you want to keep your wits as long as possible, engaging in cognitive stimulation may help you stay sharp during your senior years. Never stop learning and creating new obstacles for your brain. You can start learning a new language, take up the guitar, join a book club or take dance lessons. These new things will help slow down your cognitive decline, plus they are super fun!
Stay connected
Loneliness is one of the most prominent triggers for depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. Old age brings many changes with it such as retirement, health problems and loss of loved ones which can all cause people to seek isolation. However, maintaining good relationships with family members and friends, especially during and after big life changes, can really help. If being social doesn’t come naturally to you, don’t hesitate to schedule meeting times with friends and family, join a club or turn to social media. Also, if you notice some of your loved ones are feeling lonely and isolated, make sure to reach out!
Prevention is the best cure
Many health conditions can be easily prevented. So, sign up for a yearly flu shot, maintain good personal hygiene and take safety measures in your home to prevent falls and injuries. You can also include various vitamin and mineral supplements in your diet and practice physical activities to keep yourself strong, flexible and fit.
If you follow these tips, your senior years will be the best years of your life! Just remember to dedicate time to your health and turn to professionals as soon as you notice any issues.
