Healthy Living Tips for Seniors
Healthy Eating, Exercise, Stress Reduction
Seniors Can Live A Healthier Life
Growing older is an inevitable part of life. However, one does not have to succumb to the many misconceptions that go along with aging, such as disability and chronic disease, if the right steps are taken. Aging does not automatically equate to a poor quality of life and there are many steps seniors can take to ensure their life remains fulfilling after retirement. Today, more people are enjoying longer life spans and they are transitioning into retirement with ease due to their commitment to healthy living. While it may be very enticing to relax and remain idle after having worked for 30 years or longer, it is very important for seniors to look for various ways to remain fit and healthy as they enjoy their golden years. Healthy aging is important because it can lead to longer independence and a longer life. There are various ways to maintain one’s health after retirement. Here are a few tips on healthy independent living for seniors and what seniors can do today to ensure they are living the healthiest lifestyles possible.
Live A Longer and Healhier Life
Making the Most of Life After Retirement
For those who are 65+ years, transitioning into senior living represents a massive life change. This is especially true for those who take into account all of the negative misconceptions that are associated with old age—degradation of the body, decreased mental capacity and poor health. However, senior living can be enhanced when seniors make the active decision to live healthier lives. Just because retirement from a job has taken place does not mean that retirement should take away from enjoyable activities that promote health and well-being. Seniors can avoid many health implications and conditions by maintaining a fit, active lifestyle that is full of pleasing, enriching activities.
Healthy Eating for Seniors
One of the cornerstones of healthy senior living is a well-balanced diet. A poor diet can lead to a number of health implications to include obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol, just to name a few.
Eating well-rounded and nourishing meals is important for seniors because it ensures they have the vitamins, nutrients and energy necessary to perform day-to-day activities. A healthy diet consists of consuming a variety of lean meats, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fibers. For optimum health, a well-balanced meal with these essential nutrients will go a long way when it comes to pursuing a healthy lifestyle after retirement. Make the proper choices in food and dietary consumption by sticking to healthy meals and snacks. Portion control is also important and over-eating should be avoided. Also, remember to remain hydrated by drinking plenty of water and by avoiding sugary drinks such as soda or other soft drinks. Water helps to hydrate the body and cleanse it of toxins. Drinking plenty of water also helps to hydrate the skin for an inviting, natural glow.
During the aging process, there may be many changes going on within the body that can lead to changes in appetite as well as metabolism. Even so, poor dietary conditions can exacerbate these changes and negatively impact a senior’s health and well-being. For instance, poor eating can lead to muscle degradation and the likelihood of other chronic illnesses such as stroke or diabetes. For seniors who may need additional assistance accessing and preparing healthy meals, there are many programs within the community that offer nutritious meals to those over the age of 65.
Exercise Can Improve Your Quality of Life
Physical Activity & Exercise for Seniors
Another cornerstone for healthy living for seniors includes physical activity and exercise. A very important part of any healthy living program is physical fitness and it is never too late to begin exercising (even for those seniors who have not exercised in years). Fortunately, the body will respond to exercise no matter what the person’s age is. As people age, their muscle mass begins to decrease as does flexibility and endurance. This is why it is so important for seniors to exercise so that they can maintain their muscle strength, improve bone strength and restore physical balance. With an active lifestyle, to include formal exercise and other low impact activities such as walking, seniors can maintain their weight, stay in shape and feel great about their bodies and their health. Even with as little as 15-30 minutes of low impact exercise per day, seniors can see significant improvements in their physical well-being. What’s more is that exercise helps cognitive functioning including improved memory and mood.
Physical activity can easily be incorporated into the daily routine of retired seniors. For instance, seniors can thrive when it comes to exercise by picking activities that are enjoyable to participate in. These can include both indoor and outdoor activities. For example, daily walks are a great physical activity that can provide huge results. Walking promotes endurance, cardiovascular health; it strengthens muscles and helps to control weight. A good exercise routine can also improve balance which is a concern for some seniors who may be more prone to trips and falls. A steady walking routine can also prevent disabilities later on in life. Other activities may include swimming, cycling, aerobics, dancing, tennis, or even playing with grandchildren. Such activities will prevent a sedentary lifestyle, they improve flexibility and they help to reduce the risks of some ailments brought on by old age. Additionally, choosing enjoyable activities will increase the likelihood that participation will become routine since people tend to do more of what they enjoy. Exercise is also great for countering physical ailments like back pain, arthritis and depression. Before beginning any exercise program speak with a physician first who can discuss the best exercise activities to pursue during retirement. Remember, doing too much can result in injury, so it is important to find the best routine that fits the senior’s current needs.
Keep Your Mind Sharp
Mental Stimulation & Activities for Seniors
Seniors should not only stay fit physically, they should also stay fit mentally. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical movement and activity. Mental stimulation helps seniors stay focused and it provides them with peace of mind as they participate in activities that they find excitement in. Mental stimulation also helps to keep boredom at bay. For instance, seniors can engage in activities that are of interest to them at their local senior centers. Visit the local senior center for more information on the adult day programs that are available in the area. Such programs can prove to be challenging both mentally and physically. Seniors can also join local clubs, participate in community events, volunteer with local non-profits or engage in other social activities such as traveling or vacationing with peers. Making connections with other seniors is also important for social interaction and can lead to lasting relationships with other like-minded individuals.
Savvy seniors can also take up a hobby or pursue other personal interests. Learning is another great way to sharpen mental stimulation. For instance, many more seniors are pursuing formal education after retirement and obtaining advanced degrees in subjects they have always been curious about. There are so many interesting things to learn about the world and retired seniors are taking classes, mastering the internet and then applying this knowledge to new-found hobbies and even making new friends who are also interested in these fields of study. In short, seniors should do things that have personal meaning to them and they should participate in preferred activities that stimulate the mind. This will help seniors maintain a sense of purpose as they participate in activities that create a connection with others. These activities can also take them out of their comfort zone for challenges that will stimulate their thinking and provide mental stimulation that will keep them busy and engaged.
Reduce Stress
Stress Reduction for Seniors
Good health is not just about physical and mental well-being—it also involves emotional health and stability. Stress can have a major impact on the emotional health and well-being of seniors. For instance, in the years following retirement, many seniors may experience the untimely loss of their peers (close friends, family members or spouses). In addition, their own health may decline or they may worry about other family or personal matters, which can all take a toll on well-being. Furthermore, loneliness is also a top stressor for those over the age of 65. Additionally, boredom can take its toll emotionally on seniors who may feel that their life is no longer fulfilling since they have retired from their careers. Here are a few suggestions on how to alleviate stress associated with retired living:
· Keeping busy and participating in enjoyable activities to combat stress
· Maintaining a positive attitude and remaining conscientious of the present moment instead of worrying about the past or future events
· Accepting that there are some things that may beyond the immediate control of the senior
· Remembering that living to see the retirement years is a privilege that some have not been fortunate to witness
· Changing perspective; so instead of looking back at life with regret for all of things that could have been done, try looking forward towards all of the things that can still be accomplished
· Focusing on happiness by maintaining close connections with friends and family
· Reaching out to close friends or family member if feelings of loneliness or depression seem to get worse
· Speaking directly to a healthcare provider if these feelings become overbearing or do not cease
Stay Active
Ways to Improve Healthy Living for Seniors
In general, a healthy lifestyle is all about making healthy choices. Other ways in which seniors can improve their life after retirement are to reduce alcohol consumption and to quit smoking if applicable. The health implications that are a result of smoking are all preventable and it is never too late to quit smoking. Smoking cessation is very critical for improving health and well-being because smoking can lead to cancer, lung disease and stroke. Smoking also increases wrinkles by decreasing the skin’s elasticity. Taking such small steps can help to improve the health condition of many seniors. Additionally, practicing safe habits is another way to live a healthy lifestyle. With aging also comes an increase in accidents such as trips and falls from losing balance. At home, remember to remove lose wires and other hazards from walkways for the safest maneuvering within the home. Also, practice other safety measures such as wearing seat belts while driving, speaking to a physician prior to beginning a new exercise routine, paying attention to medication dosages and asking for assistance within the home where needed.
Lastly, staying up-to-date on routine healthcare matters is an important healthy living tip for seniors. This includes scheduling regular appointments with the primary care doctor, dentist and eye doctor for routine healthcare appointments. Maintaining regular appointments is important because doctors will provide suggestions for preventative measures that can be applied at home. From monitoring hearing and vision to providing tips on how to protect skin as it ages, doctors are there to ensure all of the senior’s medical needs are met during this important life transition. Following the doctor’s recommendations and implementing these strategies at home are great ways to ensure, a long healthy life. Remember, doctors are partners in the senior’s well-being and their insight can prove to be important in catching smaller problems before they turn into much larger health concerns.
For those who are 65 and older, pursuing a healthy life is of utmost importance and can have a profound impact on the senior’s welfare. Seniors who have reached retirement age can give themselves the best possible chance for a longer, healthier life by committing to a healthy lifestyle. While aging is often associated with mental or physical degradation, this does not have to be the case. There are so many approaches that seniors can take to achieve longevity and reduce the common ailments that are often associated with old age, including both physical and mental well-being, for an enjoyable life after retirement. Following the proper diet, pursuing fulfilling activities and maintaining mental fitness are just a few of the ways in which healthy living for seniors can be achieved. Other activities can include exercise, taking up a hobby, contributing to the community as a volunteer or traveling the world. No matter the choice, a fulfilling and pleasurable life can be sustained after retirement.
To learn more about healthy living for seniors contact a retirement specialist today for additional information.