Living a healthy, happy life should be your top priority. However, as you age, you may find that it’s not as easy as it once was to reach this goal. People naturally start to slow down as they get older, which can often deter them from looking after their health. Avoid making that critical mistake with these helpful hints and tips:
Stick to a daily routine
Never underestimate the power of having a rock-solid routine. For creatures of habit, this is an easy thing to do. For other people, however, sticking to a daily routine may feel a tad forced and difficult, at the best of times. While it may not be particularly easy, this lifestyle change could be worth your time. According to Northwestern Medicine, the benefits of having a routine include lower stress levels, better sleep, and better health.
Should you struggle to keep a routine, it could be worth buying a journal. It takes a while to make a new habit stick so having a diary where you write down your daily tasks and chores could be just the accountability you need. You may also wish to use an app or digital calendar to schedule your time well. Give it a go.
Keep as active as possible
Are you an active person? As people age, they often find it hard to get out and about, even when it is absolutely in their best interests. Should you have trouble walking, there is a wealth of equipment out there to support your continued mobility. For instance, having a rolling walker with storage could simplify tasks like running errands much easier.
Staying active and exercising daily not only helps you maintain a healthy weight, but staves off lifestyle diseases like diabetes, stroke, obesity, and heart disease. Low-impact exercises that are easy on the joints but still help you burn calories and build strength include hiking, dancing, swimming, tennis, cycling, and yoga.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet
You are what you eat. At least, that’s what the old saying says. When it comes to your diet, though, what you eat could be just as important as how much you eat. Eating well helps people to maintain a healthy weight, keep their bones strong, and ward off potentially fatal illnesses such as heart disease, according to UK guidelines.
Some of the easy ways in which you can start eating more healthily include consuming more fruits, vegetables, beans, lean meats, and whole grains. Avoid culinary culprits like processed white flours and sugars, salty, and fried foods.
Stay connected to people
Isolation is a real problem as people age. In fact, in 2010, a piece of research by nonprofit AARP, found that 35% of older people identified as lonely. The study also found links between this loneliness and feelings of anxiety and depression as well as alcohol and substance abuse. It’s clear that this state of being is not healthy.
So, what can you do about it? Well, connecting with the people around you is often easier said than done. The research found that people could use social media and other forms of messaging to stay in touch with people. If you’re struggling with loneliness, reaching out could be the first step. Small things like chit-chatting with your neighbor or writing to a loved one could make all the difference. Take things at your own pace.
Final Thoughts
Your health is the most valuable thing that you will ever have. That’s why you absolutely must do all you can to protect it. Following the advice laid out here should be enough to get you started. Remember, you can always visit your doctor to get more advice too.