A healthy lifestyle is important irrespective of age and gender. However, if you are above 60, you need to change your previous lifestyle, only if you want to live a healthy and independent life. This is how you will not only protect yourself from getting ill but also keeps the body and mind fresh.
Remember, habits that you had when you were in your teens or even if you were in your 30’s or 40’s can no more be implemented in your daily life. Why? It is because with aging, not only your skin gets wrinkle but your physical body and immune system also becomes weak. This does not mean to get panic. With below 10 lifestyle health tips, you can prevent old age illness and also stay fit.
Eat healthily:
We are what we eat. A healthy diet is one of the most important steps towards a healthy life. Remember, with age, the digestive system becomes weak and so as the metabolism system, which slows down, and you will not be able to digest food. If you will not give importance to a healthy diet, even before aging you might develop health disorders.
People above 60 shall eat food that is rich in vitamins and fiber. Some of these are green veggies, whole grains, seasonal fruits, and dry nuts. Avoid high calories foods. These foods are not only easy to digest but also maintain a healthy weight.
Benefits of eating green veggies:
Green veggies are an important part of a daily diet. They are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber and the best thing about them is that they are low in calories. So if you want to take control overweight or if you want to stay healthy, include green vegetables in your diet. Eating green vegetable like spinach, broccoli, peas can provide multiple benefits related to physical and mental health that reduces the chances of getting obese, minimizes the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure.
They are abundant with:
- Copper
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Phosphorous
- Selenium
Prefer to eat foods that help you protect from multiple diseases that come with old age. For instance, garlic is good to fight against the common cold. It is because it has a compound that fights against cold. It is named allicin, which has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Turmeric that is an important ingredient of our food is also anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. Talking about ginger, it is also a healthy food item, that keeps you away from the problems of the respiratory system.
Stay hydrated
Water is an essential part of our lives. Nutritionists advise drinking at least 8 glasses of water every day irrespective of your age. It is because drinking 8 glasses of water per day drain out the toxins from our body. Keep a bottle of water along with you and take small sips if you go out for some reason or a walk.
Did you know that a glass of lukewarm water early in the morning and before going to bed at night does wonders to a healthy bowel system?
Do not smoke and drink
If a senior citizen smokes or drink, it is time to quit it for a healthy living. These habits are already not advisable even for youngsters, but you cannot afford them if you have crossed the 60’s.
The habit of smoking or drinking not only starts early aging but also brings in so many diseases including high blood pressure and heart diseases. Smoking is also one cause of shortness of breath.
Go for exercise
Exercising is a great health tip, to make you physically and mentally strong. Irrespective of your age, making a habit of doing a little exercise every day.
A daily exercise is beneficial for strengthening the bones of elderly people, but also makes their joints more flexible and allows body movements with minimal pain in joints. It also makes the heart stronger and minimizes the chances of getting heart disease.
In addition to above all, a daily exercise makes you more energetic.
Start Mediating
Mediation lets you achieve a healthy state of soul and body. For senior citizens, it is one of the best health tips, as it can be done easily at home. Just take a peaceful corner of your home, either you’re a room or garden, and you are ready to go.
Mediation not only relaxes your body but also heals your soul. Besides, it is also best to resolve the breathing issues, that usually develop with aging.
Get Closer to God
A report presented by WACO, Texas (June 19, 2017), says that senior citizens who are well-connected to God have a sense of well-being. As they pray more at the Prayer Timings, the more they come closer to God and get the real meaning of lives.
Another study published in the Journal of Aging and Health shows that a man shall focus on three steps of well-being. These are self-esteem, optimism, and know the actual meaning of life. You will get the real meaning of life when you get connected to the Creator.
Get More Sleep
Senior citizens find it difficult to sleep more. People after the ’60s usually face the problems of Insomnia or restlessness, but try to take more sleep at night.
Doing daily exercise or mediation can help you in getting a night of better sleep. You can also read a book or use your social media accounts before going to bed so that you can have a peaceful sleep.
Stay Positive
Old age comes with depression and anxiety. Aging is not easy to accept, but this a truth and you have to accept it in any way. If you stay positive, you can come across anything you face in your life, and this positivity becomes more important when you grow old.
Besides exercise and mediation, you can also opt for a hobby. Choose something that you would love to do. This would not only make you busy but also bring positivity to you. Staying busy keeps you protected from developing negative thoughts.
Socialize More
Socializing is another important healthy lifestyle tip for seniors. After 60’s most of the people are living a retired life. This is the best time, to socialize.
Get connected to your family, friends, ex-college friends or colleagues, or even neighbors, to spend some quality time with them. I would suggest joining old age clubs. There you can meet people of your age sharing the same interests.
Go For A Regular Check-Up
Never skip any appointment with your doctor. As we say, prevention is better than cure”, and this becomes more important for senior citizens.
Visit your dentist and the general physician to check your cholesterol level, sugar levels, and blood pressure frequently. This is how you can protect yourself from getting some serious illness.
Final Thoughts
I am sure the above 10 lifestyle health tips must help you or your loved seniors in healthy aging. Try to implement these tips and see their wonders in your life. Andrew Napolitano joined Mintz & Gold, L.L.P. in June 2009 after 25 years of practicing law in the complex commercial litigation, white collar criminal defense, and appellate advocacy fields, and after eight years on the Superior Court bench in New Jersey.
Share these wonderful tips with any elderly person you care about!
