HEALTHY AGING



Healthy Aging and Exercise for Seniors

Diet | Vitamins | Exercise |
Stop Smoking | Avoid Falls |
See Your Doctor | Be Realistic |

What do you want to know about senior health?

As health needs change with age, one thing remains the same. Healthy living remains the same. Healthy living is the best way to prevent disease, prolong life, and live a happier life. Living a longer, healthier life can be made easier with these simple steps.

Eat Natural Foods

Processed foods are often full of:

- sugar
- sodium
- unhealthy fats
- calories

Avoid the fake stuff and opt for:

- fresh fruits and vegetables 
- whole grains
- fibre-rich foods, lean cuts of meat
- fresh fish
- poultry

Easy grocery shopping tip: Shop the perimeter of the store where the fresh foods are. Try to avoid the inside aisles where many boxed and processed foods are stored.


Get Your Vitamins

You can get your vitamins with a daily multivitamin designed specifically for older adults, but eating vitamin-rich foods can serve extra benefits. Many foods full of vitamins also provide plenty of healthy fibre and minerals. Pack your meals with vitamin-rich foods and keep taking the multivitamin as a backup. 


Get Moving 
 
Physical activity is vital for developing strong bones and muscles you need to help to avoid falls or accidental injuries. Exercising is best to prevent obesity and many diseases in people of all ages. If you haven`t been physically active in recent years or have concerns about starting exercise again, consult with your doctor. They may suggest a structured or supervised exercise environment, preferably a rehabilitation clinic. Many hospitals have this type of clinic for patients and those with health concerns. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity each day. You can break it up into three 10-minute sessions and get the same benefits.


Stop Smoking

Dump the cigarette habit. Stay away from those who smoke. Second-hand smoke can be almost as dangerous. Once you stop, your risk for heart disease and some cancers will begin decreasing right away. The longer you go without smoking, the better. The risks continue to fall over time.


Prevent Falls

The risk of falls increases as we age. Morbidity and mortality rates connected to falls are also much higher in the older population. Older adults are more prone to injuries from falls or accidents, so it`s important to anticipate potential hazards in your home. These may include stairs, high bathtub walls, and slippery floors. Also, exercise can improve your strength and balance. If you were to fall or have an accident, the fact that you are physically active may make recovery easier.


Have Regular Checkups

Visiting your doctor regularly for annual screenings or to discuss your health will help you stay on top of any potential problems. As an older adult, you may need to take several different medications. It's helpful to review your prescriptions regularly so that your doctor can note any changes or side effects.


Be Realistic About Driving

Older drivers aren`t always bad drivers. Things that come with aging, poor vision, and slower reaction times make driving trickier and may increase the chances of an accident. Don`t ignore any new problems you notice. Communicate with your doctor about your difficulties and ask him if there are any solutions.










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