We can’t do much about getting older but we can do plenty to optimize our health as we age.
We can apply creams to our skin to minimize wrinkles or wear clothing that makes us feel confident. We might also take steps to improve our physical and mental health, such as taking part in regular exercise and having hobbies that stimulate our minds.
Then there is also the use of health tech devices, such as hearing aids, continuous monitoring wearable devices, and more. These tools can be used to improve your quality of life as you age.
Since there is a range of health tech companies nowadays, you usually need to do some research to find the best products for your needs and preferences. For example, if you are partially deaf, looking at various hearing aid brands and models will help to find the best option for your personal needs.
As you get older, listening to your body becomes more important and you need to take extra steps to keep yourself healthy. To help you take good care of yourself, we’ve got some top tips for you below.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet is important for people of all ages. However, it becomes especially important as you age.
Having a diet that is full of nutrient-dense foods will keep your physical and mental health in tip-top shape. It will give you the energy to continue doing the things that you love and enables you to thrive in your senior years.
Healthy foods are vital to preventing illness too. Vitamins, minerals, and plant-based fiber are required to keep all of your organs and tissues functioning properly.
Focus on consuming a diet that is high in protein and healthy, unsaturated fats. Both of these macronutrients become even more important as you age to maintain muscle mass and protect your heart and brain.
Stay Hydrated
While we’re on the subject of diet, it’s also very important to stay hydrated as you get older. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and confusion.
To avoid any of these negative symptoms, drink plenty of water throughout the day. The recommended amount of water to consume each day is around two liters. If you’re active and you exercise every day, you will need to drink more than this.
Tea, coffee, and hot cocoa will also hydrate you but don’t rely solely on these beverages to stay hydrated. Stick mostly to water and treat your hot drinks as additions.
Exercise Every Day
Physical movement is an essential component of health and happiness. It helps to maintain and build skeletal muscle mass and strength. It protects your bones and lowers the risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis.
Exercise also keeps your heart and lungs healthy and strong, which lowers your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It helps to keep your blood vessels healthy and regulates your blood sugar levels.
There’s also the self-esteem boost that exercise can give you. When you move your body daily, you will feel energized and confident. Exercise causes the release of happy hormones, such as dopamine and serotonin, that keep you mentally well.
Aim to exercise for around 30 minutes a day if possible. Focus on gentle movement that is weight bearing, such as walking or resistance training. Weight bearing exercise has been shown to be the most beneficial for skeletal muscle growth and maintenance, and prevent injuries.
Maintain Great Oral Health
Poor oral health is associated with poor overall health. As you age, taking care of your teeth and gums is important to preventing not only oral disease but also disease elsewhere in your body.
Brush your teeth twice a day and floss to get the food in between your teeth that you have missed with your brush. By regularly brushing and flossing, you can prevent plaque build-up, which reduces the risk of gum disease.
If you spot any symptoms, such as swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath, or jaw pain, make sure to consult your doctor as quickly as possible
Don’t Forget to Rest
Rest is just as important as exercise in your senior years. When you get older, you can get tired more easily, and resting your body and mind is the best way to recuperate after a long day.
Take some time to truly relax each day, whether that is by watching your favorite TV program or enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal. Whatever you find calming and peaceful, make sure to include this in your daily routine.
While we are on the subject of rest, make sure you are getting enough sleep each night. Sleep is extremely important to keep your body and mind healthy, and a chronic lack of sleep can lead to an increased risk of disease.
Older adults are more likely to experience insomnia than younger adults or children. By establishing a great nighttime routine and ensuring you get the optimal 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night, you can keep yourself nice and healthy.
By getting enough rest and sleep throughout your week, you will also feel more energized and will be able to do all of the hobbies that you enjoy.
Stay in Touch With Your Loved Ones
Social health is just as important as physical and mental health. When you are socially fulfilled, it will positively influence all other aspects of your health.
Elderly adults can often feel isolated and depressed when they lack social connections. They are less able to get outside and meet people and don’t use things like social media to communicate with others.
If you have close family or a large group of friends, make sure to talk to them regularly. Whether it’s a phone call, video call, or in-person catch-up, speak to at least one person every day to prevent any feelings of isolation.
If you don’t have many close family members or friends, join a local community group where you can interact with people who share the same interests as you. It could be a knitting group, reading club, or walking group.
