By 2060, the number of citizens over the age of 65 is expected to reach nearly 100 million. Some people dread the aging process because they think all it brings is routine aches and pains. In reality, getting older allows you to gain wisdom. Once you retire, you will have all the time in the world to pursue your passions.
Instead of going into your golden years with several health problems, you need to keep your mind and body healthy. Read below for some help tips on aging well.
Make Time For Daily Walks
The biggest misconception people have about staying fit is that it requires lots of time and effort. Walking 30 minutes a day is one of the best things you can do to keep your body healthy. Not only is walking easier on your joints and muscles, it is also an excellent source of cardiovascular exercise. Walking more will also help you increase the flow of blood and oxygen to your brain.
This increased blood flow will help keep your brain cells healthy. Recent scientific studies show that routine aerobic exercise can help in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Walking daily can also help you lose weight and strengthen your muscles.
This exercise can reduce your chances of getting diabetes and even heart disease. Finding an enjoyable area to walk in can make this exercise fun and relaxing.
Stay Socially Active in Your Senior Community
Moving into a senior community is something millions of elderly individuals do. Not only will you need to keep your body healthy as you age, you should focus on keeping your mind engaged as well. If you live in a senior community, staying socially active is a good idea.
A recent study found that seniors citizens who classified themselves as lonely were nearly 60 percent more likely to experience a decline in mental and physical functionality. This study also showed that seniors who were always alone were at a 45 percent greater risk of death. Often times, moving into a community with other seniors is a great way to solve problems with loneliness.
Generally, these types of communities will host activities for residents aimed at getting everyone together. Participating in these events is a great way to create relationships with people around you. Senior citizens living at home will also need to stay social. The best way to do this is by forging a relationship with your caregiver or inviting friends and family members over for a night of socializing.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders to the Letter
As you get older, you will spend more time at the doctor. Most seniors visit their doctor every couple of months to ensure they have a clean bill of health. If your doctor instructs you to increase the amount of exercise, you are getting or to try a healthier diet; you need to take these recommendations to heart.
Usually, a doctor will give this advice to seniors who are showing early warning signs of serious health problems. Sometimes, changing up your diet or increasing the amount of physical activity in your life can help delay or even prevent these health issues.
Are you looking for a health insurance plan to make going to the doctor more affordable? If so, visit the HealthMarkets website. On this site, you can browse available Medicare Advantage plans on the market. Once you look at the details of these plans, choosing the right one will be a breeze.
Add the Right Supplements to Your Diet
Keeping your body healthy as you age is no accident. It requires both hard work and the right supplements. While many of the nutrients your body needs to thrive can be found in healthier foods, you will need to use supplements as you age.
An aging body needs more vitamins and minerals to maintain functionality, which is why using supplements is a good idea. One of the best supplements a senior citizen can take is calcium. With the right amount of calcium in your body, you will be able to keep your bones strong. You may also want to think about taking B12 and vitamin D supplements.
The only way to figure out exactly what nutrient deficiencies you have is by getting blood work done. Your primary care doctor should be able to perform these tests and go over the results in detail. With their guidance, getting the right supplements in place will be less challenging.
Getting the Right Amount of Sleep is Vital
Another important thing you need to focus on when trying to age well is getting the right amount of sleep. When you sleep, your body is able to relax and regenerate. Seniors can experience a host of sleep issues that may prohibit them from getting the rest they need.
These issues can be caused by things like medication side effects, depression or even chronic diseases. As soon as you experience sleep-related problems, you need to take action to get them fixed. Usually, this will require you to go to a sleep clinic for observation. Once this observation is completed, your doctor will figure out what is wrong and how to fix it.
Aging Well Requires Effort
If you want to age well, prepare yourself for lots of work. While staying healthy as you age is challenging, the effort you invest will pay off in the long run.