At any age, living a clean and healthy life is very important. For those aged 65 and above, it should be a priority.
At that age bracket, something as simple as a flu could lead to more serious complications. These complications include pneumonia, bronchitis and sinus Infection. It gets worse if you already suffer from a chronic asthma Infection.
For these reasons, it is advisable to employ healthy habits that will make you live a better, more enjoyable life, especially in your older ages.
Contents
- 1 How to Stay Healthy for Seniors
- 1.1 Engage Yourself With Physical Activities
- 1.2
- 1.3 Take Supplements If Necessary
- 1.4 Eat Healthy
- 1.5 Wash Your Hands As Many Times As Required
- 1.6 Manage Stress
- 1.7 Sleep Well
- 1.8 Go For Regular Medical Check Ups
- 1.9 Stay Away From Illicit Drugs & Cigarettes
- 1.10 Spend Time With Family And Loved Ones
- 1.11 Conclusion
How to Stay Healthy for Seniors
Below I will be giving you some tips on how you can stay healthy as a senior.
Keep reading!
Engage Yourself With Physical Activities
It cannot be over emphasized, how much good some regular physical activity would do for you. Working out 2-3 times a week can improve the quality of your overall health, as exercises have been known to be an immune booster.
Cardiovascular exercises help your heart and lungs to pump better, thereby improving the flow of blood all through your system. By doing so you will be at lesser risk of a heart attack or other cardiovascular diseases.
Strength based exercises also help you build up muscles and improve your strength. They will help you feel stronger than usual, and it will make doing basic chores much simpler than before.
Exercises also improve mental health and sharpness. It also helps eliminate anxiety and depression.
As a senior citizen, you don’t have to engage in very stressful workouts. You could carry light weights or just take simple walks around your neighborhood. They will do you a world of good.
Take Supplements If Necessary
There are certain supplements that are good for elders. These supplements help build up or strengthen their immune system and Improves resistance against certain illnesses.
Be sure to consult with your doctor before you take any supplements, as he/she is in the best position to determine if it is safe.
Some recommended supplements include calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12.
Older people are sometimes forgetful or careless, this is why you can get them a locked pill dispenseror an automatic pill dispenserto keep their pills secure and remind them when it’s time for their medication.
Eat Healthy
A diet filled with fruits, vegetables, fish and healthy lean meats is the way to go if you want to improve your well-being in your elderly age.
Fruits and vegetables don’t just boost your immune system, they also act as a detoxifier by killing and removing parasites from the body.
From the age of 60 and above, it is advised that you stay away from sugary and fatty foods, as they can cause inflammation and weaken your immune system.
Speaking of consumption, do not take too much alcohol. An occasional glass of wine isn’t bad. But drinking heavily everyday, especially before you go to bed is ill advised, as it would not allow you have a good night’s rest.
Wash Your Hands As Many Times As Required
Germs are basically everywhere, and while we cannot get rid of them completely, we can do our best to live free of them.
Wash your hands anytime you come in contact with dirty surfaces or pet droppings. Use warm water and soap and wash thoroughly for at least 20 seconds.
Besides your hands, be sure to always wash your fruits before you eat them.
An extra tip is to always keep an antibacterial hand sanitizer close by, in case you can’t wash your hands at that moment. Also use disinfectants to clean your kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
Manage Stress
The production of cortisol, which is the human stress hormone can lead to a break down of your immune system.
Managing your stress levels can help you live a healthier life.
You can manage your stress levels by the following means –
- Yoga
- Mindful meditation
- Talking to an expert
- Exercise
- Setting realistic personal goals
- Taking a vacation with loved ones
- Partaking in other fun activities
A stress free life is a healthy life!
Sleep Well
Sleeping is one of the most powerful self-repair activities a person can indulge in.
As you sleep, your body automatically repairs itself, thereby boosting your immune system’s ability to resist illnesses.
It is important for an elderly person to get enough sleep because it also Improves memory and focus.
If you find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, then you shod talk to your doctor about it. Lack of activity during the day may cause insomnia, but apnea and restless leg syndrome could also be responsible.
Sleeping for 7-9 hours everyday is excellent.
Go For Regular Medical Check Ups
As a person ages, he becomes more prone to having chronic diseases. Ailments such as diabetes and high blood pressure are not easily detected, but if you go for regular medical check ups, these conditions will be detected in their early stages which would make it easier to treat.
Early treatment is the surest way to avoid long term complications.
Stay Away From Illicit Drugs & Cigarettes
Illicit drugs such as cocaine and heroine are a bad idea for elders. Drugs cause several complications in a person’s body and the after effects are usually harmful.
Drugs can raise blood pressure and break down the immune system. They can also alter your skin color and make a person pale-faced.
Cigarettes also increase blood pressure and puts the user at risk of lung cancer.
Spend Time With Family And Loved Ones
Most elderly people have some extra time on their hands. This time could be spent with kids or grandkids, maybe help them out with their homework or other simple projects.
You could also join a social club, maybe a book club or something similar.
Spending time with loved ones is a good way to stay happy. And you know what they say – laughter is the best medicine!
Conclusion
Taking proactive approaches during old age is a sure way to stay healthy.
Work out, eat healthy, and have fun!