Kan Dail
Aging is a natural process. People who age and get to love their senior lives are blessed, as many young people are losing their lives to mental and physical ailments. So, being a senior is a blessing. Though it does come with a set of challenges. Staying active is one of the biggest challenges due to health issues, a lack of support, and even limited mobility.
But staying physically active is necessary for them. It keeps them mentally healthy and keeps diseases away. Also, when they are physically healthy, their mental health stays good, and they can stay happy. They can take part in parties, join a club, or travel, which makes them happy. So, health and happiness go hand in hand. Seniors cannot stop the aging process. However, they can ensure it does not affect their health.
Here are a few fun ways seniors can stay healthy and happy.
1. Stay physically active
The first step to aging gracefully and staying healthy and happy is to be physically active. Exercise helps with so many things. For instance, it keeps you mobile, improves cognitive function, improves balance, and reduces feelings of depression and anxiety. Moreover, it keeps you safe or delays the onset of multiple diseases that, as you age, you may get. These include type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, joint pain, osteoporosis, and more. Therefore, working out is essential. However, it is understandable that seniors cannot spend hours in the gym.
A few adults in their 70s go to the gym, but not everyone can do that. For others, starting slow or doing the activity they love works. For instance, if you love riding a bicycle, continue doing so if you get the okay from your doctor. Just buy the best bicycle seats for seniors for comfort and safety. Other ways to stay physically active are to go for walks, swim, join a yoga class for seniors, and more. Being physically active also helps build your immune system.
2. Eating right
So, you love eating meatloaf or chicken burgers? Well, you can still eat them occasionally. However, seniors should focus on a healthy and balanced diet. Too much red meat, alcohol, or processed food is never good. But for seniors, it can induce heartburn, which can be excruciating. Or lead to other stomach or health issues. It is best to stick to healthy, homemade foods. Also, eating on time is necessary. If the senior is living alone with mobility issues or other health concerns, get help. You can subscribe to food delivery, which gives you proper ingredients you only must cook. Also, work with a nutritionist to get a diet that is best for your health and ensures you stay healthy. A healthy diet should include nuts, veggies, fruits, legumes, and grains.
3. Take supplements
Seniors can and should take supplements after talking to their doctor. As you age, the essential nutrients and vitamins start getting depleted. Vitamin deficiencies can lead to multiple health issues. Therefore, it is best to consult your doctor and take supplements. The most important supplement to take is vitamin D. Most seniors are always deficient in Vitamin D, leading to low immunity. It also increases chances of getting hospitalized due to the flu. Other vitamins to take include vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin B12, selenium, and more.
4. Join clubs
Seniors’ health can worsen if they do not have a support system. If your family is away and you don’t have many friends, try to make one. For this, you can join clubs like a book club, a cooking club, or more. Something that allows you to go out and meet people once a week. Not only does it help you socialize, which is essential for good health. But it also ensures you have people to rely on when the need arises. If you are religious, joining a church or so on can help you meet like-minded people.
5. Go for regular checkups
Another secret to staying healthy and happy is to go for regular checkups. Everyone is afraid of going to the doctor, but these appointments can save you from last-stage diseases. Early screening helps you get treated better. And if you suffer from any chronic diseases like diabetes, heart conditions, BP, arthritis, or mobility issues, keep your appointments. Never miss them, and take medications on time.
6. Limit your drinking
Do you love a glass of wine at the end of the day? Or do you drink too much whiskey at a gathering with friends? If yes, it is time to limit it. It is better to limit alcohol to your 40s only. But if you didn’t, you must do it now. Too much alcohol is never good for your health. You can consume one drink occasionally. But more than one drink will increase your chances of developing heart and other conditions. If you already suffer from health conditions, ask your doctor if drinking even one glass of wine or whiskey is good for you or not.
7. Quit smoking
Smoking kills, and it does not see age. So, everyone who smokes should quit on principle. For seniors, it is smart to quit smoking urgently. When you quit, you decrease your chances of developing lung cancer, high cholesterol, heart disease, and more.
8. Sleep well
Are you sleeping eight hours a day? No? Then strive to sleep for at least 8 hours and ensure it’s deep sleep. Not sleeping well can cause health issues, make you mentally foggy, and disrupt your mood. Create a sleeping schedule if you are having trouble sleeping. If it develops into insomnia, talk to a doctor for proper treatment.
9. Stay mentally fit
Mental health issues like anxiety or depression are not uncommon in seniors. It stems from loneliness and stress. Take steps to get better by talking to a therapist or socializing.
Being healthy is not a choice; it is a necessity. Seniors should take it seriously because many are living alone without proper support. If they are not healthy, they will not be happy, and vice versa. So, trying these tips to ensure health and happiness can work. Working out, going cycling, eating right, meeting people, etc. can all help them achieve this.