Originally posted on https://www.humblemusings.com/1196-staying-healthy-as-you-age-the-top-senior-wellness-tips/

 

By 2030, one in five residents in the US will be of retirement age.

As the population ages, the result is that there are fewer younger people to care for the increasing number of elders.

One way to ensure you can look after yourself for years to come is to focus on aging well and staying strong and healthy.

The older you get, the more cognizant you need to be of your health. Check out this guide to learn about the top senior wellness tips.

1. Keep Moving

Your family may be concerned that you’re “over-exercising”, but so long as you get the go-ahead from your doctor, keeping active will keep you young.

There are hundreds of benefits to living an active life. For example, exercise can help reduce stress, anxiety, and mental health issues.

Better yet, exercise can also help you lose weight, make you feel happier, and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Who doesn’t want these benefits?

If you already love exercising, then keep going! But, if you’re not used to moving, start slow.

Why not head to the swimming pool and join a slow water aerobics class? Or, how about meeting a friend for a walk?

Remember, even if you’re chair-bound, there are exercises that you can do. For example, try some upper-body stretches.

2. Healthy Eating Isn’t Boring

In order to feel young, you need to watch what you’re eating. It can be very easy to slip into bad habits and eat cake every single day.

But, you should make sure you’re getting enough dark leafy greens and nutrients to ensure your bones stay strong.

If you love cooking, this is great. Buy yourself a recipe book which is full of healthy, plant-based meals. Make sure you’re getting enough fruit and veg, but also nuts, seeds, legumes, beans, and whole grains.

If you hate cooking, simply make sure you have healthy instant meals and snacks in your house. It’s easy to avoid unhealthy food by only shopping when you feel full and only stocking your cupboards with healthy options.

Speak to your doctor about supplements to ensure you’re getting the right level of nutrients too.

3. Stay Hydrated

Every day, we should be drinking around two liters of water. This can feel like a lot of liquid but spread it out over the day.

Why not carry a water bottle around with you. Always drink when you feel thirsty and remind yourself to take a sip after being active.

If you love drinking tea, this also counts as part of your two liters. But, be mindful to not only drink teas that are diuretics.

4. Spend Time with Other People

Even if friends and family live far away from you, it’s still important that you see people regularly.

It can be difficult to make friends when you’re older, but it’s been proven that spending time with others can lift our mood and improve brain health.

If leaving home is not an option for you, then why not consider talking to someone over the phone? Check out companionmatters.com.

By signing up, you can begin talking to a new companion once a week. You can learn about their life, tell them your stories, and make your Sunday evenings a little bit more special.

5. Regularly Go for Checkups

No one likes going for regular checkups, but they definitely keep us fit and healthy. Go for vision, hearing, and dental checkups when you’re called in.

After the age of 50, you should be going to regular preventive screenings for prostate cancer or breast cancer.

You should also regularly be receiving updated vaccinations which can keep you healthy for longer.

While you’re going for a health checkup, why not ask about any other health concerns you have? Don’t keep these concerns to yourself.

Your doctor may be able to dispel any worries or prescribe you medication which can get you back to feeling like yourself in no time.

6. Get Frisky

Retirement provides the perfect opportunity to date. If you’re single, why not join a dating site?

Catching feelings that you haven’t felt in a long time will help keep you young. Take it slow, get to know someone online and meet them over dinner or coffee.

The great feeling now is what have you got to lose? Many young people find dating stressful as they’re looking for a life partner or someone to have kids with.

When you’re older, you’ve hopefully lived the life you wanted to lead. Now, you can get down to having a good flirt and maybe a little more without worrying about what comes next.

7. Never Stop Learning

There is nothing more mind-numbing than watching daytime TV all day. This doesn’t have to be your only option.

Why not go to local classes? You could also make a routine of doing the crossword puzzle or even playing chess with a friend.

Continue to learn into your old age and you’ll keep your mind young and free. Why not learn a new language and then treat yourself to a holiday?

Or, how about doing something creative such as learning how to paint or how to make your own pottery?

Turns out, you can teach an old dog new tricks. It may take some extra time but that’s the beauty of retirement.

8. Prevent Falls

As we age, it’s more likely that we’ll wake up in the night and need to get water or go to the bathroom.

Make sure your home is a safe space to walk around and you’ll stay healthy for longer. Falling can cause a lot of damage to your body, so make sure you avoid it.

This could mean getting rid of rugs that could trip you up or making sure you have a shower that is easy to get in and out of.

Consider moving if your home isn’t the right fit for you anymore. Think of this next stage as a new adventure and embrace life with positivity.

Senior Wellness Tips Worth Living by

The most important senior wellness tips are to stay positive and keep an active mind. Remember, you’re in control of how you view the world.

Look after your mental health and you’ll find yourself wanting to look after your physical health more and more.

Need help? Don’t be afraid to ask. Why not share this post on social media to let your friends know what you’re doing to stay fit and healthy in old age.