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Last Updated on August 8, 2021
David Bowie once said, “Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been.” But, more often than not, the physical and mental repercussions of aging douse the spirit of people. However, if you aim for a healthy lifestyle, you can live your life with happiness, positivity, and never-ending enthusiasm.
Read on to know the healthy habits that will help you overcome the common problems associated with aging and ultimately knock all the age-related barriers down.
- Make healthy eating your priority
Good health is proportional to a good diet. As you age, you should shift all your focus on eating nutrient-rich food.
With aging, the dietary needs of the body change. Your body requires fewer calories but more nutrients to stay healthy. Make sure you eat a diet packed with essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, calcium, proteins, etc.
To meet all the nutrient needs of your body, include fruits and vegetables in your diet. Also, eat whole grains (oatmeal, brown rice, etc), fat-free or low-fat milk, soy products, seafood, poultry, eggs, lean meat, unsalted nuts, seed, and beans. There are plenty of recipes available for healthy seniors with these ingredients.
You should also restrict the consumption of calorie-loaded items like food containing solid fats and added fats (butter, lard, etc), sugar-sweetened foods and drinks.
- Stay physically active
An active body is an antidote to the physical effects of aging, so include physical activities in your daily routine.
Regular physical activity is essential for every human on Earth. And, the importance of staying physically fit is felt strongly as you age since the body starts to become frail, motor functions weaken, coordination becomes sloppy, muscles lose flexibility. etc. Also, symptoms of arthritis, depression, anxiety, and other chronic health issues start showing up. However, with regular physical activities, you can fight all these uncalled-for physical barriers and safeguard your body to these effects.
Indulging in light stretching and daily exercises will improve your strength, flexibility, balance, as well as endurance. Activities like vacuuming the house, jogging, and walking the dog are also some daily tasks that can have positive effects.
- Stay mentally fit
Just like physical activity, mental activity also increases in importance to counter the effect of aging. Do not let your brain retire and keep challenging it with various mental exercises. To keep your brain active, indulge in exercises like crossword puzzles and word games. Also, keep learning new things, like a new language or a new skill.
- Do not miss regular health check-ups and screenings
Aging is always accompanied by multiple physical changes in your body. While we’re focused on wrinkles, gray hair, and fatigue, we often turn a blind eye to the changes taking place inside the body.
To stay aware of these changes, go for regular health check-ups and screenings. Men should get screened for prostate cancer, and women should go for mammography screenings.
Furthermore, you should also visit your dentist and ophthalmologist regularly to keep your oral cavity and eyesight healthy.
- Socializing
The majority of senior citizens give up their social lives and start seeking solitude. However, avoiding socialization invites several emotional, mental, and even cognitive problems. The distress caused by isolation is more harmful to an aging mind.
Several studies back the positive effects of socialization. Socially active elders valiantly combat stress and depression. It also enhances longevity, quality of life, and self-esteem.
Locking yourself up in your room will only make you feel older. Try to go out for walks in parks, do volunteer work, organize social activities, or become a part of social organizations.
The final words
It is believed that when old age knocks the door, good health escapes from the window. But, this doesn’t have to be true. You can gracefully deal with the physical effects of aging by being conscious about your choices and using the above mentioned healthy tips and habits to age with style and stay young in mind, body, and spirit.