It’s a given that very few people today have the chance to live long especially with the kind of lifestyles they lead. Processed foods and exercise-free lives are a norm. It’s no wonder that terminal diseases are spiralling with each passing day.
If you’ve made it that far, the best you can do for yourself is live healthy. Be as active as you can and who knows? You might live even longer. Contrary to what most people think, living healthy isn’t hard. Here are some simple, healthy living tips that every senior can practice.
1. Eat a Balanced Diet
According to Mr. Johnson, health advisor at Halo Health Care, what you eat at this stage of your life is essential. Cut on junk foods, soda, and other unhealthy foods that add no value to your body. If the temptation is too strong, keep your fridge clear of any tempting foods and avoid going where such foods and drinks are sold or made. It may be difficult, but in the end, it’s all worth it.
2. Be Informed on Health Screenings and Vaccinations
The older we grow, the more vulnerable and illness-prone our bodies get. That’s why it’s crucial to get check-ups on a regular basis. If you’re a man, get checked for prostate cancer. Old women are at risk of getting breast cancer. Get a mammography screening done on your breasts as often as you can.
3. Quit Smoking
If you’re a smoker, you may want to stop the habit. The diseases it brings are severe and can damage vital organs such as the heart, throat, and lungs. Prolonged smoking can also lead to an amputation of a limb or two. Men can have erectile dysfunction because of smoking. Quitting isn’t easy, that’s why you should join a rehabilitation center to get the help you need.
4. Keep Your Sexual Life Alive
It’s not all about living promiscuously. It’s all about getting intimate with that special someone.
Old age shouldn’t deter you from enjoying your sexual life. Just keep in mind that the more sex you get, the happier and healthier you’ll be. See to it that you’re checked regularly so that your doctor can advise you accordingly if something pops up.
5. Get Your Ears, Teeth, and Eyes Checked
Eating carrots regularly, flossing and listening to music in the lowest volume possible isn’t enough. Make regular visits to the hospital for checkups from professionals. If there’s anything that needs fixing, it’ll be taken care of as soon as possible. The more checkups you get, the healthier you’ll be.
- Don’t Stress Out
Whether it’s a little worry or anxiety, try and be as peaceful and relaxed as you can. There are so many relaxation techniques you can practice such as yoga and meditation.
Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you, get some therapy if you’re depressed and laugh as often as you can, even when you look crazy.It’s all about feeling good and lowering the stress levels. Sure, stress is inevitable, but you could learn to manage it.
- Try Not To Slip Or FallAlways have someone to help you go up and down stair cases whenever possible. Carpets that are loosely placed on the floor are a risk. Get rid of them or ask someone to do it. Wipe spills from the floor as soon as possible and don’t walk on a slippery floor.
Electrical cords and other cables should be tucked away safely from the areas you regularly walk on. Most importantly, ensure that you have some sturdy shoes with great support on any time you’re on your feet.
8. Be Active
As mentioned earlier, being active largely contributes to your state of health. Do some light exercises to keep your heart healthy, go for short walks each day to keep your leg muscles strong.
You could also challenge your mind a bit by:
- Reading
- Learning a new language
- Filling in a crossword puzzle
- Playing scrabble.
Apart from keeping you healthy, an active lifestyle makes you look younger and more attractive too.
9. Shed Off Any Extra Weight
You probably already know where I’m going with this. Yeap. Keep your weight within a healthy range if you’re obese. Obesity leaves you prone to complications such as high blood pressure and diabetes. If you’ve no idea what’s the standard weight for you, consult a doctor. Or, you could use the Kaiser Permanente BMI calculator to calculate your ideal weight.
10. Keep Your Skin Healthy
The skin is the largest and most delicate organ of the body. The older we grow, the thinner it becomes and loses its elasticity. It’s prone to damage and takes longer to recover from cuts, scratches, and other accidents.
When relaxing outdoors, apply some sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. Excessive exposure to the sun can lead to skin cancer. Putting on a cap is a great idea too.
