It’s important for seniors to do everything they can to take care of themselves and stay healthy. If you’re a senior, there are some simple lifestyle habits that you can easily incorporated into your daily routine which will help you lead a long and healthy life. Here are some of the best senior wellness strategies to get you started on the right path.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Follow a heart-healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These foods provide cancer and disease-fighting nutrients and antioxidants. They also contain plenty of fiber, which reduces your risk for heart problems. Foods that contain Omega-3 fatty acids like those found in fish and nuts are also an essential part of your diet as they have been shown to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Just as importantly, nutritious foods will help you maintain a healthy weight and provide you with lasting energy.
Stay Active
With the new-found energy you’ll have as a result of your healthy diet, you’ll be ready to get active. Find an activity that you enjoy and you’ll be more likely to stick with it. Whether it’s gardening, water aerobics or a simple walk around the neighborhood, increased activity that gets your heart rate up has been proven to have myriad health benefits. Regular exercise can keep your mind sharp, keep your bones strong, keep your cardiovascular health robust and help manage pain symptoms.
Get Regular Check-Ups
A healthy diet and exercise will both go a long way towards your health, but regular check-ups at the doctor’s office are necessary to see how your efforts are paying off. Doctors can test your blood pressure, thyroid levels and bone mass, among other things. They can review the medications you are taking to see if they continue to be effective. Your doctor is also often the first to notice when disease is present, and with any prognosis, early action is often the best indicator of treatment success.
Avoid Loneliness
Loneliness can be very dangerous for seniors. Numerous studies have shown that seniors who are lonely have a much higher likelihood of dying. With factors like divorce, the loss of a spouse or geographic separation of family members, it can be easy to get lonely. Get involved in a crafting club or a book club in your neighborhood, or sign up for some classes at the local community college or library. Utilize technology like e-mail and social media sites to stay connected with friends and family from afar.
Find a Healthy Community
Avoiding loneliness is just one aspect of finding a healthy living community that encourages wellness-centric living, physical activity, and good nutrition. If you plan to live in a retirement community, it’s best to look for one with a health-focused environment. The wellness-promoting community options at Sunshine Retirement, for example, include three chef-prepared meals a day and a smoke-free living environment. Living in a community where healthy eating and physical activity are valued is one of the best ways to stay on track and live as well as possible.
Hannah Whittenly is a freelance writer and mother of two from Sacramento, CA. She graduated from the University of California-Sacramento with a degree in Journalism. She interviews with small businesses and educational institutions regularly to learn new career building strategies.