Getting older is inevitable and natural. You’ll notice and feel many changes within your body—from emotional and social changes to sexual—however, there is a particular aspect most people don’t seem to prepare for—health. Unfortunately, as we age, even common colds, flu, and mild aches affect the body. Seniors are also more prone to infections, injuries, and ailments. Hence, during this phase of your life, you need to put constant effort into your health and safety to ensure you remain happy and healthy.
Here are some lifestyle changes that can help you during this time.
1. Bidding Adieu to Harmful Habits
Every day harmful habits don’t seem to affect you a great deal when you’re young. However, they pose bigger threats as you age.
If you’ve had a smoking habit for decades, it is ideal to work on quitting as you grow older. Effects on seniors are drastic and deadly, including asthma, lung diseases, and chronic respiratory issues. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also advises seniors to limit their alcohol consumption to one to two drinks per day.
There are support groups that can help one quit smoking, drinking addiction, and other substance-related issues with the help of professional counselors and dedicated caregivers that provide medical a constantly.
2. Getting Active
Physical activity is a must in every senior’s daily schedule. Not only is it a mood booster, but it also builds immunity – something that we all need as we grow older. Exercise in old age also helps you ward off chronic issues such as diabetes, heart diseases, high BP, osteoporosis, etc. In addition, it reduces feelings of anxiety and depression and helps you sleep better.
The more you move around, the lesser are the chances of avoiding injuries and inflammations; it also helps you heal faster in case of an injury.
Working out doesn’t require you to strain your body daily. Instead, you can go for low-intensity workout routines, walking, swimming, aerobics, or low-impact exercise for seniors in chairs. A short 20-minute workout every day, along with moderate amounts of stretching, can help you stay fit, flexible, and healthy.
3. Maintaining A Sleep Schedule
Proper rest is crucial, especially when you’re a senior. The National Sleep Foundation suggests that older adults (ages 65 & above) must get six to seven hours of sleep every day. This is to ensure your body functions well at all times.
If you suffer from poor sleep, change your lifestyle to ensure you sleep better. For example, change your curtains to dark ones, cut out noise in your bedroom, establish a bedtime routine, and decrease screen time before bed to sleep better.
Consult a doctor if your sleep quality doesn’t get better even after bringing changes to your daily schedule.
4. Staying Socially Active
There are numerous adverse psychological effects of getting socially cut-off. You can suffer from anxiety, depression, and negative feelings if you remain isolated. Hence, as old age creeps in, you must make constant efforts to be social.
Make time to interact with friends and family; speak to your neighbors; join clubs and social activities to meet new, like-minded people, and have fun!
5. Trying Out A Hobby
While being social is important, it is essential to make time for yourself. Indulge in a challenging hobby you had previously enjoyed or given up on to enjoy some ‘me-time.’ This will keep your happy while improving your mental health in the long run.
6. Make The Home Safer
As seniors are more prone to injuries, it is ideal to make minor home improvements for your safety. For instance, use coarse, non-skid bathroom mats, handles in the shower, knob handles, etc. But whatever safe the home has become, we can’t be in peace of mind about our loved ones until we’re continuously updated on their status. A life alert all for android or iOS phone tracks our parents location and sends a notification if their behaviour is unusual
Aging can be intimidating to many. However, with the right support system and help, and a lot of care, you can enjoy your time while staying healthy, happy, and relaxed for years to go.
