Retirement marks a major milestone in an individual’s life. It’s the time of bittersweet farewells to the daily grind and a resounding welcome to the blissful world of leisure and freedom.
Having dedicated decades to work and family, the post-retirement era finally grants seniors the chance to put themselves first.
However, aging also comes with a fair share of drawbacks as well. In addition to wrinkles and gray hair, these disadvantages have a big impact on our mental and physical health.
Have you ever decided to adopt a healthier lifestyle but then immediately abandoned it? If so, we have good news for you.
You can tap into a healthy lifestyle by simply sticking to the following tips:
1. Get Active Physically
The importance of being active cannot be overstated. It is a great way to stay in shape both physically and mentally.
Regular exercise improves blood circulation, strengthens muscles, and minimizes the risk of chronic ailments.
Understandably, your body will naturally get more easily exhausted after reaching a particular age. You may not feel physically capable of doing as much physical activity as you did when you were younger.
That being said, if you submit to this thinking and stop being active completely, it won’t do you any good.
Remember, you don’t need to subscribe to intense workouts at this point in your life. Simply making physical activity a part of your daily routine will suffice.
You may begin by doing something as simple as taking up a brisk walk. In case you are undergoing a serious disease, you should connect with the relevant medical expert before getting on with an exercise plan.
For example, if you are a mesothelioma patient, you should immediately connect with a qualified mesothelioma doctor who could give you the right advice.
2. Quit Smoking
If you have been smoking for years, here are a few tips that will complement the quitting process:
- Manage triggers: Depending on an individual, cigarette cravings could be sparked by various circumstances, aka triggers.It may include spending time with specific friends and family members, drinking alcohol, driving, and so on. One of the best ways to manage triggers is to distract your mind. Consider reading a book, listening to soothing music, and talking to a friend until your craving fades away.
- Keep a snack with you: It has been proven that preventing people from lighting up can be as simple as munching on some sugarless gum, a hard candy, or even a nut like almonds. So, as a senior, it may be a good idea to carry your favorite snack with you at all times.
- Learn from mistakes: When it comes to your health, giving up smoking is one of the best decisions you can make. Many people attempt to quit smoking multiple times before they are successful in the venture. Thus, you must not be too hard on yourself if you relapse despite doing your best. Instead, take this mistake as a learning opportunity and keep at it.
3. Eat a Healthy Diet
With age, an appropriate diet becomes more important. People who eat nutrient-dense meals live longer and experience fewer health problems as they get older.
You do not need to drastically change your diet right from the get-go. Try making just one minor adjustment at a time.
For example, try having one slice of whole-grain bread instead of having two pieces of white bread in the morning.
As an alternative to potato chips and other high-fat salty snacks, consider low-fat popcorn.
Drinking becomes less of a priority for seniors. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you do not necessarily feel thirsty.
Aside from pure water, you might want to try fat-free milk or 100 percent juice to stay hydrated. Drinking at least 1.7 liters/day, or 57.5 fluid ounces, is recommended for those over the age of sixty-five.
No matter how hard you try, unfortunately, sometimes it is not always possible to receive all the vitamins and minerals your body needs just by eating fruits and vegetables alone.
In that case, you should consider taking supplements after consulting your doctor.
4. Schedule Regular Medical Checkups
Frequent preventive screenings and examinations are prudent at any age, but they are especially important as you age.
Visiting your doctor, dentist, and other healthcare specialists regularly is a great way to spot problems before they get out of hand.
According to the American Association of Retired Persons, seeing a geriatrician may be a good idea if you have a history of mobility or memory concerns, are taking several medications, or have lately been hospitalized.
Geriatricians are medical professionals who focus on the care and treatment of elderly patients.
After the baseline assessment, they can recommend you to other specialists, coordinate care and treatment for health conditions, and help you build a care plan specific to your requirements.
5. Prioritize Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential at any age. It reduces your stress level. Besides, obtaining enough sleep can improve your immune system, making it easier for your body to fight off infections.
People who want to perform at their best should adhere to a sleep schedule of 7.5 to 9 hours per night.
Nevertheless, as we grow older, a variety of circumstances come into play that makes this more difficult to accomplish. You cannot take sleep deprivation lightly by any means.
One way to ensure quality sleep is to be more consistent with your sleep patterns. Set a specific bedtime hour.
Finding a sleep schedule that works for you and teaches your brain and body that it is time to wind down is critical to a wholesome night’s rest.
Also, try to make your bedroom a sleep-friendly sanctuary. You can do that by keeping the room cool, dark, and quiet. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows that support your body.
Lastly, avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and excessive fluids close to bedtime. Instead, opt for light snacks and caffeine-free herbal tea.
Conclusion
The equation is pretty simple; if you want to live a healthy life, then you need to embrace some good habits. Do not assume you have outlived the time to make changes for a healthy lifestyle.
If an older family member or friend of yours is looking for easy ways to improve their health, urge that person to adopt these practices as soon as possible.
In little to no time, they will be able to feel significant differences in their physical as well as mental health.
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