Americans are now living longer, healthier lives than in past decades. The term healthy goes beyond living a healthy lifestyle with a nutrient-rich diet and exercise and has a lot to do with mental and social wellbeing. As you age, it’s easy to become less social and less active. By taking steps to overcome these hurdles, you’ll age more gracefully, enjoy a more active, stimulating life, and feel younger.
Eat Healthy Foods. Everyone has different dietary needs, and consulting your doctor before adjusting your diet is crucial to make sure you’re avoiding the nutrients that won’t benefit your body. Focus on eating vitamin-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Maintain Your Brain. Some cognitive decline is normal as you grow older. As an increasing number of adults have Alzheimer’s Disease, it’s essential to continue to stimulate your brain to slow down cognitive decline. Simple tasks such as puzzles, attending lectures, and reading can make a big difference. Try a new exercise class or learn a new language if you want to push yourself further!
Live An Active Life. Living an active lifestyle reduces stress, memory loss, fatigue, and geriatric health conditions. Exercise and staying busy are key to maintaining mental and physical wellbeing.
Cultivate Relationships. Maintain relationships with friends and family members by scheduling time to get coffee, talk on the phone, or share a meal. Having social interactions with others decreases feelings of isolation and loneliness, common as you age.
Break Up Your Routine. Having the same routine every day can limit brain stimulation. Although many routines are in place for a purpose, you can easily make slight changes to them. When you’re eating, choose a different vegetable than you usually choose. If you’re running to the grocery store, take a different route than usual.
Practice Prevention. Many incidents and illnesses are preventable. You can prevent numerous illnesses by getting your yearly flu shot, washing your hands after using the restroom, and before handling any food. To prevent falls, wear appropriate footwear, complete an in-home safety check, exercise to keep your muscles working, keep items off the floor that can be tripped over, and check your vision.
Take Charge of Your Health. Whether you are on prescription medication or have had past health ailments, it’s important to take charge of your health and change your lifestyle to help improve any symptoms you might have. Before making any lifestyle changes, consult with your doctor first to figure out what is best for your health concerns
Engage in Community Activities. By engaging in community activities that are offered within the community you live in, the opportunity to have fun, meet new people, and make a difference in a non-stressful way can instantly increase your mood!
You, too, can live a long, healthy life if you feed your body, mind, and spirit with positive actions.