With age comes wisdom. More than that comes a decline in health for most people. It becomes increasingly easier to get complications from a simple thing like the flu or a common cold. There is never a time to stay on top of your health like in your senior years. It is necessary to make some tweaks to your lifestyle to enjoy a healthy life. Prioritize healthy choices more than ever to give your immune system a chance to fight diseases. Here are some essential health tips for seniors:
Move
Exercise is necessary, regardless of age. It helps boost the immune system, encourages circulation, and fights inflammation and infections. However, it does not mean you have to go too hard at it lest you risk breaking your fragile bones. Find low-impact exercises that you enjoy, like walking, swimming, biking, or low-impact aerobics.
Set achievable goals and aim to beat your records. You can then increase the intensity and frequency of physical activity the more your body gets used to exercising. Consider joining fitness groups, senior living communities or ask friends and family to join you to make exercising even more fun.
Remember to check in with your health care professional on a safe activity level for you. Get good workout gear and shoes to be comfortable at all times. Also, you should stop exercising if you feel dizzy or out of breath.
Eat healthily
Give your immune system a boost by incorporating lean meats, fruits, and vegetables into your diet. Eating healthy foods provides your body with the nutrients to protect you from disease-causing bacteria and harmful viruses. Consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables provides your body with antioxidants that protect your body and keep you healthy. Stay away from sugary and fatty foods. They can cause inflammation and take a hit on your immune system.
Take supplements and multivitamins
The older you get, the harder it becomes for your body to extract all the nutrients from your food. Supplements come in handy in supporting a healthy immune system. Consider supplementing essential nutrients like vitamin D, calcium, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12. Ask your doctor to recommend the best supplements to boost your immunity system.
Check your hormones
Hormones are chemical messengers that control bodily functions. They are instrumental in body operations and regulate many body processes. They are integral to your digestive, immune, urinary, reproductive, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. That said, hormone levels may dwindle with age. Check your hormone levels and seek intervention when necessary. Consider booking a free consultation with a TRT doctor to help you navigate low testosterone levels.
Manage stress
Stress notifies the body to produce cortisol. Chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol levels in the body for long periods. That affects how different systems in the body operate. It also affects the immune system, compromising your body’s ability to fight disease. You, therefore, need to know how to manage your stress. Explore mediation, yoga, and other relaxation techniques to manage stress. Increasing physical activity and getting rid of unrealistic expectations for yourself will also help keep the distress at bay.
Keep a healthy weight
Carrying extra pounds puts your body at risk for diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Keep active and eat right to get to a healthy weight for your height. Opt for water instead of the other sugary alternatives that are worse for your body.
Get enough sleep
Sleep allows your body to recharge and repair itself. Getting enough sleep gives your body the best chance of developing a reliable immune system to fight off diseases. Sleep also improves your focus and memory. Ensure that you get the recommended hours of sleep every night to wake up ready to seize your day. Your daily energy levels will be higher.
Schedule regular check-ups
Things do not function as well as they did in your heydays as you get older. Have regular check-ups to ensure that everything is working as it should. Your doctor can detect any issues like high blood pressure or diabetes early enough to arrest the situation. Schedule dental, vision, and hearing check-ups at least once every year for some preventive maintenance.
Stimulate your mind
Keeping your mind active enhances your cognitive performance. Keep your mind operational by engaging in new experiences and jumping on opportunities to learn new things. Find stimulating leisure activities that will challenge you to stay in touch with society. Some activities to consider are gardening, cooking, volunteer work, or keeping pets.
Conclusion
Above everything, staying healthy in your old age involves having a positive outlook on life. A positive mindset will help you deal with stress and any health issues. Instead of moping over all the things your body can not do seamlessly, marvel at the things you have been able to do in your lifetime.
