7 Tips for Healthy Aging
Photo credit: Jocelyn Morales @molnj
7 Safe and Easy Tips on Healthy Aging
People are living longer. As a result, it’s important to maintain or improve your quality of life and make the most of it. Medical experts continue to identify activities and characteristics that can slow the process of aging. Here are some simple and affordable ways you can age in a healthy way.
1. Stay physically active
Research suggests that even if physical activity isn’t sufficiently vigorous to boost fitness, it’s still important. Safe and easy activities include going for regular walks, aqua aerobics, and yoga. Some yoga studios and fitness centers offer yoga for seniors, which tailors to your needs specifically. Try to avoid sitting down all day. After 30 minutes of sitting, get up and move around for a couple of minutes.
2. Stimulate your mind
There are a number of fun brain teasers and puzzles you can do to get your mind going. Strong scientific work shows that exercises like crossword puzzles can even help slow the onset of some age-related mental illnesses by improving cognitive reserve and memory. Try sudoku or other puzzles that require concentration and memory. Putting together a picture puzzle will also help you focus.
3. Go to the doctor regularly
Go to regular check-ups and make sure your medication is up to date. Your doctor will also be able to help you decide which kind of physical activity would be best for your situation. Ask yourself simple questions about your medical history and prior visits so you can ensure the next one is beneficial and productive.
4. Eat lots of fiber
Eating a well-balanced diet that is high in fiber and antioxidants is one way to strengthen the brain through the stomach. Fiber can do all sorts of things: improve your sleep, keep your digestive system regular, and help you maintain a healthy weight. You can use high-fiber supplements, but regular fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods will do the trick too.
5. Sleep well and often
Sleep disorders become increasingly common as people age, and the effects can contribute to poor overall health. Make sure you get at least 6 or 7 hours of sleep at night. Avoid eating fatty food a couple hours before bed. Wind down with relaxing activities instead of activities that may wake up your brain. When you can’t sleep, get up and do mundane activities that will help your brain calm down so you can get back to sleep.
6. Activate your social life
One long-term study from Harvard suggests that a key to aging gracefully is having strong, positive relationships. These relationships can be with anyone in your life: family, neighbors, and old and new friends. If you’re looking to meet new people, there are many types of meetup groups you can find online and get together with in person. Look online for people who share common interests with you.
7. Stay positive
Sometimes, life can be a little bit difficult, but staying positive and being grateful can do wonders. Science even shows that positivity is an integral part of healthy aging. Some situations will be harder than others, but try to find the silver lining in your situations and see what you can learn. It will make all the difference.
When you stay physically active, eat healthy, and get a solid night’s sleep, you feel a lot better. As you feel better, you will enjoy life and make time to do meaningful activities. These are simple things that will come at no extra cost to you but will pay dividends.