Healthy living for seniors can mean a lot of things, from learning how to stay active safely to figuring out the right diet. It can also mean staying on top of mental health priorities, as well as keeping the brain sharp with cognitive games and activities.
Living your best life takes a lot of careful thought and some preparation, but it’s important to make sure you have everything you need to stay healthy, especially post-retirement. This is a time when many seniors find their health declining because they aren’t as active.
Fortunately, there are many ways you can make your physical and mental health a priority. By working out a plan you can follow, you can make small changes to your lifestyle that will help you stay on top of your wellness.
The key is to create a routine you can stick to even when you’re feeling tired or don’t have much time; don’t overdo it, as it can be hard to find motivation sometimes, and those are the times when many people begin to fall off.
Keep reading for some great tips on how to create a healthy living plan.
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Find A Workout You Can Live With
It can be hard to find the time or motivation to workout every day, but it’s crucial for seniors to get regular exercise in order to keep the heart and brain healthy.
There are numerous benefits to staying active, not the least of which is lessened pain and a mental health boost, so find a workout you can live with.
Whether that means doing the same routine every day or finding one that you can alter a bit so you don’t get bored, the right workout can help you lose or maintain weight, keep bones and joints healthy, and ensure that your heart is in great shape.
Just be sure to keep your specific needs in mind; many seniors find it’s easier to exercise indoors, so consider activities like swimming, walking around a mall or museum, or using a home workout video tutorial.
Eat The Best Foods
The best foods for a senior’s diet can vary depending on your needs. Those who are living with diabetes have to make a special effort to control their blood sugar with whole grains rather than refined sugars, for instance.
If your current diet is low in iron or calcium, you may want to make sure you’re eating enough protein and leafy greens. A quick and easy way to help you get the necessary nutrients is by turning fruits and vegetables into smoothies.
If you make them with an immersion blender, you’ll have an affordable, easy-to-store kitchen tool that can be used for a variety of recipes. Talk to your doctor about creating a diet that focuses on your specific needs.
Use Technology To Stay Safe
A big part of physical health for seniors is taking safety measures, which can be done thanks to smart technology gadgets. For example, medication dispensers can be used to provide the correct dosage at the right time.
The device remains locked until it’s time to take the medications. Dementia patients can benefit from GPS-installed shoes or shoe insoles, which keep a running log of locations visited by the shoe wearer.
Smart doorbells are also useful, because they provide live audio and video footage of who rang the doorbell. These alerts can also be viewed on a smartphone if you’re away from home.
Keep An Active Social Life
It’s absolutely crucial that seniors keep an active social life, as it helps to prevent loneliness, depression, and even the heart and memory issues that can come with inactivity.
Whether you make an effort to spend time with family members more often or make plans with friends, you’ll get the benefits.
You might also consider looking for a club you can join that meets each week; finding something you enjoy that can be shared with others can help boost your self-confidence and will allow you to make new connections.
A Healthy Brain Means A Healthy Life
Keeping your brain healthy often means looking for new ways to keep it active. Puzzles, word games, and memory games will help you keep your cognitive skills sharp, but you can also exercise daily, improve your blood pressure, and let go of bad habits like smoking.
If you have a smartphone, consider downloading some brain-strengthening games and apps.
Finding a way to live your best life takes some time, so try to be patient as you look for the activities that work best for you. Don’t forget to talk to your doctor before making any big changes, especially if you have an existing health condition.
