Taking care of your health is important at any age, but it becomes even more important when you get older and are more at risk of medical issues. Staying in good health will improve your quality of life and help prevent illness and disease. With that in mind, here are four health tips for seniors to follow:
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1. Lead an active lifestyle
Being active is one of the most effective ways to stay healthy as you get older. According to insider.com, “exercise can boost your immune system and help your fight off illness and infections.” Regular exercise has also been linked to better heart health and a lower risk of cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure and heart attacks. In addition to the physical benefits, exercise can also improve your mood and reduce your risk of mental health issues like depression. Exercise is a natural stress-reliever that pumps feel-good endorphins around your body. There are many physical and mental health benefits to regular exercise, especially for seniors. Experts recommend that seniors should aim to do around 2.5 hours of moderate exercise per week, such as a quick walk.
2. Ask for support when necessary
It is natural and normal to find certain activities more difficult as you get older, particularly if you develop health conditions that affect your mobility. You should never be embarrassed or ashamed to ask for support if you need it. Some assistance will improve your quality of life and ensure that you can maintain a safe and comfortable lifestyle. If you need support with your daily activities, then you can see if a family member or friend can help, or you could hire a professional carer to visit you at home. You could also consider moving to a senior living facility. Senior living offers plenty of benefits – you will receive the specialist support you need, you will enjoy living in a safe and secure environment, and you will be surrounded by like-minded people.
3. Eat a healthy diet
What you eat also plays a key role in your health as you age. Eating a nutritious diet will boost your immune system and help your body fight off common illnesses and infections. Your diet should include a minimum of five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Fresh fruit and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants that help to protect your cells from damage. You can easily increase your intake of fruit and vegetables in your diet by adding them to your meals. For instance, try adding thinly chopped vegetables to pasta dishes or blending them into your favorite curries and stews. Snacking on fresh fruit is another simple way to improve your diet and boost your nutrients levels.
4. Socialize with loved ones
Research shows that seniors are more at risk of social isolation. Loneliness has been linked to serious health conditions like depression and heart problems. For that reason, you must maintain an active social life as you get older, especially if you live alone. Meet up with family and friends regularly and stay in touch using technology like social media and communication apps.
