Getting older involves a lot of changes. Your skin loses its elasticity, your senses aren’t quite sharp as they used to be, your bones may become thinner and more brittle. These changes do not necessarily mean you’ll have poor quality of life.
Here are some tips for staying happy and healthy as you age.
Socialize
As we get older, factors such as lack of energy, mobility limitations, and health conditions can keep us from being as socially active as we once were.
Whether living at home or a senior living community, older adults often experience depression due to loneliness and isolation. Socialization helps maintain seniors’ sense of worth and self-esteem. Also, it reduces the likelihood of depression. Take advantage of opportunities to connect with family and friends and meet new people.
Get enough sleep
A good night’s sleep is important for good health. The problem is that most seniors often get less sleep than they need. Many of them have trouble falling asleep and would wake up more often throughout the night.
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and improve your sleeping environment to encourage better sleep at night.
Eat healthy
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is an important part of staying healthy. It reduces your risk of developing certain diseases and help you maintain a healthy weight. Plus, it has a huge bearing on memory and mental health.
It’s not always easy to eat healthy. Try your best to incorporate protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B12, and fiber-rich foods into your daily diet.
Focus on prevention
Seniors are at a greater risk of contracting diseases. But that doesn’t mean that aging means poor health. In fact, there are lots of older adults who enjoy longer and more fulfilling lifespans.
Preventative care visits, vaccinations, diet, and exercise are effective in reducing an older adults’ risk of contracting a disease. Focus on prevention to help you stay healthy in your senior years.
Remember mental health
Older adults are more vulnerable when it comes to mental health. Staying physically and mentally active can help improve your mental health. Not only will it help prevent depression, it can also reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease.
Keep your brain stimulated by playing games like Sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, and crossword puzzles. Caring for a pet is also beneficial for seniors. Remember, a challenged brain is a healthy brain.