As your body changes with age, so do the steps you have to take to stay healthy. Proper nutrition, exercise and age-specific care are important parts of health care for adults. Check out 8 tips that help you stay healthy as you age.
1. Get Regular Checkups
Visiting a doctor for regular checkups is arguably the most important thing you can do for yourself. It’s important to keep an eye on your weight, nutrition and any medical conditions you may have. You should visit a doctor at least once a year for a checkup if you’re over the age of 50.
2. Eat Plenty of Fiber
Fiber plays an important role in your digestive system, which loses some of its function as you age. The older you get, the more important it is to get enough fiber in your diet. If you can’t get enough fiber from a healthy diet due to food restrictions, ask your doctor about taking a fiber supplement such as psyllium husk powder.
3. Exercise
Staying active is a key to both mental and physical health, so make sure you’re getting plenty of exercise. Adults over the age of 50 should get about 150 minutes of cardio exercise per week. This cardio can come in the form of walking, swimming or riding a bike. Just remember to choose low-impact exercises so you don’t wear your joints down too much.
4. Sleep
Sleep gives your mind and body a chance to rejuvenate, which is especially important as you get older. Adults should get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night, and the quality of that sleep matters. Creating a relaxing nighttime routine that helps you sleep well is key to living a long, healthy life. You can use a sleep tracker to learn more about your sleep habits.
5. Be Aware of Medical Conditions
In addition to keeping an eye on your general health, you also need to take care of any medical conditions you may have. Conditions like arthritis, vision loss, and even tremors are common in older adults. Make sure you have some basic knowledge on common medical conditions: what are tremors, how do they affect the body, and how are they treated?
6. Stay in Touch
People often prioritize physical health as they age, but mental health is just as important. Many older adults are reclusive and don’t like to socialize, but you should try to get out and maintain social connections as often as you can. Even a simple trip to the grocery store can boost your mood and help you feel better on a daily basis. You can also join a club for activities so you have a built-in social network.
7. Follow Your Doctor’s Advice
When it comes to your health, your doctor knows best. In addition to getting a checkup once a year, make sure you’re actually following the advice your doctor gives you. Cutting back on sugar or eliminating foods from your diet may be tough, but these recommendations can help you manage medical conditions and improve your general health as you age.
8. Exercise Your Brain
For many people, regular brain exercises like drawing and painting stop at a fairly young age. Once you’re finished with school, it can be tough to find time to challenge your brain and make your mind work. However, exercising your brain regularly helps you retain your memory and stay sharp. Check out some brain-exercising apps if you need help.
Taking care of yourself gets harder as you get older, but following these tips can help you stay in great shape for years to come. As long as you focus on improving your health, you’re on the right path.