Good health is important at every age, as it can affect our ability to care for ourselves and our loved ones, and to create good lives for ourselves. The longer we live, the more critical it becomes to maintain healthy habits.
Start with the basics
We all know that it’s important to eat nutritious foods and to exercise. Sometimes it helps to create habits, even if you have to schedule them. Adults over age 65 need at least 30 minutes of moderate-level aerobic exercise at least five days a week. Strength-building and flexibility exercises are important, too. Exercise during senior years can help to fend off loss of muscle and mass and bone density and can also help to reduce pain and strengthen cognitive ability. Eating for your health will involve focusing on getting all the nutrients you need without empty calories. Staying connected with friends and family can have a big positive impact on both physical and mental health. Whether you are joining a friend for coffee, exercising with a buddy, participating in a hobby-focused group, or volunteering, time spent with other people is a good thing.
What else can I do?
Although it may seem too easy to be true, spending time outdoors can boost both physical and mental health. Whether you are sitting in quiet contemplation on the patio or playing croquet in a favorite park, experts recommend spending at least 2 hours a week in nature. This time could also be combined with socializing or exercising for maximum benefit. Staying hydrated may sound so basic you overlook it, but dehydration is one of the ten most common reasons for hospitalization in persons over 65. If you don’t want to drink eight to ten glasses of water daily, make sure you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that add water, consider sipping herbal tea or making popsicles flavored with a squeeze of citrus or berry flavor.
Think about what matters most to you
The situations and people that matter most to you can also enhance your health. Think about the issues and causes most dear to your heart. Volunteering your time, effort, or donating to groups that address these issues can help you feel that you have a purpose and your life contributes to the well-being of the world and the people in it. Whether it’s literacy, caring for homeless animals, environmental advocacy, racial justice, or helping to clean up your community, devoting part of your life to working for good can boost your mental and physical well-being and enhance your resilience in the face of adversity. Living for more than sixty years can allow you to accumulate some wisdom and perspective that younger people lack. Sharing these gifts with others by mentoring or tutoring a younger person will be a gift that gives to both you and them.
Find the best living situation to meet your needs
Most of us develop some health issues as we age, and getting proper care is important. If your medical concerns require daily or frequent care and living at home is no longer a safe option, you may find that a skilled nursing facility is a good choice. Before selecting a place, it’s a good idea to do some research. Costs, payment options, location, services offered, and waiting lists will all need to be considered. It’s also a good idea to check out reviews, and even facility reports, both of which can be found online. Some sites also provide information on particular area community demographics, multiple long-term care options, and health ratings.
Throughout life, it’s important to exercise, eat nutritious food, stay hydrated, maintain connections with friends and family, find your purpose, and choose the best living situations for your health. These things become even more important as we age. Whether you are old, young, or somewhere in between, now is a great time to establish good habits for optimum health.
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Emma Grace Brown
