Various changes can occur to your body as you hit your golden years. As you age, it is important to watch after your health. Many suffer from increased joint pain, risk of heart disease, skin changes, and more as they age. Although some of these changes are inevitable, there are steps you can take to support your long-term health and prevent common issues that occur as one ages.
Diet
One of the most important parts of your lifestyle to take care of is your diet. Over 40% of Americans are obese, with the majority of obesity sufferers being over the age of 50. As you age, your digestive and endocrine systems undergo changes which result in lowered metabolism, increased blood cholesterol, and digestive irritation. Watching what you eat gets more important as you age.
To mitigate the risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, keeping your BMI down is of the upmost importance. Be sure to eat 3-4 servings of fruits and vegetables each day; leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables such as spinach, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, etc., have been shown to be a good source of vitamins and minerals and improves digestive and heart health. Try and lower your sugar intake as well; studies have shown sugar, especially high-fructose corn syrup, to be a major contributor to heart disease.
Exercise
In conjunction with your diet, exercise also plays an important part in maintaining your weight. However, weight loss isn’t its only benefit. An exercise is a helpful tool in preventing or even alleviating joint pain, which is a common symptom that arises with age. By strengthening your tendons and ligaments, you can prevent some of the damage that occurs as your joints wear out. Regular exercise can also reduce inflammation, which contributes to a variety of physical illnesses such as arthritis, heart disease, and others.
The mental benefits of exercising have also been shown to be useful, especially for older adults. Isolation is a common complaint of many seniors; children growing up, spousal death, and lack of control have been shown to contribute to loneliness, which is a common factor leading to elderly depression. Exercising can increase oxytocin and dopamine in your system, thus alleviating the symptoms of isolation. However, if your symptoms persist for more than two weeks or you’re having suicidal thoughts/ideations, please talk to your doctor or therapist about the issues you’re experiencing. Help is available: Call (800) 273-8255 to talk to someone today.
Check-ups
The key factor in longevity and healthy aging is prevention. Regular check-ups with your general practitioner are essential in maintaining your health, especially as you age. Your doctor can help you not only with your overall wellbeing, but can also coordinate care with your support system, including your family, specialist doctors, and caregivers from a facility or home care agency. Your doctor can give you the best advice on how to take care of your body as you age, as well as how to best treat any new symptoms or illnesses that present themselves.
Getting older isn’t something everyone likes to think about, however with the right care and practice, you can take care of your health and age gracefully. Be sure to mind your diet and exercise, as well as a check-in with your doctor at least annually to make sure your health is in order. By taking care of your mind and body, you can not only extend your life but also live happier and healthier.
If you or anyone you know needs care, please visit our website for information or contact us at (732)-964-0062.
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