6 Simple Tips for Healthy Aging

by James

While medical breakthroughs are paving the way to a longer life, chronic diseases are also becoming more common in adults.

It is believed that one in four adults nowadays suffer from two or more chronic health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Of course, this does not mean that aging directly causes impairments or diseases. In fact, you can still live a healthy life in your golden years if you take the right steps.

Healthy Aging

Be mindful of what you eat

Did you know that lots of adults don’t eat enough fiber but consume more than double the recommended daily sodium allowance?

The body uses sodium to control blood volume and blood pressure, but too much of it can cause cardiovascular disease.

To steer clear of this and its other drawbacks, limit your sodium intake. Instead of eating copious amounts of salty or sweet and processed food, make a habit of eating vegetables, fruits and whole grains, which are dense in nutrients.

Stay active

Regular exercise is your best defense against chronic disease. It can mitigate and even prevent chronic conditions like arthritis, heart disease and depression.

Just choose an activity that you enjoy, and try to incorporate various exercises that improve balance, strength and cardiovascular endurance into the routine.

Whether you are still in your 30s or well into your 50s, it is never too late to start a more active lifestyle.

Keep your brain in tip-top shape

It is believed that one in nine people aged 65 and older suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.

A decline in cognitive function is common in adults over 65 years old, but severe brain conditions can be prevented by consistent cognitive simulation.

Maintain your mental health throughout your adult life by making the most of every opportunity to learn something new.

Read books, attend seminars, take music lessons – always be eager to challenge your brain.

Don’t deprive yourself of sleep

Sleep deprivation is known to cause irritability, depression and cognitive impairment.

These effects can build up and become more damaging in the long run. So be sure to get at least seven hours of uninterrupted sleep on a daily basis.

Stay in touch with your social circles

Social isolation is not uncommon in older adults. Lots of people who are well beyond their 70s end up living alone as a result of big life changes like health problems or retirement.

In cases like this, it is important to maintain open lines of communication with friends and family. Spending time with them regularly can stave off loneliness and its ill effects. In fact, a lot of older adults prefer to stay in a nursing home where they can socialize with their peers anytime.

Avoid stress

There’s no doubt that stress can be very detrimental. It is known to cause mental health problems and damage the body’s ability to fight off illness.

Fortunately, while avoiding stressful situations may be impossible, you can cope with stress with proper nutrition, rest and exercise.

You can also alleviate it with meditation, circular breathing and other relaxation techniques.

Heed these quintessential tips and you will surely stay in the pink of health as you grow older.

You may also like

Leave a Comment