Aggressively protecting our health is more essential as we grow older, but it can also get more complicated. This article provides an easy list of 9 ways that seniors can partcipate in remaining healthy and fit as they age. Even if some of these recommendations are not possible for you individually,  where you can improve and maximizing your health wherethere are always ways that each person can make improvements that will make a significant difference over time.

senior living placement service

  1. An Exercise Routine: No list of recommendations for staying healthy can exist without incorporating movement and exercise. Physical activity improves cardiovascular health, lowers the risk of diabetes and hypertension, and strengthens muscle and bone. Exercise doesn’t have to mean strenuous exercise or a gym membership. Even everyday activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can make a meaningful difference. Before beginining any new exercise, speak with your physician – especially if you are currently being treated for a medical condition. Remember that consistency is necessary to achieve the best benefits.
  2. Nutritious Meal Plan: Good nutrition is integral to how well you will age. A balanced diet which includes vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains delivers the essential nutrients your body requires, as they are dense with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These strengthen the immune system andfacilitate resistance to illness. Seniors should avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and harmful fats as much as possible, in order to avoid the risk of obesity-related medical issues. How you eat is also significant, as more frequent small meals can help with digestion and energy levels.
  3. Mental Health Protection: Stress, anxiety, and depression can damage overall wellness and aggravate existing health issues. Disciplines such as meditation and deep-breathing exercises can help to alleviate stress, and participating in playful or relaxed activities can also support a healthy mental state.
  4. Sufficient Sleep: For senior adults, 7-9 hours of sleep is critical for efficient cognitive function, emotional balance, and overall physical health. Not enough sleep can lresult in a myriad of issues, including memory imapirment, mood swings, and vulnerability to illness. To ensure sleep quality, seniors should stick to a consistent sleep routine, as well as cultivate a bedtime routine, and make your sleeping environment as serene and comfortable as possible.
  5. Wash Your Hands! Routine and thorough handwashing is the best way to ensure clean hands, but alcohol-based hand sanitizers are an effective alternative if needed. Be sure to wash hands before any meals, after using the restroom, and after coughing or sneezing. Getting into this routine will significantly minimize the risk ofcatching or spreading the flu, the common cold, and more serious viruses.
  6. Routine Medical Care: Regular appointments provide an opportunity to update vaccinations, look for potential health issues, and assess ongoing medications and treatments. These check-ups should involve screenings and tests that can catch potential medical issues before they get out of hand, leaving space for more productive and less invasive treatment options.
  7. Social Involvement: As people grow older, isolation can result in the loneliness and depression that harm overall health. Participating in social and communal activities can elevate mood and support cognitive function. Social interactions also cultivate a feeling of belonging and emotional support, which are vital to mental health.
  8. Brain Engagement: Mental exercises that engage the brain can enhance memory and problem-solving ability, and help to prolong the onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Reading, doing puzzles or learning a new skill can stimulate the brain and elevate cognitive function.
  9. Preventing Trips and Falls: Falling is a significant cause of injury among senior adults, usually resulting in fractures and sprains that adversely impact quality of life. If your loved one is struggling with mobility or balance, you can install safety devices (such as guardrails), safety proof the home, or provide a walker or cane.

My Care Finders is dedicated to the overall health and wellness of your senior loved one. To that end, we work hard to ensure they choose the very best senior residence for their emotional, cognitive and physical needs.