Oftentimes, we hear our family and friends saying: “I wished I had more time.”, or “I would love to do these when I’m retired!” Most people are bound by work and numerous daily responsibilities in their younger life. It is challenging to find time to accomplish or experience new things. With an abundance of things to endeavor after retirement, our loved ones are increasingly hoping for longevity.
Biological aging occurs as we grow towards our mature years. Our elderly encounter a plenitude of transformation in their body, stamina, mind, and enthusiasm. Whilst this is a natural process, it may impede our loved ones’ appetency for accomplishments and new experiences. The vital element towards longevity is the acceptance of the natural aging process. Being conscious of your body’s capabilities gives you the power to improve your conditions and enjoy your golden years safely.
Let us look at some healthy habits for our elderly that can promote a positive impact on their longevity.
Stay Abreast on Medical Screenings
The risk of health problems increases as we age, thus preventive care is especially important for our elderly. Doctors can recommend suitable preventive measures based on your medical history, age, and family history. Preventive care may include vaccinations, health screenings, and professional advice. Early detection and prevention of underlying conditions can increase your chances of successful treatments. Likewise, taking the correct dosage of prescribed medications timely and observing even the slightest change in your body is vital for our loved ones’ health.
Manage Your Stress Proactively
Chronic stress can trigger the production of cortisol, our body’s primary stress hormone. Prolonged exposure to cortisol can increase our elderly’s risk of many health issues, such as obesity, heart disease, and depression. Consequently, managing your stress levels is important so that stress does not become overwhelming. Here are some ways our elderly can reduce their stress:
- Practicing positive thinking and affirmations keep your mindset optimistic.
- Meditating for 15 minutes a day can help you acknowledge and accept your worries without allowing them to affect you.
- Exercising is another effective way to relieve stress. It does not need to be physically demanding, getting some fresh air by taking a slow walk in the park can be really helpful.
Choose a Comfortable Living Environment
A comfortable living environment plays an exigent role in the well-being of our loved ones. There are multiple environmental factors that we can associate with the quality of life in aging adults. For example, residing in an area with poor air quality can be especially hazardous to the health of our elderly as their lung function is generally weaker. A constantly noisy neighborhood may also contribute to unnecessary stress and anxiety for our peace-loving elderly. On the contrary, a well-kept and cozy space can brighten our elderly’s spirits.
Maintain a Healthful Weight
Being either underweight or overweight has a firsthand impact on our loved ones’ health and well-being. Overweight elderly may be prone to increased risks of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart diseases. Declining metabolism and aging muscles can limit our elderly’s abilities to be physically active, making weight loss a challenge. On the other hand, immoderate weight loss in our elderly is often a result of decreased appetites owing to chronic illness or declining mental health. Our elderly need to absorb enough nutrients to stay healthy and happy.
However, despite these constraints, it is still possible for our aging adults to maintain a healthy weight. Maintaining an active lifestyle with light physical exercises or joining appropriate fitness classes are good routines for losing those extra calories and also strengthening your muscles. Making healthy food choices like colorful vegetables, whole grains and lean protein can also help our elderly achieve a healthy weight.
Enjoying those coveted retirement years without health constraints can be rewarding for the elderly. Let’s start practicing healthy habits to make the best out of your golden years!
