5 Simple Ways to Promote Your Health as a Senior

No one would be surprised to hear that seniors who live healthy lifestyles stand a greater chance of living a longer and happier life. People generally have a longer life expectancy these days. Here are 5 ways to promote your health as a senior in order to live your best life in the golden years.

The thing is, some seniors find it difficult to adopt new habits and transform their lives. However, you don’t have to change everything about your life to improve your health. You can feel better and, possibly, live more independently by making some simple changes to your routine. If you want to foster your health in your golden years, here are four ways to do it.

Health as a Senior: Keep Up with Your Healthcare

 This one may sound obvious, but many seniors neglect it nonetheless. Regular checkups become increasingly important as you age because they provide you with an overview of your health and help you to catch diseases and other health issues early. For instance, if your doctor sees signs of a disease or condition, they can recommend lifestyle changes to help prevent it from progressing, or they can start you on treatment early in the process. Be sure to visit your physician and ophthalmologist each year and your dentist twice a year.

It’s also essential to keep up with your health insurance. You always want to make sure you’re getting the most from your coverage, and since plans tend to change frequently, you want to stay on top of it by revisiting your policy at least once a year. Be sure to research what your Medicare policy covers, and look into any alternative or supplemental plans that could better fit your lifestyle. For instance, certain Medicare Advantage plans come with additional vision and dental coverage, as well as access to various fitness centers.

Discover Fun, Nutritious Recipes

Many seniors experience a decline in their appetite over time, which can lead to eating foods that don’t provide a lot of valuable nutrition. Since your body depends on nutrients to function properly, it’s critical to eat nutrient-dense foods. Find some simple recipes that are built around foods such as fish, chicken, whole grains, fruits, leafy greens, and other vegetables, and cook from home as often as you can.

Have Fun with Your Exercise Routine

Exercise is also essential to improving your health as a senior in your golden years. The CDC recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity — which means roughly 20 minutes every day or 30 minutes for five days a week. This could include walking, jogging, water aerobics, golfing or any other kind of activity that provides a good workout. Find something you enjoy doing, and make it a fun part of your routine. If you need to, you can even break your exercise routine into 10- or 15-minute segments.

Make Sure You’re Sleeping

Sleeping can become more difficult as a senior, but it’s still critical for good health. If you’re struggling to get adequate rest, try changing up your bedtime routine to help you fall asleep faster. Also, make sure you’re not having caffeine too late in the day, and avoid eating heavy dinners that could cause indigestion. If you’re still finding sleep hard to come by, consult your doctor about additional steps you could take.

Get the Help You Need

If at some point you feel that you could use some help with daily tasks like taking medications and cooking meals, assisted living could be a good option for you. This type of facility offers a safe environment for seniors. Here they can get the assistance they need 24/7 while still keeping their independence. As you explore your options, keep in mind that the costs of assisted living in Pennsylvania will vary, but the median cost is just over $40,000 per year. Before settling on an assisted living facility, tour a few places that you like to see what amenities they offer.

You can set yourself up to thrive in your golden years by making a few changes to your routine. Be sure to stay on top of your healthcare, and look for healthy recipes to cook from home. Find a fun physical activity to do regularly, and do whatever is necessary to get good sleep. Finally, look into assisted living if you need extra help with daily activities. Following tips like these will increase your chances of living a long and happy life.

—

Cristina Panaccione and Associates has one location in the South Hills and one office in Robinson Township. We are currently accepting a limited number of new patients, so check out our services offered to learn more about our counseling services can help teach you the skills to cope with life as you age.

* This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please contact a medical professional for advice.

Photo Credit: Unsplash