6 tips to stay healthy in your senior years
Aging is a natural part of life. It’s how you cope with it that counts. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep your body and mind healthy and agile as you grow older. Take a look at these great tips to living your best life into retirement.
1. Stay positive
While it’s easy to dwell on the negative elements of aging, it’s important to appreciate the positive aspects of your life too. Take a moment to recognise the things you’re grateful for. Don’t be afraid to express your emotions to loved ones or carers, they can provide valuable support when you need it most. Accept that some things are beyond your control, and focus on the healthy decisions you can make for yourself instead. Keeping a gratitude journal and writing down your thoughts every morning can help ensure a good start to the day.
While it’s easy to dwell on the negative elements of aging, it’s important to appreciate the positive aspects of your life too. Take a moment to recognise the things you’re grateful for. Don’t be afraid to express your emotions to loved ones or carers, they can provide valuable support when you need it most. Accept that some things are beyond your control, and focus on the healthy decisions you can make for yourself instead. Keeping a gratitude journal and writing down your thoughts every morning can help ensure a good start to the day.
2. Keep moving
A recent study found that exercise is the greatest contributor to living a longer and healthier life. Even if you don’t start exercising until your senior years! With regular exercise and activities, you can stay flexible, build muscle and even increase bone density. Walking, yoga, hiking, travelling, gardening and doing household chores can keep you fit and healthy for longer. Quitting smoking and cutting down on alcohol consumption also go a long way.
A recent study found that exercise is the greatest contributor to living a longer and healthier life. Even if you don’t start exercising until your senior years! With regular exercise and activities, you can stay flexible, build muscle and even increase bone density. Walking, yoga, hiking, travelling, gardening and doing household chores can keep you fit and healthy for longer. Quitting smoking and cutting down on alcohol consumption also go a long way.
3. Exercise your mind
Don’t fall for that old saying about dogs and new tricks. You’re never too old to learn a skill. Pick up a new hobby such as knitting or painting, or rekindle an old one you enjoyed in your youth. Learn a new language, go travelling, try a cooking class. Do crossword puzzles, sudoku and play board games. Technology is also a great way to train your brain, there are plenty of online games and puzzles to get your mind in shape.
Don’t fall for that old saying about dogs and new tricks. You’re never too old to learn a skill. Pick up a new hobby such as knitting or painting, or rekindle an old one you enjoyed in your youth. Learn a new language, go travelling, try a cooking class. Do crossword puzzles, sudoku and play board games. Technology is also a great way to train your brain, there are plenty of online games and puzzles to get your mind in shape.
4. Be social
There’s nothing more effective to stave off loneliness and depression than a good chat with friends or family. If you’re living in a retirement village, make an effort to meet new people and form new bonds. Take part in social activities such as group exercise sessions, game nights, outings and whatever else is on offer. Lunch dates with friends, shopping trips with grandkids, or a chat with your neighbour are all great ways to stay connected to the world around you.
There’s nothing more effective to stave off loneliness and depression than a good chat with friends or family. If you’re living in a retirement village, make an effort to meet new people and form new bonds. Take part in social activities such as group exercise sessions, game nights, outings and whatever else is on offer. Lunch dates with friends, shopping trips with grandkids, or a chat with your neighbour are all great ways to stay connected to the world around you.
5. Watch your diet
As you age, your taste in food may change and your appetite might decline. But now, more than ever, is the time when you should be eating balanced, healthy meals every day. Try to eat high-fibre fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to increase your energy levels, while superfoods such as dark chocolate, blueberries and dark leafy greens are a great boost to your wellbeing. Cut down on sugary foods and refined carbs, and make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
As you age, your taste in food may change and your appetite might decline. But now, more than ever, is the time when you should be eating balanced, healthy meals every day. Try to eat high-fibre fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to increase your energy levels, while superfoods such as dark chocolate, blueberries and dark leafy greens are a great boost to your wellbeing. Cut down on sugary foods and refined carbs, and make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
6. Get some quality sleep
Sleep is essential to your body’s recovery process. Without it, you can suffer both mental and physical side effects such as exhaustion, fatigue, irritability and more. Most people need about eight hours of quality sleep every night. Practicing good sleep hygiene can be very helpful to ensure a restful night. Make sure that your bedroom is quiet and comfortable. Keep the room temperature cool. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and big meals before bedtime. Don’t use any electronic devices just before bed. Also, try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day.
Sleep is essential to your body’s recovery process. Without it, you can suffer both mental and physical side effects such as exhaustion, fatigue, irritability and more. Most people need about eight hours of quality sleep every night. Practicing good sleep hygiene can be very helpful to ensure a restful night. Make sure that your bedroom is quiet and comfortable. Keep the room temperature cool. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and big meals before bedtime. Don’t use any electronic devices just before bed. Also, try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day.
At Totalcare, we offer eight world-class retirement villages designed to ensure residents live a long, healthy and rewarding lifestyle. Luxurious accommodation, nutritious meals, landscaped gardens, stimulating social activities and 24/7 medical care form part of our exceptional all-inclusive offering.
For more information, click here.
