Getting older doesn’t have to mean getting unhealthier. In fact, staying fit as you age is easier than ever before. A wealth of resources are available to help you stay healthy and active. Keeping your body and mind in shape as you get older can help you avoid the pitfalls of aging – such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis – and even lead to prolonged life expectancy. Here are some ways to improve your health as you get older:

 

Keep moving

As we age, our joints become less flexible, making movement more difficult and painful. Fortunately, you can slow or even reverse this process by participating in exercise at any age. The key is to find an activity that is safe yet challenging enough to make a difference. Walking is ideal since it’s low impact. Swimming is another good non-weight-bearing exercise. Exercise doesn’t have to be all or nothing either. You don’t have to join a gym and attend the same class daily. Even small changes, like taking the stairs instead of the escalator, can make a big difference over time.

 

Stay socially active

There are many advantages to staying socially engaged as you get older. Studies show that people who engage in social activities are happier, healthier, and live longer. Participating in group activities – such as yoga, hiking, or lectures – not only provides an opportunity to meet like-minded people but also challenges you to try something new. Simple activities, like playing bridge or going to book club, can add structure to your week and keep your brain active. If you live alone, don’t shy away from finding ways to get out and meet people. Try joining a choir or book club or volunteer in your community.

Watch what you eat and drink.

The quality of your diet, not the quantity, is essential as you age. Focus on eating a wide variety of whole foods – fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Stay away from processed foods that are high in sugar and sodium. You also should consider cutting back on meat and dairy products. While these foods are essential to growing strong bones at a younger age, you don’t need as much of them as you age. There is also evidence that consuming too much red meat can increase your risk of heart disease. There is no need to become a vegan or vegetarian as you age. But you should aim to eat a more plant-based diet. This will help you avoid chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease and keep you at a healthy weight.

Take care of your mental health.

As you get older, you may notice that your mental clarity begins to wane. While these changes are normal, you must take steps to protect your mental health. Engaging in activities that challenge and engage your brain can help prevent cognitive decline. Try learning a new language, working crosswords, or simply reading more often. Spending time outdoors in nature is also a great way to calm your spirit and help protect against depression. Socializing is also essential and can help ward off feelings of loneliness that can contribute to depression.

Learn something new

As you get older, you might feel like you’re less capable than ever before. This can lead to feelings of frustration and boredom. Learning a new skill or language can help break up this cycle and help you feel more productive and capable. Many engaging activities are easy to learn as an adult, such as knitting or playing an instrument or pursuing a new hobby such as gardening or photography.

Visit your doctor regularly.

Our immune systems slow down as we age, making us more susceptible to dangerous diseases. Your body’s ability to heal and fight infections is reduced as you age. This means you might need to adjust how you approach visiting your doctor. For example, you should never hesitate to seek treatment for symptoms like pain or shortness of breath. Also, be sure to mention any new health issues to your doctor. This will help your doctor identify potential health risks and address them before they become serious. It’s also essential to ensure you are up to date on your vaccinations. Or you might want to inquire about cosmetic procedures and get recommendations to answer your questions. For example, if you want a facelift, you want to know about endoscopic browlift scars and healing times.

Conclusion

Getting older doesn’t have to mean getting unhealthier. In fact, staying fit as you age is easier than ever before. Keeping your body and mind in shape as you get older can help you avoid the pitfalls of aging – such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis – and even lead to prolonged life expectancy. A wealth of resources are available to help you stay healthy and active. These tips will help you keep fit and healthy as you get older.

Photo by Marcus Aurelius