Getting older doesn’t mean your quality of life has to change, but it may be time to jumpstart a new routine! Many different things happen to your body as you age, some you may be aware of and some you may not be. No matter which boat you’re in, it’s important not to let those changes catch you by surprise and to start taking the necessary steps to execute a healthy life as you age. Below you will find 5 ways to execute healthy aging.
Stay physically active with regular exercise
As you age, your activity level will need to change with you. However, it is still recommended to get at least 2.5 hours per week of moderate exercise for seniors ages 65 and older. This could include a fast walk, swimming, bodyweight training, cycling, etc. If able, you can also opt for a more vigorous exercise such as jogging or strength training. The most important thing here is to stay active, but to not go out of your comfort zone as you can get injured much easier.
Eat a well-balanced diet
We all know eating well is important at any age, but like everything else as you age, there are always changes. You still want to think about color on your plate. Having a colorful plate includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and dairy. The older you get, the more you want to make sure to include fiber and decrease or eliminate sugar and sodium. Vitamin D is one of the most important minerals to include as you age also. Make sure you watch your portions and stay hydrated so you feel your best!
Get the sleep your body needs
Have you ever wondered how much sleep you need? It is recommended for people over 65 to get 7 hours of sleep. However, seniors are often sleep deprived and do not get the amount or quality of sleep that they need. Some tips to help with this are to get into a good routine and stick to it. Finding something that works for you makes it easier to stick to it and to get the sleep you need to stay healthy.
Take care of your mind & body with regular visits
Take some time to ensure you’re regularly visiting your doctor to ensure you’re staying healthy and getting the care you deserve. There are many aches and pains you may encounter as you age, so you might find it beneficial to see your physical therapist to help with those! Core PT helps with all-over pain, men and women’s health, vestibular therapy and more!
Stay socially active with friends and family
Don’t be afraid to spend time doing the things you love, including spending time with your family, friends, grandchildren and so on. These activities keep your overall health intact and give you a positive attitude. Go see a new movie, take a walk with your children or put a puzzle together with some friends!
Take these tips into consideration when you’re at any age, but especially as you get older! This is just a short list of things that can help you age your best, so don’t be afraid to dig further to look for things to more positively impact your health. If you have any questions about those dreadful aches and pains, don’t be afraid to call Core Physical Therapy with questions. We’re here to help you stay happy and healthy at all ages!