Aging is a natural process and you cannot put a halt to the changes it makes on our body. However, making some modifications to your lifestyle can make a big difference to your long-term mental and physical health and wellbeing. Adjusting your nutrition and physical activity habits would have a positive impact on the changes that happen with aging.
- The National Institute on Aging stresses that increasing your level of activity as you age is important to build muscle strength and stay fit. You need to push yourself a little harder, experiment with a new activity, or find new ways to be more physically active every day.
- Add more nutrient-rich foods with fewer calories in your daily diet. Have at least three servings of low-fat milk or milk products daily and see that you get adequate calcium, vitamin D and potassium. Avoid junk food and eat fiber-rich, low-fat, and low-cholesterol foods.
- You should stay hydrated by drinking fluids throughout the day and have foods high in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and nuts to maintain digestive regularity.
- Make sure that you are medically fit. Get regular health checkups even if you feel that things are going well. Checking your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol regularly is the only way to ensure that you don’t have any medical issues.
- If you do have a chronic condition like diabetes or hypertension, make sure you take your medications regularly and at the right time to manage it.
- As people age, sleep patterns change and many have a hard time falling asleep, leaving them tired throughout the day. Exercising in the afternoon, avoiding stimulants like caffeine and alcohol, not sleeping during the day, and maintaining a regular sleep and wake-up time can help.
One of the most important things you can do to stay healthy as you age is to be positive, avoid stressful situations, and stay connected to your family and friends. Things may not be as easy as they sound, but these simple strategies can go a long way in maintaining and improving health and quality of life as you age.
