Don’t let aging stop you from living your dreams. Here are some healthy habits to ensure you live a long, fruitful life, even in your senior years.
Everyone ages. It’s a fact that no one can control. While your brain and body change with age, there are some ways to maintain your physical wellness through this. Here are four healthy habits every senior should know to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Healthy eating should never stop. While you may feel tempted to consume processed foods because of their convenience and taste, you should know that they hold little to no nutritional value. Ideally, you should eat a balanced diet of lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Protein is the building block of strength and muscle development. Examples of healthy protein are poultry, fish, lean red meat, tofu, and lentils. Meanwhile, carbs energize your body for physical activity. Healthy carbs include brown rice, whole wheat bread, quinoa, whole wheat pasta, and sweet potatoes. Finally, don’t be afraid of fats. They help regulate hormone control and lubricate joints, muscles, and tendons. Avocados, nut butters, and olive oil are all great fat options.
Hydrate
Another important way to stay healthy is to hydrate. You’ve heard countless times to drink water for a good reason. Water is essential to physical health. It promotes blood circulation, regulates body temperature, and helps organs function properly. Each individual may need a different amount of water to ensure hydration. But a good rule of thumb is to drink 64 ounces of water each day. Coffee, soft drinks, and alcohol are not substitutes for water, as these can dehydrate you.
Exercise
Aging does take a toll on your body. It cannot function in the same ways as when you were younger. For instance, you may discover different muscle aches or pains in areas you never experienced before. Fortunately, a healthy way to combat these changes is to engage in light exercise. Walking, jogging, light strength training, yoga, and bodyweight exercises help strengthen muscles. They also help improve your cardiovascular system and decrease body fat. Consult your physician before engaging in any physical activity in case you suffer from any underlying medical conditions.
Sleep
The final healthy habit you should know as a senior is to sleep well. Like the other habits in this article, sleeping is vital for everyone. It doesn’t matter how old you are—a quality night’s rest energizes your brain and body for the next day. Sleep aids in muscle recovery and hormone regulation and boosts your mood. If you find yourself unable to sleep or maintain quality sleep each night, you may have an undiagnosed sleep condition. Consult your doctor for guidance. Otherwise, refrain from consuming caffeinated beverages before bed, as this will prevent your brain from resting.
