A step by step approach is a good way for seniors to get started on a better quality of life. There are two major changes over several years that seniors can make that will benefit their health and let them enjoy life more.
What two things benefit senior living the most?
Diet
Improving their diet is one change that seniors can make that will lead to overall health and well-being. Heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, loss of memory, osteoporosis, cancers, visual problems and other diseases are all impacted by our diet.
How much we eat and the portion size is just as important as what we eat. Seniors should aim for approximately 1500 to 2000 calories a day. Keeping track of their calories can prevent seniors from gaining too much weight or losing too much. Being underweight can be fatal if you should become ill.
The majority of the food on your plate should be fruits and vegetables with a small portion of protein and carbohydrates.
Exercise
Seniors should try to build up to a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise, 3 to 5 days a week. Once again, take it slow and walking is a great way to do this. It will aid you in burning excess calories, maintaining your weight and building up physical endurance. Exercise also helps deliver oxygen to your body, will help you to improve your mood and to sleep better at night. Walking is also an exercise that helps with balance which will reduce falls.
5 Steps to Improve Senior Living and Qualify of Life
- Use alcohol moderately and try to quit smoking
- Make regular visits to your dentist; brush and floss
- See your doctor regularly and go over your medications; keep up with vaccinations
- See your optometrist every two years
- Keep busy and spend time with others as much as you can
This article is intended for information purposes only. Please consult your practitioner about any lifestyle changes you are considering or experiencing.
