The senior population is growing at a faster rate than any other age group. Aging is much different now than it was for previous generations. People are living longer and realize they have to be pro-active in their health care. Prevention is one of the best ways to ward off age associated disease and the following tips will help you do just that.
Stay active
By now we all know that sitting for prolonged periods is not good for us. Even for those of us who have disabilities and are unable to be as active as we like, getting up and moving around every half hour can help. Physical activity helps with so many things. Being active early in the day can help us sleep better at night. Keeping fit in an enjoyable way will help us maintain our cardiovascular health as well as stay flexible and strong. We’ll also look better and handle stress well.
Get regular checkups
Your gums and teeth will stay healthy and last much longer if you get in for regular cleanings and checkups. Flossing daily and brushing your teeth regularly is just as important for your body as a work out. As we age, though we may not notice it, our vision gradually declines, especially for close objects and reading. See your optometrist at least every two years and if you must wear eyeglasses, there are many attractive styles to choose from. Your optometrist will also check for other vision problems such as cataracts and glaucoma. A healthy diet also helps to keep your eyes healthy. Don’t forget to also have a hearing test as you age. A lifetime listening to loud noises can cause hearing loss.
Learn to manage stress
Stress can be one of the worst things for our bodies, making it easier for us to become ill with other diseases. Besides relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation, slow walks and quiet time spent reading, listening to music or on another activity we enjoy can greatly reduce stress. Time spent with family and social outings, anytime when we have fun, is a good way to ward off stress.
Aging can be enjoyable if we take the time to look after ourselves. Click here for more ways to stay healthy as a senior.
