As we get older, we tend to feel a little less in control of our lives. It seems harder to stay healthy, but making an effort to control your physical and mental health is the best way to have an immense impact on the quality of your overall wellness. To bring balance and benefits to your life, work these healthy practices into your routine:
Stay on Top of Your Healthcare
It’s inevitable: the older we get, the more we’ll need to visit the doctor, both because our aging bodies are more susceptible to illness and injury, and because we need a little more preventative maintenance than we did when we were younger. Be sure you’re aware of what your health insurance covers, and if you use Medicare, stay aware of any changes to your plan. It’s also prudent to look into Medicare Advantage Plans if you need extended dental, vision or prescription drug coverage, so know what’s available in your state, what you can afford, and what you actually need to stay covered. Finally, keep up with your routine visits with your primary care physician as well as any specialists you see, such as an optometrist or a mental health counselor. Even if you live a healthy, active lifestyle, you’re not taking the best possible care of yourself if you’re not getting regular checkups for your physical and mental health.
Practice Healthy Habits
Learning to add healthy habits to your daily, weekly and monthly routines can go a long way in improving your overall health. Simple steps, such as drinking plenty of water, wearing sunscreen, getting enough rest and eating breakfast every morning, can be enough to set you up for better health and more contentment in your life. By making over your typical habits and routines, you can take the first critical steps to positively impacting your health, happiness and overall well-being.
Train Your Body and Muscles
An essential step for seniors to gain more control over their health is to gain proper control over their body through exercise. A regular routine of low-impact cardio and moderate strength training can build muscles that prevent falls, and can help seniors improve their overall physical health. Exercise is also an effective method for maintaining brain function and positive mental health. For seniors looking to build a fitness routine without risking injuries, working with a personal trainer could be the best bet at achieving safe, long-term wellness. However, seniors who want to exercise with people their own age should check out the SilverSneakers program, which provides yoga, sports leagues, and activities for senior citizens around the United States.
Eat a Healthy, Well-Balanced Diet
A personal trainer can also assist you in developing a meal plan that will meet your nutritional needs and improve your total health. A well-balanced diet is the best option for seniors looking to maintain their strength and ward off disease. Your diet should consist of whole grains, lean proteins and plenty of vegetables to keep you full and fit. Additionally, find out from your doctor or nutritionist if you can take small amounts of full spectrum hemp oil or other cannabis-based products to promote overall health and provide therapeutic effects for both physical and mental well-being. You can procure such cannabis products either from your local store or from a website similar to https://weedsmart.co/. Some seniors also find it helpful to switch to a plant-based diet, but you should find a healthy meal option that works for you. People of all ages should find ways to work healthy fats into their diets as well. Certain fats can improve your heart health, lower blood pressure and even fight inflammation. Use this helpful guideto determine which fats you should consume and which you should limit, but resist the urge to cut all fats out of your diet.
Learn Positive Ways to Combat Stress
Stress seems to be an unavoidable part of everyday life, even for seniors. While stress is seldom the cause of disease and illness, chronic stress can certainly acceleratephysical health issues. High levels of stress have been linked to increased risk for heart disease, diabetes and even Alzheimer’s. When left unchecked, stress can also impact your mental health, causing debilitating feelings of depression and anxiety. By developing positive stress-relief practices, seniors can keep stress from taking over their health. This is another area where exercise can help seniors gain control over their lives. Exercise is a wonderful stress reliever, but you can also try walking your dog, listening to music or following a guided meditation.
Enhance Your Sleep Routine
Quality sleep can improve the overall quality of life for seniors. Restful sleepshould form the foundation of any overall wellness plan. You can promote better sleep by watching what you eat in the evening hours, avoiding the television before bed, and sticking to the same schedule every night. If you are still having trouble getting to sleep and have ruled out any health conditions, try working out in the morning. Morning workoutsmay help those with sleep issues fall asleep more quickly and soundly at night. You can also try darkening your bedroom or dropping the temperature before you get into bed.
For seniors who want a better quality of life, taking steps to enhance physical health and emotional well-being is a very good start. Staying in control of your overall wellness is a simple yet effective way to maintain control over your life and bring more joy to the years ahead of you.
Photo Credit: Pixabay