As we get older, our bodies start to wear down and we sometimes develop health concerns that require medical attention. The risk for certain diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and osteoarthritis, increases the older we get. Many of the things we used to do when we were younger are much more difficult in old age. While getting old is an inevitability that we all must face, there are a number of lifestyle choices that you can make to keep yourself healthy for as long as possible. Some health problems are genetic or the result of bodily misuse, so the recommendations found here will probably not reverse these issues. However, if you are looking for ways to feel better as an older adult, you may want to try some of these tips out.
Be active
You probably don’t need to be told that staying active will make you a healthier person overall, but it is a point that is so important at every stage of life. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of a number of diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease, and it can help with depression and anxiety. The general rule is to aim for about 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day. This can be a simple walk around the park, swimming laps in the pool, or doing yoga. A person’s quality of life, even in old age, can be greatly improved by making exercise a daily habit.
Eat organically
It’s so convenient and easy in the modern world to eat foods that don’t come directly from the earth. Grocery stores are full of foods containing preservatives and fast food restaurants are located on every street corner. While these foods may taste good, they aren’t always the best for our health due to added chemicals and refined sugars, which can raise our cholesterol to unhealthy levels. Some examples of organic foods that you can include in your diet include fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and whole grains.
Go to the doctor
Going for regular doctor checkups may not be appealing to many people, but it becomes more and more important the older you get. This is because the risk for many diseases increases as you age. The biggest reason to go to the doctor’s on a regular basis is so that you can catch potential health issues before they become serious problems. Many health issues are undetectable until it’s too late, so making time for a doctor’s visit may just save your life.
Quit smoking and drinking
Smoking and drinking are unhealthy for people of any age, but especially as you get older. Nicotine and alcohol accelerate the aging process and can make you look much older than you actually are. These substances are also known to increase to risk of heart, lung, and liver diseases, including cancer. Quitting may be difficult, but it’s essentially for longevity and health.
Lower your stress levels
Stress is a natural response when the body feels threatened in some way. When we are stressed, our nervous system releases a flood of hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, into the bloodstream. These cause your heart to pump faster, muscles to tighten up, and blood pressure to rise. However, we often feel stressed when there are no real threats in our lives. Over time, frequent stress can wear out the body and increase your risk for a number of health problems. Stress can even lower our immune system and make it hard for our bodies to stave off infection. Some good ways to manage your stress include meditation, mindful breathing exercises, exercise, and a healthy diet.
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