As we grow older, the more important it is to make sure we are taking care of ourselves. Our bodies and lifestyles may change, and so will our health and nutrition requirements. Get started on aging healthy with these simple health and nutrition tips.
1. Incorporate physical activity into your routine.
One study found that moderate physical activity boosts the immune function of the sedentary population or those who are relatively inactive. This decreases the risk or delays the onset of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Another study linked exercise to protection against stress among older adults. Stay consistent in doing physical activities, even low-impact exercises like walking.
2. Keep your brain active.
Challenging your brain through simple everyday activities like reading or playing crossword puzzles may help boost your mind. Some studies have suggested that such cognitive activities help reduce the risk or delay the onset of dementia. Additionally, staying connected with your friends, family, and even your community can help keep your brain active and lessen feelings of isolation.
3. Eat healthy.
Proper nutrition is essential regardless of your age, but particularly as you get older. A healthy diet rich in nutrients may help you stay healthy as you grow older. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seafood, and lean meat, to name a few. Similarly, it is best to avoid consuming empty calories like junk food, chips, soda, and alcohol.
4. Add in supplements to your diet.
Some aspects of aging may make it harder to maintain a healthy diet, like having trouble moving around to cook or changes in your sense of taste and smell. To guarantee that you are still receiving the necessary nutrients you need, try incorporating vitamin supplements into your daily routine. Supplements rich in vitamin D and calcium may help for strong bones while B-vitamins help with maintain healthy nerves.
5. Regularly visit your doctor for a check-up.
Getting checked regularly by your doctor allows you to stay on top of any emerging health concerns, especially ones that you may not have noticed. Doing so may help you prevent the condition from getting worse or help you manage it better. Most older adults may visit their doctor at least once a year, but others—like those with comorbidities—may do so more frequently as needed.
Although it may be difficult to avoid contracting sicknesses, healthy aging is still possible. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), healthy aging doesn’t require you to be entirely free of diseases. With proper diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy still enjoy life even in your later years.
General disclaimer
Your doctor will always be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice for your condition. For suspected undesirable drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph and UNILAB, Inc. at 8-UNILAB-1 or productsafety@unilab.com.ph. Always buy your medicine from your trusted drugstores and retailers.
Sources:
- https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/healthy-aging-secret
- https://www.healthline.com/health/flu/seniors-guide-to-staying-healthy
- https://medlineplus.gov/nutritionforolderadults.html
- https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/keeping-the-brain-active-may-help-prevent-dementia-study-suggests/
- https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/missing-nutrients
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/proceedings-of-the-nutrition-society/article/physical-activity-immunity-and-infection/5DFC2F09C558BB192260B6F546584536
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/does-exercise-boost-immune-system#benefits-for-immunity
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults
- https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-do-healthy-older-adults-need-regular-health-care-visits/
- https://www.who.int/philippines/news/q-a-detail/healthy-ageing-and-functional-ability
