Aging Well: 6 Useful Health Tips for Seniors in 2020

Photo by Philippe Leone

Originally Posted On: https://websta.me/useful-health-tips-for-seniors/

Believe it or not, about 80 percent of seniors have at least one underlying health condition that makes maintaining their health more difficult. No matter what types of underlying health issues you have, there are always things you can do to improve your health as you age.

The sooner you start, the better off your health will be. However, if you’re like most seniors, figuring out where to start can be confusing at best.

Here are a few proven health tips for seniors to help you take control of your health and stay as active and happy as you can for as long as you can.

No matter how young or young-at-heart you are, you need to eat a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and vital nutrients to preserve your health. The easiest way to do this is to eat a diet full of fresh, whole, unprocessed foods.

If you can, cook your meals at home using plenty of fresh vegetables and lean proteins. This will give your body the nutrients it needs to thrive and stay healthy.

Avoid eating out or indulging in convenience foods like frozen dinners when you can. These are often high in sodium and pack on tons of calories without providing much in the way of nutrition.

It’s also a good idea to change things up every once in a while. If you love eating salads with dinner, swap out different types of lettuces and greens to keep things interesting. This exposes your body to a wide range of vitamins and minerals at the same time.

As you grow older, your medical care needs will change. This can be overwhelming at first, but as long as you stay on top of your routine appointments and discuss any health changes with your doctor, you’ll be on the right track.

Just make sure to invest in the best Medicare plans possible. Shop around every year and use MedicareWire to compare Advantage plans every time. This will help you choose a provider that works with your budget.

Don’t be afraid to switch if you find that you can save money. The more you can lower your regular costs, the more money you’ll have on hand each month to do the things you love.

Exercise is the key to staying healthy. It keeps your joints limber, your muscles strong, and your cardiovascular system in better shape for longer. However, you need to commit to staying active if you want to improve your quality of life.

Active doesn’t mean you have to take up running or push yourself through new and tough exercises that even 20-year-olds struggle with. It just means you need to get up and move around every day.

Go for a walk when the weather is nice. Take a dip in the pool when it’s hot outside and stretch or do yoga indoors when the weather isn’t great.

The more you can stay active, the easier it will be to maintain your health and your mobility.

Keep in mind that if you plan to change things up or want to try new exercises, speak with your senior healthcare provider first. They’ll be able to help you figure out how to do those new activities safely.

One of the best mental health tips for seniors is to be mindful of your stress levels and proactive about keeping them as low as possible. Think about the things that help you relax and do those things often.

If you enjoy sitting outside in the sunshine, make a point to do it when you’re feeling stressed or anxious. If you enjoy meditating or have a preferred hobby, factor time in each day to allow you to enjoy those things.

By actively de-stressing and looking for ways to promote happiness and relaxation, you’ll likely find that you have more energy to pursue other health-boosting activities.

About 50 percent of seniors suffer from poor sleep quality or insomnia. This makes it hard to rest and let your body recover from the stresses it undergoes every day.

The best thing you can do is speak to your doctor about your sleep habits as soon as possible. If you notice a change or start having trouble falling or staying asleep each night, let your doctor know.
The sooner you do, the easier it will be to restore your sleep habits to their proper rhythm.

If it’s not insomnia that’s keeping you up, try to create a bedtime ritual that helps you unwind at the end of the day. For example, turn the TV off an hour before you plan to go to bed and have a cup of herbal tea or read a book. Do this often enough that your brain starts to associate bedtime with those activities.

It will help you unwind and fall asleep more quickly.

Your mental health can be just as important as your physical health and feelings of isolation can take a serious toll on your emotional wellbeing. Make a point to connect with others regularly.

Call friends and family frequently. Go out with friends if you feel safe to do so and socialize with others from different walks of life.
These simple actions can help you stay happier and feel more satisfied with your life as you get older.

Staying healthy as you age can seem difficult. Use these health tips for seniors and you’ll be on the right track to stay healthy and happy for years to come.

Remember to speak with your doctor if you notice any changes or feel that something just isn’t right. The sooner you can report those changes, the easier it will be for them to create a treatment plan that helps you maintain your health.

Looking for more insight into how to promote long-term health and wellbeing for those you love? Check out our latest posts.