Staying Healthy Helps You Enjoy Your Senior Years

January is National Staying Healthy Month, so this week we thought it would be fitting to talk about how staying healthy will help you enjoy your senior years. Caregivers in San Francisco and elsewhere can also use these tips to encourage healthy habits in their senior loved ones.

There are lots of things people can do to boost their health as they age, from making good food choices to not smoking to keeping up with fitness goals. Participating in social events and situations can also support aging, as being socially isolated or lonely is detrimental to your overall health.

Advantages of an Active Lifestyle

Engaging in activities you enjoy, such as joining a walking club, signing up for art classes, taking up gardening or volunteering in the community, helps to maintain well-being and independence through the years. An active lifestyle is more than just getting your daily steps in. Participating in activities that are meaningful to you and that will benefit your body, mind, and spirit are very important as you age.

Research from the National Institute on Aging shows that older adults with an active lifestyle:

• Are not as likely to develop certain diseases. You can lower your risk of certain health problems, such as stroke, heart disease, some kinds of cancer, and dementia, when you participate in hobbies and other social activities.
• Enjoy a longer lifespan. Studies show that happiness, a sense of purpose, and life satisfaction are all connected to living longer as they cultivate positive feelings.
• Are happier and less depressed. Studies reveal that participating in activities you find meaningful, such as volunteering or hitting the gym, make you feel happier and healthier.
• Are better able to cope. When you feel happier and healthier, you are more resilient and can recover more quickly from difficult situations. Positive emotions, sense of purpose, optimism, and physical and mental health are all linked with resilience.
• Can improve their thinking abilities. Participating in mentally stimulating activities or those that involve physical activity have a positive effect on memory. Creative activities in particular, such as music or dance, help seniors who have memory problems or dementia.

Tips For Healthy Living

From regular exercise to better sleep, there are many ways you can improve your Golden Years. Here’s a look.

Exercise

Help Guide says that exercise is the #1 contributor to longevity, adding many extra years to your life—even when you don’t begin exercising until your senior years. But as we all know, it’s not just about adding more years to your life, it’s really about adding life to your years. Exercise can help you maintain agility and strength while increasing vitality, improving sleep, boosting your mental health, and diminishing chronic pain. Exercise also has a positive effect on the brain, preventing memory loss, dementia, and cognitive decline. Here are some tips to follow when it comes to exercise.

• Before starting any exercise program, always talk with your doctor first to see if there are health conditions or medications you’re taking that will affect the kind of exercise you wish to engage in.
• Choose an activity that you like and that you will be motivated to continue. That may involve a group exercise (sport or class), or individual exercise such as running or swimming.
• When starting to exercise, especially after not exercising for a long time, start off slow. Just a few minutes a day will put you on the right track to building healthy habits. As you go along, slowly increase the intensity and time of your workout to avoid injury.
• Try walking instead of engaging in strenuous activity or time spent inside at the gym. As one of the best ways to stay fit, walking does not require equipment or experience and it can be done anywhere.
• Exercise with a friend, which will help to keep you accountable and motivated. Plus, you’ll get the social contact benefits as well.

Healthy diet

Our relationship to food tends to change along with our bodies, which manifests itself in a decreased metabolism, changes in smell and taste, and slower digestion. These can all influence your appetite, what foods you can eat, and how your body decides to process food. But healthy eating is still very important in maintaining energy and health. Stay away from refined carbs and sugary foods, and instead reach for high-fiber fruits, veggies, and whole grains for more energy.

Quality sleep

Many adults encounter sleep problems as they age, including daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and frequent waking during the night — especially in those with incontinence. The key is to develop healthy sleep habits, such as keeping your bedroom quiet, cool, and dark, and your bed comfortable. You may want to invest in an adjustable bed to get a better sleep position, reduce snoring, and alleviate pain. Stay away from screens an hour before bed, and avoid intense exercise right before going to sleep. Instead, reserve your exercise for earlier in the day. Adopt a soothing bedtime ritual, such as playing calming music or taking a warm bubble bath to ensure a good night’s sleep.

Contact Pathways Home Health and Hospice

Our caregivers in San Francisco and elsewhere encourage healthy living for seniors as part of our home care services. To learn more, contact us today at 888-978-1306.