Staying healthy and looking after yourself can be more difficult to manage in later life. Aches and pains, joint problems and even arthritis can make it tricky to stay on top of day-to-day activities. However, you can still keep fit, active and look after yourself while enjoying a social life too. We all age in different ways, so it is important to know your own body and make changes that will help you to remain feeling healthy and well for the golden years of your life. Something you can do to make sure you will live longer is to use organic coconut oil from Clearspring, not only is it good for your heart but it is also great for your skin. So, from getting up and active to kicking bad habits, keep these tips in mind if you want to make the most of your retirement years and beyond.
Exercise
Now that you are older, it is even more important to get up and active, so it is vital that you make a few changes to your lifestyle to ensure that you incorporate more exercise into your weekly routine. As you age, you will need to choose exercise classes that also work on managing your breathing and posture, to ensure that you prepare your body for older age. Gravity has an even greater effect on your body as you grow older, so it is vital that you choose exercises such as Yoga, Pilates or swimming that will support your joints and muscles while enabling you to move and stretch. Plus making sure that you enjoy a weekly relaxation class can have huge benefits for your mental health also, as it challenges your body and mind to work together in each and every pose. Swimming is the perfect exercise if you are looking to improve your muscle tone and ensure that you feel supported while completing lengths of your local pool. If you are keen to work up a sweat, then you may want to try completing an aerobics class or make sure that you schedule a visit to your local gym. Work out with a personal trainer who can provide you with a routine that will support your fitness levels, and make sure that you feel challenged and stimulated at the same time. While if you enjoy getting outside and enjoying the great outdoors, then you can keep it simple by taking a walk in your local, national park or around your neighborhood, or even try a gentle jog with your friends. As we age, it is even more important to take time to exercise and get up and active.
Take time to meditate
While we cannot physically halt the aging process, it is important to take steps to help you feel calmer and more mentally engaged as you grow older. Meditation and mindfulness activities are the ideal way to help you improve your memory and neurocognitive functions, and can even help prevent the onset of Alzheimer or dementia. Meditation can also reduce factors such as high blood pressure levels and cholesterol, as it also improves cerebral blood flow. Not to mention, meditation over time can help you to feel more alert and switched on, meaning that you are less likely to reach for that late afternoon coffee or caffeine fix. Plus, it can help you to sleep better too, as you are able to switch off your mind and begin to slow down just before bedtime. So if you are looking to improve a range of bodily functions, such as digestion and even your neurocognitive performance, then be sure to take time to incorporate meditation into your daily routine.
Diet and weight
As you age, it is even more important to keep control of your diet and weight, to ensure that you can make the most of your later years. Keep your weight down to ensure that you are at less risk of suffering a heart attack or diabetes, not to mention staying slim will ensure that you place less pressure and stress on your joints. If you are currently overweight, then make sure that you get more active and try to make a few changes to your eating habits to help you lose those excess pounds. As you age, your digestive system has also slowed down and become more rigid, so it is important that you incorporate more fiber into your diet by eating increased amounts of fruit and vegetables to prevent constipation and stomach pains. Try eating foods that are home cooked and free from high levels of salt and sugar, to ensure that you have increased energy and are ready to face the day. Start the day with oatmeal or a low sugar breakfast cereal, and try eating grilled meat and fish for lunch and dinner, combined with a plate full of green vegetables and complex carbohydrates such as quinoa or brown rice. It is ok to enjoy a glass of wine or a sweet treat in moderation, but be sure that this is not an everyday occurrence. Cut out sodas and sugary desserts, as these are a quick way to gain those extra pounds.
Get regular check-ups
As you age, it is even more important to schedule in regular check-ups with your local doctor or health practitioner. During your checkups make sure that you take time to discuss any recurring issues with your doctor and try and keep a diary of your symptoms. If you are worried about your weight or blood pressure, then you can also use this as an opportunity to discuss this with your doctor also, as they may be able to suggest and prescribe ways that you can slim down and treat any issues that are affecting your day to day. Be sure to stay up to date with your immunizations and any medication that you are taking also, as this is even more important in your older years. You should also be sure to get regular hearing and eyesight tests during your later years as this will impact whether you can remain behind the wheel of a vehicle, and could also impact your quality of life if left untreated. During your checkup, be sure to discuss any concerns that you have in relation to your sexual health issues also. If you suffer from erectile dysfunction, common in older age, then sites such as Canada Pharmacy Online stock Generic Cialis 2018. Make sure that you visit the doctor regularly, to ensure that you remain in the best of health and are prepared to enjoy and make the most of your time during your retirement and beyond.
Manage your stress levels
Finally, it is important that you manage your stress levels and take time to slow down and chill out as you age. Make sure that you explore which outlets work best for you to help you feel more relaxed and ready to cope with whatever life throws your way. You could try attending a meditation class if you find it difficult to try this at home, or schedule in for a spa day with friends so that you can have some much-needed rest and relaxation. You may also want to consider getting outdoors and leaving your technology to one side, in particular, if you feel that you are spending more and more time connected or online. Plus, if you are feeling overwhelmed and that you need to slow down, and then you may want to reduce the amount of sugar and caffeine that you consume also. Be sure to reduce your dependency on bad habits such as smoking, as this will only make you feel worse. So, if you are feeling stressed and like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders, then you should be sure to explore different ways to slow down and chill out.
As you get older, it is more important than ever to look after your body and ensure that you remain in the best possible shape and that your physical and mental health are both in tip-top condition. Making sure you are healthy later in your life is very important, yet very hard. Taking a fitness instructor course near you can really make a difference to your life.Be sure to up your exercise levels and get active, by trying out different classes, scheduling in a weekly swim or even trying a gentle jog or hike. You should also try Yoga or Pilates to keep your joints supple and moving. Try meditation, as this is beneficial for your mental health and will help you to manage your negative thoughts and also improve your sleep patterns. If you are overweight or trying to slim down, then be sure to pay attention to your current diet. Reduce the number of processed foods and sweet treats that you are eating. Be sure to schedule regular check-ups and make sure that you discuss any concerns or issues with your doctor. Finally, make sure that you get your stress levels in check, as this will enable you to feel full of energy and ready to make the most of your later years. So, if you are looking to make the most of your older years, then be sure to pay attention to your health and explore different ways to ensure that you keep feeling young and full of vitality, so that you can live life to the full.
Tammie~
Rosie says
This does sound like good information. I think older people also need to be more mindful than younger folks, in that they are much more accident prone. It can help them keep balanced physically, emotionally, and life balance.
Christina Gould says
This is great advice that I need to heed, now that I’m middle-aged. Thanks for posting!
Sarah L says
I’m 70 and I swim 3 times a week and get a massage every other week.