As you age, you’re likely to experience mental and physical health issues. These may include reduced physical strength, mobility, energy levels, body balance, hearing and vision. According to one survey, approximately 80% of senior Americans struggle with a chronic illness. Fortunately, you can incorporate some lifestyle changes to ensure healthy aging. Read this quick guide for more insights.
Keep Depression at Bay
Depression is a disorder that affects millions of older adults. Several problems such as retirement, loss of a loved one or financial issues can trigger depression. Unfortunately, this disorder can cause more problems, including chronic illnesses such as urinary retention.
To avoid severe health issues, ensure you understand anxiety and depression signs. If you suspect it, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor for treatment recommendations. If you’re struggling with health problems such as urinary retention, be sure to check Convatec Ostomy for a possible solution.
Let Prevention be Your Priority
You don’t want an illness to reach chronic levels, so it would be better to consider regular screenings. For example, your health professional could examine issues like cardiovascular problems, colon cancer and cholesterol levels. Vaccinations for pneumonia and influenza prevention may also help.
Get Connected
One of the primary aging challenges includes maintaining a connection with supportive individuals. While your social life may have been active, age-related issues such as relocation, chronic diseases, and retirement could impact your socialization.
However, this doesn’t mean you isolate yourself as isolation can worsen your situation, so you need to find how you can connect. Social interaction coupled with other lifestyle changes can help you deal with loss, hardship, disability, depression and loneliness. So what are some of the ways you can connect with others? Here are some suggestions:
- Find support from family members and friends
- Look for ways to acquire new friends
- Volunteer
- Find a support network
Watch Your Diet
As you age, diet plays an essential role in keeping you active and healthy. Incorporate your meals with plenty of vegetables and fruits. A balanced diet can boost your immune system, ensuring you aren’t susceptible to bacteria and viruses.
Be sure to avoid fatty and sugary foods because these can affect your immune system and cause inflammation. Also, if you smoke or drink alcohol, it could be time you quit to avoid possible health implications.
Take Supplements if Necessary
Some supplements can boost your immune system. However, it would be best if you did not take any without consulting a physician. You want to be sure they are safe and won’t react with other medication. Your doctor may recommend supplements such as Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, Vitamin D and calcium. When taking multivitamins or supplements, ensure you follow your physician’s instructions to avoid possible complications.
Get Active
Research shows physical exercises can enhance your immune system. On the flip side, a sedentary lifestyle can lead to infections and inflammation as you age. The good news is you don’t need strenuous activities to gain the benefits of exercising. For example, you could consider swimming, walking or biking. Choose what can make your fitness lifestyle manageable and you’ll be good to go.
Conclusion
While aging may come with several challenges, this shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying your life. For example, if you incorporate these tips into your daily routine, you’re likely to reduce health issues related to aging.
I live in a small Georgia town that you most likely have never heard of and I LOVE it! My house is more than full as I am a single mother of four & caregiver to my aging mother and uncle. Lover of all things Outlander. Goes to the beat of her own drum woman.
Elizabeth says
Balance training is helpful to prevent falls at any age!