Aging is one of those things that are inevitable. Sure, you can use plenty of skincare, do Botox, or any other anti-aging-related routine, but in the end, you’re still going to age, and there is the whole declining health aspect to it as well. Of course, there are health appointments you should never miss out on, too, since these can also have an impact on age-related health. In general, while you can’t change your age, you can at least focus on not only looking young and feeling young, but you can even have the power to push off age-related health issues, too. So, here’s exactly what you need to know to do that!
It’s All in a Balanced Diet
While yes, this is probably very basic, it’s something that holds so much truth! You are what you eat, and what you eat can either help you look, feel, and operate as youthful, or it can even have the exact opposite on you. You’ll want to, of course, aim to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables. All of these provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The same can be said for proteins, too; you’ll want to opt for lean sources of protein like poultry, fish, beans, and tofu. In general, you have to understand that protein is crucial for maintaining muscle mass- you lose muscle mass with age.
Of course, there are other things you’ll need to think about, such as fiber, whole grains, healthy fats, and keeping hydrated too. While yeah these are all very basic, this is exactly what you need to know to fight back against age-related health issues. Processed foods are a no-go, and you should strongly focus on things like whole foods.
Are You Incorporating Enough Physical Activity into Your Routine?
Needless to say, exercise contains many benefits from weight loss, more muscle, more energy, endorphins, and the list could honestly go on and on. But even with age, it’s vital to stay physically active. The last thing you want is your body working against you. Usually, with age, your cardiovascular health goes on a steep decline, which is why aerobics, running, jogging, cycling, swimming, and other cardio-focused exercises need to be incorporated.
The same can be said for your bones and muscles, too. It’s not only about your diet, but it’s your exercises that count, too. So, you’ll need to incorporate strength training exercises to maintain muscle mass, bone density, and overall strength. But does it end there? Not quite, you see; the older you get, the less balance you’re going to have, too.
So, exercises that help with flexibility and balance need to be put into consideration, too. In general, there’s such a heavy impact that exercise has on the body, and so many age-related changes physically happen to the body too as you get older, so whether you love or hate exercise, you absolutely need to do it if you’re expecting to push off health-related issues.
Don’t Neglect Other Forms of Health
When it comes to your health, you need to keep in mind that it’s not just your mind or your body that goes through changes with age. Other aspects of your health are also going to go through changes. Chances are, you already know that teeth tend to fall out with age, hearing tends to fade, and even your sight has the potential to fade, too. All of these are so important, and you’ll need regular check-ups too, such as hearing assessments annually, getting your eyes checked, and, of course, seeing a doctor every six months too.
You’ll Need to Stay Mentally Active
Just as it’s important to stay physically active, you’ll need to stay mentally active, too. Challenging your brain with mentally stimulating activities can help ward off cognitive decline. One of the reasons why dementia and Alzheimer’s happen prematurely is usually due to the lack of stimulation. So you’re going to want to engage in ready, playing video games, puzzles, socializing, learning a language, or just doing something new in general; all of these are going to help tremendously.
How’s Your Stress Levels?
Stress ages a person, and stress has a way of immediately affecting someone’s health, too. No one likes it, but it’s sadly how things are. Plus, these can honestly exacerbate any sort of age-related health issues that you might be at risk of, too. While you can’t necessarily control all the stressors that happen in your life, you will need to focus on having better mental well-being.
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.
Kim Henrichs says
These are all great tips – thank you!
Rita Wray says
Great tips, thank you.
Donna says
Very useful info. I’ll be 70 next month, so I’ve been thinking about this a lot!
heather says
These are great tips to keep in mind. I am trying to keep on top of these things every single day.