Aging doesn’t have to be scary. If you start practicing healthy habits now, you can actually enter your senior years strong and filled with vitality. So if you want to be one of the million Americans who reach 100 years of age, then follow these suggestions for healthy living.
Eat Healthily
What you put into your body matters. Studies indicate that the people who live the longest tend to eat a mostly plant-based diet, with plenty of legumes. They also don’t eat until they feel full—stopping before they’ve reached maximum capacity. And eating foods high in fiber like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are great for our digestive systems, which naturally slows down with age.
Exercise
Regular physical activity can prevent age-related illnesses, reduce depression, and keep you energetic. Speak with your health care professional about exercises you can try—even a brief, brisk walk can count!
Screen For Hearing
Prevention is key when it comes to taking care of your health. Hearing loss and other ailments become increasingly common as we age, so make sure you get your hearing tested regularly with Sound Relief Hearing Center Audiologists.
Stop Smoking
No matter how long you’ve been smoking, it’s never too late to stop. Cease using any tobacco products and your health should definitely improve.
Drink In Moderation
Just like what we eat matters, so does what we drink. If you drink, limit your alcohol consumption to one to two glasses per day. Dehydration becomes an even bigger problem as we age so make you are drinking enough. If water is too plain for you, you can add cucumber or lemon for taste, drink tea, or eat foods with a high water content to help meet your daily requirement.
Keep Your Mind Active
Even after you retire, you still need to engage your brain to avoid mental decline. Keep your mind sharp through brain teaser games, puzzles, interactive quizzes or online challenges, taking a class, trying new hobbies, writing, learning a new language, reading, or traveling. Whatever activity stimulates your mind is sure to be helpful for your intellectual growth.
Visit The Dentist
See the dentist every six months for a cleaning and check-up. You are more prone to cavities as you get older and many health conditions like diabetes, stroke, and heart disease can first exhibit signs in the mouth.
Screen For Vision
As previously mentioned prevention is imperative when it comes to maintaining your health. In addition to regular dentist visits and hearing tests, get screened for vision changes. If you wear glasses, it is recommended to get your prescription checked ever year. It is also a good idea to have a primary care doctor. Getting older means more health check-ups so having a decent physician you get along with is beneficial for your health. Medicare and private health insurance plans can help cover screenings, physician appointments, and cancer treatment. Private insurance can especially help take care of needs like vision screenings. Many public vision plans are overlooked during open enrollment. Medications you might need can also be covered by your health insurance coverage.
Take Care Of Your Mind
For a healthy and happy life, practice mindfulness. This could mean meditation, yoga, going for a walk, praying, or journaling. Doing wellness or mindfulness activities can reduce your stress and encourage gratitude. It is also important to socialize and maintain friendships for a longer and happier life. Connect with your peers through classes, faith-based communities, or through any other social group or activity.
Get Enough Sleep
You may think you don’t need as much sleep as you get older, but that’s a lie. However, despite the need for sleep, age may make you more anxious and stressed increasing the likelihood of insomnia or interrupted sleep. Having a relaxing bedtime ritual and turning off screens an hour before bed can help foster a better sleep environment.
