The 3 Tips to Stay Healthy as You Age

Quality life starts with a healthy body, and this is especially true for seniors in the prime of their life. With so much free time after retirement, you’ll want to spend it on worthwhile pursuits. Needless to say, you’re better able to do more and achieve more when you are in great shape.

Quality life starts with a healthy body, and this is especially true for seniors in the prime of their life. With so much free time after retirement, you’ll want to spend it on worthwhile pursuits. Needless to say, you’re better able to do more and achieve more when you are in great shape.

Of course, as a senior, you are well protected by a good number of healthcare benefits from the government, as well as your own medical insurance coverage. At the most fundamental level, you can rely on either Medicare and Medicaid, depending on your income bracket, which you can then leverage to ensure that you remain in peak health — or at least, get the right amount of medical assistance that you may need. 

However, beyond your benefits as a senior, it’s also within your power — not to mention, responsibility — to keep yourself healthy, not just in body, but mentally, too. Here are some of the best measures you can take to keep yourself in shape.

Downsize to the Right Size

It’s been said that one of the most effective ways to maintain great health is to worry less. This is because anxiety not only threatens your emotional and mental well-being, but it also poses some risks to your body. As a senior, you will likely be plagued by health-related worries. You can, however, alleviate such worries significantly when you consider living arrangements that are more appropriate for your needs. The key is to downsize your life to make it the right size — that is to say, reduce your expenses and responsibilities while ensuring that your healthcare, mobility, and daily living needs are supported.

If downsizing to a smaller space that demands less from you is what you had in mind, consider independent living communities. Such an arrangement allows you to do just that, while also offering you the benefits of community living, so you receive adequate assistance and enjoy plenty of opportunities to meet and socialize with like-minded individuals. It’s a good idea, therefore, to visit several communities to find one that satisfies your needs and preferences and that you also like. You should consider your budget, too. To illustrate, independent living facilities in New York will typically set you back between $1,500 to $17,250 monthly.

Eat to Nourish.

Now, while your diet is not the be-all and end-all of great health, it is, in fact, one of the most important components. In fact, it’s often said that healthy bodies are made in the kitchen, and there’s a great deal of truth in that. No doubt, you will find yourself facing a plethora of dietary restrictions as you get older. Your doctor will likely recommend a diet that’s low in sodium and carbs. There may be other limitations, as well, depending on your specific medical condition. But as a general rule of thumb, it will do you good to avoid processed food and instead, go for meals that are rich in nutrients most needed by older adults.

Move to Feel Good

And finally, just as important as the food that you eat is exercise. In fact, regular physical activity benefits seniors specifically as it helps keep your weight down, which subsequently reduces the risk of diseases drastically. Best of all, it also improves your balance and flexibility, which, in turn, reduces the risk of falls. You need not take your exercise routine outdoors, as well, which can be an advantage in less-than-ideal climates. Indoor exercises are known to be just as effective, so consider simple movements like stretching or walking in the mall or swimming. You can even exercise at home with fitness videos or an improvised home gym.

Suffice it to say, staying healthy is a conscious effort. By making just a few lifestyle changes and incorporating some mindful and healthful choices into your daily life, you can keep yourself in excellent shape so you can, in turn, live your life to the fullest.

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