While changes that occur with age may prevent your life from being what it was in your younger years, there’s a lot you can do to improve your health and longevity and reduce your risk for physical and mental disability as you get older.
So how do you give yourself the best possible chance for a long, healthy life? Although you aren’t able to control every factor that affects health as you age, many are in your hands. Some keys to living a long, healthy life include:
- Make healthful lifestyle choices—don’t smoke, eat right, practice good hygiene, and reduce stress in your life.
- Have a positive outlook.
- Stay as active as possible.
- Take safety precautions.
One of the most important things you can do to stay healthy is to maintain your sense of purpose by staying connected to people and things that matter to you. However, this isn’t always easy—especially in a society that all-too-often views older people as a burden.
Try visiting your local senior center. Spend time with at least one person—a family member, friend, or neighbor—every day. Volunteer in your community, attend a local event, join a club or take up a new hobby. For example, Seniors First has a “Friendly Visitor” program where they match up volunteers with a home bound senior. http://seniorsfirst.org/sf-programs/friendly-visitors/
Stress can have an enormous impact on your health and your quality of life at any age—and even more so as you get older. As you age, you’re also more likely to experience emotional trauma associated with loss—the deaths of people close to you (friends, family members, spouse), your own health, and/or your independence. For many seniors, dealing with the loneliness caused by multiple losses can lead to a diminished investment in life—especially when combined with other issues, like financial concerns.
Try these tips to help deal with difficult changes:
- Focus on being thankful. Appreciate and enjoy your life.
- Acknowledge your feelings and express them. Try writing in a journal.
- Accept that some things are out of your control.
- Try to keep your sense of humor!
Seniors are at increased risk for depression. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, or unable to deal with stress, it’s important to reach out to family, friends, caregivers and health care providers.
The risk for a number of medical conditions increases with age. In fact, some studies show that the average person 75 years of age has three chronic medical problems—ranging from minor to serious. If you have concerns or questions about your health, talk to your doctor.
At this point in your life, it’s more important than ever to eat healthy. However, good nutrition is a challenge for many seniors. You may even experience changes in your sense of taste, which can affect your appetite. Slower digestion and metabolism can change how your body processes food. You may have difficulty shopping for, purchasing or preparing nutritious foods and meals.
If you’re having trouble maintaining a healthy diet, talk to a family member or your doctor. Many communities have programs that provide healthy meals to seniors and take the guesswork out of the equation. Again, Seniors First offers the My Meals program that serves delicious hot meals. http://seniorsfirst.org/sf-programs/senior-nutrition/
Exercise is an important part of a good health at every age; however, many older adults don’t get the recommended amounts of physical activity. Staying active can boost vitality, help maintain strength and flexibility, improve mental function, reduce your risk for health problems, and even help relieve chronic pain. Be sure to talk to your doctor, however, before beginning an exercise program.
Find an activity you enjoy and begin slowly. Try to incorporate endurance activities, strengthening exercises, stretching and balancing exercises into your exercise program. Good choices include walking, swimming, biking, gardening, tai chi and exercise classes designed for seniors.
One of the most important ways to stay healthy as you age is to seek the care of a geriatric physician, also called a geriatrician. Geriatric physicians are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease and disability in older adults. They are specially trained in the aging process and provide comprehensive health care.
With careful consideration, planning, and an open attitude to trying new things, you can stay positive in the face of health changes!
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