Getting older is a journey. Like all adventures, it presents obstacles and challenges, but there is so much to be gained by engaging with and celebrating its experiences. Often, the temptation for seniors is to give in to apathy and inactivity, either because of negative stereotypes about age or a lack of resources.
The good news is that both of these things can be fixed. In Western societies, people are living much longer, so thereโs simply no excuse for putting off positive change. If youโre not happy with your lifestyle, transform it. If your health is getting you down, tackle it head on. The truth is that youโre going to be around for quite a while and the adventures arenโt over yet.
This guide to staying fit and strong as you get older will give you some advice on the best lifestyle changes.
Start Supplementing
Seniors are much more prone to mineral deficiencies than younger people. Fortunately, dietary supplements are a very easy remedy. You are strongly advised to start taking a natural calcium supplement for osteoporosis if you think that your current levels are a bit low. The majority of elderly people donโt get enough calcium from food alone, so a bit of a boost is helpful.
Get Up and Out
You must not equate getting older with a need to slow down. In fact, this is a primary contributor to the development of bone disorders. Inactivity is very bad for the skeleton and staying fit and active as a senior can never do you any harm. The more you exercise and train your bones, the stronger they will get. Indulge that lifelong desire to join a salsa, tennis, or racquetball club.
Kick the Bad Habits
Thereโs no time like the present to get rid of unhealthy habits. While a lifetime of smoking cannot be reversed just because you stop when you get older, kicking the habit can still have a remarkable impact on the health of bones and organs. Therefore, the change is always worthwhile and this applies to drinking alcohol in moderation too.
Pack in the Fresh Veggies
Even if youโre taking calcium and Vitamin D supplements on a regular basis, you still need to incorporate plenty of fruit and vegetables into your diet. Whole grains are great for heart health, so make room them in the form of brown bread, pasta, and rice. In fact, try to avoid processed carbs like white pasta because they contain large amounts of sugar.
Donโt Be Afraid of Fat
One area of your diet, which you can worry a little less about now, is fat intake. For the first time, nutritional experts are starting to uncover positive news about dietary fats. They are not nearly as unhealthy as we once believed and some types even aid weight loss. For example, foods like avocado are very high in fat, but they are extremely nutritious and can speed up the metabolism. Just keep an eye on the amount of saturated fat that you consume.
Get Plenty of Sleep
One aspect of good health, which tends to get overlooked, is sleep. You can eat as many fresh vegetables and pop as many calcium pills as you like, but sleep deprivation has the ability to counteract all of this good stuff. According to doctors, just one sleepless night is enough to send blood pressure soaring, so take steps to improve the quality of your rest.
Why the Joys of Getting Older Apply to You Too
Whether youโre fifty-five or ninety-five, your enjoyment of life doesnโt have to stop. Sure, it takes a little more work to maintain good health, but the rewards are enormous. With strong bones and happy organs, thereโs nothing you canโt do. From bungee jumping to portrait painting, horse riding, hiking, gig going, and even raving, if youโre young at heart, the world is your oyster.