It is generally assumed that our body and health naturally deteriorate as we grow older, but this doesn’t have to be the case. If you adopt healthy living habits and maintain an active mind and body when you’re young, it will positively impact your senior years. Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, or nearing your 50s, it’s never too late to start instilling in ourselves some good practices.
Get enough sleep
A 6-8 hour a night sleep schedule significantly decreases your risk of diseases like heart attack and stroke and improves your mental health. If you’re having trouble with your sleep quality, you can try using thicker curtains to ward off outside light or not using your mobile phone at least an hour before you go to sleep.
Stimulate your brain
Keeping your brain active is a good way to prevent dementia. Keep your brain churning by partaking in activities like crossword puzzles or video games. You can even sign up for classes online to learn new skills or languages.
Exercise
Cardio exercise has many benefits essential for those nearing their senior years, including decreasing the risk of heart disease, improving lung capacity, maintaining weight, and more. Ensure you’re getting at least 150 minutes of cardio a week, including walking, cycling, or jogging. Additionally, you should apply strength training to your exercise regimen to keep your bones and joints strong.
Watch what you eat
Be mindful of your fat, sodium, and sugar intake. You should eat a balanced diet every meal to ensure you’re getting all your essential nutrients, which are important in keeping your bones and organs healthy. As you grow older, you may notice yourself losing your appetite or not having the energy to cook a proper meal. You can circumvent this by applying for a meal plan subscription or a vitamin subscription to ensure you’re getting your complete vitamins and nutrients daily.
Visit your doctor regularly
Your doctor is the first person who can detect any underlying conditions or major health issues, so visit them anytime you’re feeling odd. Don’t underestimate any pains or aches you feel once you hit a certain age. It could be a sign of something more serious. Your doctor can recommend necessary tests based on your age and family or medical history, which can detect anomalies before they get worse. They can also provide you with more personalized and comprehensive instructions on your diet, exercise routine, and lifestyle.
Habits are built up over time. You don’t need to push yourself by going on a mile-long jog when you haven’t exercised in years. Start slow before building intensity. Remember that sudden strenuous activity might even aggravate any heart problems. When it comes to your diet, ask your physician what specific foods you’re not allowed to consume based on your lab tests or what food you need to eat more to make up for any deficiencies. Healthy living takes lots of work and discipline, but it’s worth it if it means a happy and independent life well in your old age.
