The idea of growing older can be scary for a lot of people. However, changing ideas about aging show that you accumulate years without losing vitality. The following tips can help you stay healthy as you age.
1. Get Recommended Screenings
An annual physical may be a pain to fit into your already busy schedule, but it can save you a lot of suffering down the road. It is also a great way to develop a working relationship with your healthcare provider so that you have someone to turn to with questions and concerns.
What you can expect at your annual visit will depend on factors such as age, biological sex, and personal health history. Lifestyle choices can also factor into your exam and ensuing recommendations.
Most people will get a few basic screenings at an annual exam. These may include questions about your hearing, vision, and mental health. It is also a good idea to have bloodwork or urinalysis done to establish baseline numbers for common indicators of disease. You might also consider adding a full panel STD test to rule out any problems there. Armed with the results, you and your doctor can make educated choices about how to approach your medical care.
Don’t forget to visit dental experts like this professional dentist in Tarzana as well. Remember that our dental health deteriorates naturally as we age, so it’s best to keep our teeth in good condition while we’re young.
2. Choose Fun and Appropriate Physical Activities
Exercise is essential for good health, and a growing body of research shows that it is increasingly important as you age. Staying physically active may help prevent certain conditions that have previously been considered age-related, such as memory and muscle loss. It can also improve cardiovascular fitness and lower stress, making you less susceptible to things like heart disease and diabetes.
You know you should exercise,e but that doesn’t always make it easy to get started. One thing that can help is finding activities you enjoy. Physical games like pickleball, line dancing and golf are great ways to move more and have fun. It is much less about what you do, as long as it increases your heart rate and uses your muscles, than sticking with whatever you choose.
3. Keep Learning New Things
Your mental and cognitive health is also important, and they should not be overlooked when it comes to aging healthfully. Luckily, there are things you can do on your own to help maintain these functions. One of them is to keep learning new things on a daily basis.
While many people will argue with you, learning can — and should — be fun. Enroll in a free online class, participate at your local senior center, or join a book club for some variety. You might also find that traveling is an excellent way to learn new things and see different places.
4. Develop Good Sleep Habits
It is never too early to start learning sleep habits that can help you maintain your health as you age. Older adults often need and get less sleep than their younger counterparts. However, even adults over 65 should aim to get at least seven hours of sleep each night. That can be tough if you have never made it a priority.
The following tips can help you develop a sleep routine that promotes restfulness and, hopefully, chips away at any insomnia you may experience:
- Establish a regular bedtime and stick with it whenever possible
- Turn off tech devices at least a couple of hours before turning in for the night
- Remove excess light from your bedroom
- Adjust the thermostat down a few degrees
5. Eat A Balanced Diet
Appetites and taste preferences often change with age. However, the need for a balanced and healthy diet does not. Try to eat a variety of foods that provide a range of nutrients to fuel bodily functions and energy levels. Meals centered around fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats are a good starting point for most people without dietary restrictions.
By eating a balanced diet, staying active, prioritizing sleep and having routine exams, you give yourself the power to influence how your body ages.