Many people falsely assume that poor health is an inextricable part of older age. Although there are some unavoidable health complications associated with aging, you’ll find that the reality is quite the opposite. Everyone, regardless of their age, can enjoy a healthier and fitter life by developing the right habits. Seniors may experience this change differently than others, but the benefits are still available for those willing to put in the work. There are people in their 70s and 80s who are healthier than others in their 40s and 50s. Lifestyle plays a larger role than many realize. Here are tips for staying healthy and fit in both mind and body during your golden years.
Remain Active
Unfortunately, seniors are at a higher risk of developing mobility issues than their younger counterparts. Although this is partially due to the natural deterioration of the skeletal and muscular systems, inactivity is another major contributor. Seniors often suffer from a lack of physical activity which comes with a host of negative health consequences. Staying active in your golden years ensures that your body remains strong and even provides some cognitive benefits as well. Regular movement is also a great way to build up a great appetite, which many seniors lack, in order to properly digest all of the essential nutrients you need.
Enroll in Wellness Plans
If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you should take the time to see if you’re eligible for a wellness program. This can be a helpful addition to your current nutritional plan. In tandem, these free-programs can help ensure seniors understand the importance of receiving enough nutrients and make sure they have the resources to do so. For example, Anthem Medicare Advantage offer wellness and fitness programs. If you aren’t enrolled in one of these plans, you could benefit from finding one that offers extra support for wellness and nutrition.
Take a Multivitamin
It’s very difficult to receive all of your required nutrients through diet alone. Even if you’re eating a diverse array of food and only making good choices, you may still be lacking in some essential nutrients needed by your body to remain healthy. Taking a daily multivitamin can help fill in these nutritional gaps to ensure you’re receiving all of the minerals and vitamins required in your golden years. Bear in mind, however, that not all multivitamins are the same. You’ll want to find one that offers 100 percent or more of the recommended amount of daily nutrients and vitamins such as calcium, biotin, riboflavin, vitamin A, and vitamin K.
Start a Garden
At first, starting a garden may seem more like a chore than a beneficial activity for seniors. However, there are several great reasons to play around in the dirt. First and foremost, the movement required by gardening will help seniors to maintain a stronger posture and greater range of movement. A little time in the sun also ensures that seniors get their daily allotment of vitamin D, which is an important nutrient that helps to build stronger bones through the absorption of calcium. When it comes to specific dietary benefits, starting a garden also encourages seniors to eat more fruits and vegetables. Even seniors who traditionally shy away from these superfoods will be intrigued to try something grown by their own hands.
There are many negative health factors associated with older age. While there is some natural progression to these ailments, many of the resulting issues are derived from poor lifestyle and dietary choices. With the habits and tools, seniors can receive their daily allotment of nutrients and stay healthy and fit well into their golden years.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
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ABOUT THE GUEST AUTHOR:
Hazel Bridges is the creator of AgingWellness.org, a website that aims to provide health and wellness resources for aging seniors. She’s a breast cancer survivor. She challenges herself to live life to the fullest and inspire others to do so as well.
