We are please to share another guest article by Kent Elliot.
Photo via (istockphoto.com)
Staying healthy as we get older can become increasingly difficult, but it is an essential part of aging to make sure your body and mind are in great shape and that your surroundings are safe and comfortable. If you’ve wanted to focus more on your physical health, learn how to get better sleep, reduce stress, or figure out how to plan and cook healthy meals, now is the time to focus on self-care. Taking good care of yourself can prevent a multitude of issues, including disease and falls that could lead to injury. Finding new ways to stay healthy and happy does not need to be expensive, either; there are plenty of cost-effective self-care strategies, such as the ones Seniors Helping Seniors outlines here.
Know What to Look For
Many seniors find that as they grow older, their ability to keep up with their home’s maintenance dwindles. Some face health issues that make living alone much more difficult, and this can lead to safety problems around the house. If you have found recently that it is hard to take care of yourself or your home, it may be time to think about a change. Moving is a big step, but an assisted living facility can help you focus on your health and wellbeing while ensuring that your needs are being met. Not every facility is the same, however, so it’s essential to know what to look for. Fortunately, you can investigate companies such as Assisted Living Locators. Their advisors can provide you with information and support when you are searching for the perfect facility.
If you are not ready to move to a care facility, an in-home care specialist can help take care of tasks you no longer have the time, energy, or strength to do. Seniors Helping Seniors offers compassionate caregivers (who are also seniors!) to help you with your daily living activities.
Try Something New
Performing the same old workout routine can become boring, but if you are willing to try something new, you might find an exercise that is fun. Yoga, Tai-chi and Pilates are two wonderful forms of exercise for older adults because they can generally be adapted for many different needs. Additionally, these exercises focus on stretching and low-impact forms of movement that are gentle on joints and muscles. Look for a class near you so you can get the benefit of trained instructors who can help you learn the movements safely.
Take Care of Your Oral Wellness
When you think of general health, chances are you do not think of the condition of your mouth first. However, studies show that oral health and general health are directly connected, so it makes sense to take great care of your teeth.
If you tend to neglect your teeth, think about why that is. Do you wait until you are exhausted to get ready for bed? Starting your nightly routine, a tad earlier can help. If you just do not like your teeth, take steps to correct the issue that is bothering you. There are ways to brighten your smile, and you can even find in-home services that can correct something like an overbite you have lived with all your life, especially if it’s causing you issues like jaw pain or difficulty eating. Make tending to your teeth something you look forward to, and your overall health can benefit.
Learn About Nutrition
The right nutrition can help you keep both your body and mind in great shape, but where do you begin? Many seniors have health concerns that require a certain diet, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. However, even if you are completely healthy, you should take another look at what you are eating and drinking. Consuming lean meats like chicken and fish, dark, leafy greens, nuts and berries, and whole grains can help you keep your joints and bones strong while boosting your cognitive abilities at the same time. If you’re unsure of how to get started with healthy meals, look for meal planning ideas online, or sign up for a healthy meal kit subscription service that will deliver the ingredients right to your door.
Stay Social
After retirement, many seniors find that it is much harder to get out of the house to do things. It is easy to create an insular life for yourself, to get involved in taking care of your home and forget about the things you used to do, but it’s important to make plans with friends and family members and stay active. Look for classes and activities near you that will allow you to have some fun with others and make new friends, or simply make a standing date for lunch with your favorite person. Isolation is a major health concern for older adults, but you can easily combat it.
Staying safe and healthy after retirement through simple acts of self-care does not have to be a challenge. Focus on your overall well-being, from the food you eat to how much stress you let into your life and learn the best ways to feel better. This will help you live your best, happiest life.