As you age, you need to continue taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. Don’t give up on self-care. You are not too old, sick, or out-of-shape to take care of yourself.
How will you do this? Following are eight tips to set you on the way.
Spend time outdoors
Enjoy nature. A 2019 study by researchers Hon K Yuen and Gavin R Jenkins found that spending just 20 minutes in a park or a garden increases your feel-good factor by 64 percent. It reduces negative thoughts. And you don’t even have to exercise. Just enjoy the great outdoors. Of course, physical activity brings on more benefits. Other studies suggest that people close to nature suffer less from elevated blood pressure.
Exercise
You are not too old to exercise. Exercise is crucial for seniors because it boosts your mood and improves your balance, thus reducing your chances of falling. Exercise also leads to better sleep. So don’t worry if you’ve never exercised. It’s never too late to start.
Aerobic exercises like swimming, walking, and hiking are good for your heart. Perform strength exercises for strong muscles and improve your balance by making one-leg stands. For flexibility, stretch after your aerobics and strength-building workouts.
There is a wide range of exercises to choose from. Settle for what you enjoy. Start easy and increase the intensity gradually. If you have a physical or medical condition that limits activity, work with your doctor and a physiotherapist to tailor exercises to your state.
Eat right
A sensible eating plan can help you get all the nutrients you need at every stage of your life. And as you grow older, you need to pay particular attention to your diet. It’s advisable to emphasize whole grains, fruit and vegetables, low-fat or fat-free dairy, fish, poultry, lean meat, eggs, nuts, and legumes. In addition, you need to reduce salt, trans-fats, saturated fats, and added sugar.
Hydrate
Water is crucial to health — both physical and mental. Studies suggest that dehydration can weaken brain performance, reduce energy levels, increase the risk of depression, and even give you a headache. On the other hand, being adequately hydrated can aid in weight loss and prevent constipation, among other benefits.
Stay connected
Humans are social beings. While COVID-19 may have curtailed your social connections physically, you still need to stay in touch with family and friends. When you cannot meet in person, staying connected through social media is the next best thing. In March 2019, researchers Rosemary Blieszner, Aaron M Ogletree, and Rebecca G Adams suggested that having close friends in the senior years may guard against mental decline.
Be grateful
Aging, like every season of life, comes with its challenges. Rather than focusing on what you don’t have, focus on what you have and be thankful. Count your blessings and record them every day or every other day. Don’t let the challenges of growing old get you down.
Do what you enjoy
Make time for your hobbies. You can do this on your own or join a group. For example, now is the time if you’re musical and have always wanted to learn to play a musical instrument. This will not only keep you busy but also challenge your mind. Just like your body, your mind needs exercise to stay fit.
Paint, knit, join a book club, an amateur drama club, or a choir; many options. Also, do volunteer work a few times a week. This keeps you busy while giving you the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping someone.
Seek help
If you are feeling depressed, anxious, or lonely, seek help. Talk to a doctor, a therapist, a priest, a counselor, or anyone else who can help. This is part of self-care. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes, and there’s nothing shameful about admitting it.
Bottom line
Growing old comes with its aches and pains, but don’t focus on these. Don’t resign yourself to the trials of growing old. Instead, remain positive, take care of your mind and body, and enjoy the rest of your life.
To receive more information about Anchorage Assisted Living that encompasses these care ideas, please contact us today!
