7 Simple Ways to Improve Your Overall Health and Well-Being as a Senior
By Jason Lewis/Contributor
Getting older comes with a lot of positive and negative changes to the body and mind. Fortunately, there are ways to optimize the positive ones. By taking steps each day to improve and maintain your physical and mental health, you can thrive as a senior and enjoy the aging process. Here are seven ways to better your overall health and well-being in your golden years.
1. Get your exercise in
Exercise is one of the most essential habits for a person of any age, as it is closely connected to your physical, mental, and emotional health. If you’re currently physically active, keep it up. If not, try to find an exercise routine you enjoy. There are many ways to exercise that work well for seniors, whether it’s walking through the neighborhood, doing water aerobics, taking yoga classes, or joining a gym (a gym membership costs $58 a month on average). Nowadays, you can even get physical activity from home, particularly when the weather isn’t cooperative. Look into YouTube exercise and yoga videos, Wii games, and fitness apps to help start your routine.
2. Eat well
Diet is another staple in a healthy person’s life. These days, there are many varying opinions about nutrition and even more fad diets. However, if you’re looking for a good place to start with healthy eating, it’s at your doctor’s office. Your doctor can consider your unique needs (e.g., calories, medical conditions, medications, appetite, etc.) and recommend a good and balanced diet.
3. Go to the dentist
One often overlooked area of health and wellness is dental hygiene. Dental health includes more than your teeth and gums; rather, it’s connected to many other areas of the body. If you have poor dental hygiene, it can affect your physical health (e.g., heart health, digestion), as well as your mental health (e.g., mood, depression symptoms). If you want to improve your overall well-being, regular dentist visits should be a priority and included in your healthcare plan. And if you have a Medicare Advantage plan that covers dental care, you definitely need to take advantage.
4. Get help around the house
You might find that housework is more difficult to accomplish in your golden years. If, for example, the yard is being neglected, consider looking into a professional to take care of it for you. House cleaning can also be physically demanding, so look for a maid service if needed. You’ll likely spend $115-$261 on professional house cleaning in Rockaway, NJ. Asking for help with home maintenance can help you stay physically healthy.
5. Stay connected with family and friends
Socializing is also vital for aging well. Not only can it add elements of fun — and years — to your life, it can come with physical, mental, and emotional benefits such as:
Higher likelihood of exercise
Intellectual engagement
Better self-esteem
Less stress
Reduced anxiety
Lower risk of depression
Whether it’s staying involved at family gatherings, reconnecting with old friends over a coffee, or meeting new people at the senior center, staying connected is essential for your overall health and wellness.
6. Volunteer
Volunteering gives us a chance to take our minds off ourselves and help others. It provides the opportunity to meet new people, build new friendships, and make a difference in people’s lives. Plus, it’s a commitment that gets us out of the house and moving. Look for organizations in your area that need volunteers, whether it’s the local art museum, community center, or Habitat for Humanity.
7. Take classes
More older adults are now going back to school than ever before. Challenging your brain by studying literature, science, math, or a foreign language can keep you mentally stimulated and help delay cognitive decline. Local community colleges usually offer traditional and online courses that are either free or inexpensive. Also, if you’re interested in arts or crafts, see if there are classes offered at your local senior center or craft store.
The aging process can be an enjoyable one. Focus on developing an exercise routine, eating the right kind of diet, and keeping up with your dental health. Look to a professional service when you find that you’re struggling with certain home projects. Make socializing a priority, and look into volunteering and taking classes to stimulate your brain. If you take steps to improve and maintain your overall health and well-being, your golden years can be your best years.
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