Seniors: Today is Your Day to Take Control

Arthritis, osteoporosis, obesity, and depression are all common health problems faced by seniors today. Yoga for seniors But there are ways to circumvent these and other health problems. If you are concerned about your overall health and well-being, you have to take charge and make changes to your lifestyle. And it’s never too late to do just that.

Managing your health

The first step toward keeping yourself healthy is to visit your doctor for an annual physical exam. According to Senior Citizen Journal, this is a yearly checkup that gives your doctor the chance to monitor everything from your blood pressure to your thyroid. Your healthcare team will take a close look at your family history and may order additional testing to further keep an eye on issues for which you have a genetic predisposition.

Medicare covers most of the health exams you’ll need, but may not pay for treatment if issues are uncovered. Depending on where you live, you may be able to upgrade to a Medicare Advantage plan to increase your coverage. Each state is different, so make sure to check online or talk to a Medicare-approved insurance agent for your available options.

Exercise made easy

When you talk to your doctor, she may recommend an increase in your physical activity level. If you are only walking to the mailbox once a day, you’ll need to find ways to fit fitness into your lifestyle. Group exercise classes are a good choice, especially if you’ve never really exercised before, as your instructor can provide structure and make sure you’re doing it correctly, which will help you avoid injuries.

If you’ve ever driven by your local greenway, you’ve likely already noticed that golf is a popular pastime for people of all ages, seniors included. Golfing has many health benefits, including providing a low-impact cardiovascular workout that you complete at your own pace. And if you need any more reason to dust off your clubs, research from Sweden suggest that golfers live longer than non-golfers.

If you’ve never played before, ask someone with experience for advice on how to get started. Make sure to choose the right clubs, and pay attention to your drivers, which The Golf Warehouse asserts can “set the tone” for your entire game. Not all clubs are alike, and you’ll want to research which are the best for your abilities and budget.

Up close and personal

Loneliness can be a problem at any age, but seniors are especially prone to the effects of social and emotional isolation. Make a point to spend time each week with the people you love or find ways to socialize. Whether it’s a weekly visit with family or regular visits to a senior center or other activity, getting out and connecting with others is important. This will not only improve your mental health but may encourage you to participate fully in every aspect of life. .

The brain game

Virtually everyone experiences cognitive decline at some point in their senior years. This is caused by everything from poor nutrition and high stress to chronic inflammation and lack of a social network. Eating well and keeping your body strong are vital to ensuring your brain stays sharp. Working crossword puzzles, playing chess, and reading are all great mental workouts that can help boost your memory, self-confidence, and concentration skills.

If you aren’t sure what kind of activity you’ll like the most, grab your phone, tablet, or Kindle and look through Google Play or the Amazon Appstore for ideas. You’ll have instant access to hundreds, if not thousands, of free and low-cost games and brain-boosting activities.

No one can stop the aging process. However, the choice of whether you age well is your own. It’s time to take control, and it’s easier than you think. Keep in touch with your healthcare provider, take measures to keep yourself mentally sharp, enjoy quality time with those you love, and spend some moving each day.

Harry Cline | info@newcaregiver.org

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