5 Tips to Help You Stay Healthy as You Get Older

5 Tips to Help You Stay Healthy as You Get Older Life expectancy in the U.S. has declined over the last four decades to 78.6; meaning a bit less years to enjoy your retirement. Of course, to enjoy the longer retirement, you will need to have a certain level of health and fitness, or what would be the point? This is why it is so important to start taking care of your health and wellbeing as you approach old age (at the very least), and not to stumble into it hoping for the best. Here I will outline some ways that most of us can stay healthy and get our bodies ready to make the most of those extra years. Eat Well Your food choices will go a long way to keeping your body working properly and giving you energy and a good feeling about yourself. Eat a balanced diet and cut out junk food, fruit and vegetables are a must, as are carbohydrates to give you energy. Try to add oily fish like salmon to your diet as they contain Omega 3 (high in antioxidants), eat calcium rich foods, and make sure you drink plenty of liquids; water and green tea being really beneficial. Stay Active Your body needs to keep active if you want to truly reap the benefits of your extra years, so keep it in the best condition you can. You don’t have to go to the gym every day, but try to do something active as often as you can. Going for a brisk walk, the occasional swim, or simply gardening is often enough, but try to stretch yourself a little. Talking of stretching, why not try some yoga to keep your body supple? Exercise will keep your muscles stronger, reduce your weight, and even help your body metabolize any medication you may be taking. Be Social Most of us feel happy in other people’s company, and conversation stimulates the brain to help with mental alertness. Make sure you keep in healthy aging tips contact with your family and friends, but also join new clubs and societies to keep things fresh and enjoy new challenges. Take up dancing, join a gym, or volunteer to help others. Your self-esteem will rise and your spirits with it. Be Aware of Your Body Listen to your body, and keep an eye on it at all times. If something is wrong with you, then catching it early could be vital. Give yourself a check over every week, and let your primary care doctors look you over every month or two. Sleep The recommended sleep time for those over 50 is 7-9 hours, but it is the quality of sleep that is the most important. Tossing and turning through the night is not giving you the rest your body and mind need, so make sure you are reaping the benefits of your sleep time, and wake up refreshed and ready to enjoy your new day. If you follow these tips on a healthy lifestyle in old age, you will not simply being living longer; you will be enjoying life.