Remain active in your senior years is vitally important to your overall health

Staying Healthy & Active In Your Senior Years

Tips For Staying Healthy & Active In Your Senior Years

If you’re an older adult, staying healthy can be more complicated than when you were younger. As your body ages, your muscle and bone strength decreases, making it harder to maintain the same active lifestyle you had in your 20s and 30s. However, there are ways to slow down these changes and remain as active as possible as you get older. Seniors must take steps to stay healthy and active in their later years, so they can live their golden years without having to worry about rising medical costs.

It’s easy to get caught up in how our bodies change as we age and forget how much we can do to keep our minds and bodies active, healthy, and engaged. Here are tips for staying healthy and active in your senior years so that you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Eat a healthy diet

As we age, we must focus on our diets to maintain our health. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help keep our bodies strong. Additionally, seniors should limit their intake of saturated fats, salt, and sugar. A doctor or dietician can help you set up a healthy diet plan to meet your needs.  There are many dieticians focusing on Senior health in the Melbourne, FL area.

Keep active

Try biking, bowling, or walking to keep active as a senior. You can also join a club that does activities like bingo or yoga. Stay involved with your community by joining clubs for seniors in your area (55+ Club of Satellite Beach, https://55plusclubofsb.com/ and volunteering at organizations such as soup kitchens. The more you’re out there, the more you’ll meet people who can offer assistance when you need it.

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It can help control your weight, reduce heart disease, stroke, and diabetes risk, and improve your mental health and mood. Plus, staying active can help keep your bones and muscles strong as you age. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (such as brisk walking) on most days of the week.  To view some of the highest rated trails in Melbourne, FL click here.

Take supplements

As we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients from our food. This is why many seniors take supplements to ensure they get the necessary nutrients. It’s important to talk with your doctor before taking any new supplements to know what vitamins and minerals you may be deficient in.

Stay informed on medication management

As a senior, staying on top of your medication management is important. This means knowing what medications you’re taking, why you’re taking them, and keeping track of when to take them. It’s also important to know the side effects of your medications and to watch for any changes in how they affect you.  At The Residences at Zon Beachside located in Melbourne, FL, you can receive assistance with medication reminders.  For more information click here.

Go for walks and exercise regularly

The best type of exercise for seniors is low-impact exercises like walking or swimming because these activities won’t put too much strain on your body’s joints

Try to walk for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. If you can’t walk for that long, start with shorter increments of time and work your way up. Regular exercise will help you maintain your independence and improve your overall health.  With our many seasons and warm weather we enjoy in Melbourne, FL, you can always find new trails and walking paths to enjoy.

Talk with your doctor before starting any exercise routine, and always consult them before beginning any new exercise routine. Choose an activity that interests you and is comfortable for your body type, so you don’t get bored quickly. If you are not physically able to do an activity such as running or swimming, you can choose other activities such as biking or taking walks with your family member.

Final Thoughts

As we age, keeping up with our health and wellness is essential.  To stay healthy and active in your senior years, ensure you get enough sleep each night, maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and reduce stress. Take time for yourself each day by practicing self-care activities like taking a bath or reading a book. You’ll be healthier in your senior years if you adopt these habits today.