No matter our age, every one of us can adopt a few new habits to boost our health and happiness. By eating well, exercising often, and getting enough sleep, you can reduce your risk of serious illness and improve your overall quality of life throughout your golden years. Let’s break down the benefits of some of these changes:
Eat Well
As you age, your nutritional needs change as much as your body does. You may have a lesser appetite because of your reduced physical activity, your medications, or your medical conditions, and that’s why it’s more important than ever to ensure your diet is packed with all the right nutrients to keep you going strong. Remember these three important elements for your healthy diet:
- Pack the Protein: A protein deficiency can cause a loss in muscle mass and an increased likelihood of infection and bone fractures. Combat these concerns by incorporating protein-rich foods like tuna, salmon, eggs, chicken, nuts, and vegetables.
- Scale Back the Salt: 5g of salt is all that’s recommended for consumption for the elderly by the Heart Foundation. A sodium-rich diet is linked to high blood pressure, heart failure, and other concerning conditions, so be sure to leave the salt shaker off the table at mealtimes.
- Maximize the Minerals: For older individuals, calcium is nothing short of crucial. It helps build and maintain healthy bones, and reduces the risk of fractures. Try to incorporate plenty of dairy products in your diet to ensure you get your daily dose of calcium.
Exercise Often
You don’t need to manage a rigorous cross-fit routine to be physically active as an older individual. In fact, there are a few simple workouts you can incorporate into your weekly routine to maintain your strength for years to come.
- Swimming: The buoyancy of the water is fantastic for seniors. It puts less pressure on your joints, so it offers you a great workout without the aches and pains.
- Yoga: This gentle exercise option helps promote muscle tone, balance, and strength, all of which are essential for seniors’ health.
- Walking: This low-impact option may not seem like a workout, but it has a multitude of benefits, including a lowered risk of heart-disease, stroke, diabetes, and falls.
Sleep Enough
Have you noticed changes in your sleep schedule lately? Perhaps you’re feeling sleepy earlier, getting less deep sleep, or waking up earlier. An adequate amount of sleep, whether you’re eight or eighty, is important for a happy and healthy life. It improves concentation and memory; reduces your likelihood of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and weight problems; and promotes cell damage repair. To get a better night’s sleep, try these tips:
- Put Down the Device: It’s tempting to use your iPad or smartphone in bed, but the light may be hindering your ability to fall asleep.
- Maintain a Regular Routine: It’s best to go to bed and wake up in the morning at the same time every day.
- Keep Your Bedroom Cool: The ideal temperature for sleep is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit, so keep your bedroom quiet, dark, and cool for a great night’s sleep.
Kaplan Development Group is proud to develop communities that have our residents’ best interests at heart. For more information on the amenities in our various locations, visit our website or give us a call at 516 496-1505 today!
