6 Routine Habits That Help Seniors Stay Healthy

As we age, our bodies continue to change. Healthy habits lead to healthy aging, and it’s never too late to start!  Good habits can make a huge difference in staying healthy and independent throughout your golden years. Keep in mind, you don’t need to change everything at once. 

Making simple adjustments to your everyday routine can have a big influence on your health and happiness! Whether you are a senior or are caring for an elderly loved one, following these 6 tips can help you get started:

Make Healthy Food Choices 

Diet may influence every aspect of your body, yet eating the correct foods can help you maintain a healthy weight over time. Begin by stocking up on fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods and purging your cupboards of unneeded junk food. Choose natural sugar over-processed sugars, which can cause inflammation in the body.

Just keep it simple and eat in moderation, whether late at night or on special occasions. It will not only help you maintain a healthy weight, but it will also make you less likely to develop chronic conditions such as diabetes in the future. Consider including a multivitamin in your daily routine, since they can help you maintain good bone health and potentially decrease your risk of some cancers.

Stay Active 

Exercise not only relieves depression but also boosts energy and memory. A doctor-approved fitness regimen, lengthy walks, or small strolls can keep seniors healthy for longer.

Seniors may accomplish more and stay active when their health is under control, which is beneficial to their overall well-being. Happy, healthy seniors can still present a lot of care challenges, but they can also contribute more to their health, which can give caregivers a little less to worry about.

Schedule Regular Checkups 

Seeing a doctor on a regular basis is an important step in keeping track of senior health. Visiting your primary care physician allows you to review your medications and prescriptions if you have a chronic condition.

Seniors are more prone than younger individuals to take more medications. It is important to keep your primary care physician up to date on the medications you are taking, including nonprescription pharmaceuticals, herbal remedies, and vitamins. Providers can then determine if the drugs interact with one another and ensure that the prescriptions are effectively managing chronic conditions.

Keep Your Brain Active

Brain health is as important as any other good habit, particularly for seniors. It is never too late to begin working out your most important muscle.

How can elders keep their minds active? There are several methods for staying sharp. Learning a new skill, reading, and doing crossword or math puzzles are all activities that keep the mind active. Our favorite games are Sudoku and KenKen. For more brain-boosting games go to BrainHQ.

Because the mind and body are intertwined, regular exercise and nutritious food boost memory and cognitive skills. Consider adding foods like eggs, salmon, blueberries, and green tea to your diet if you are looking for a brain boost!

Get 8 Of Sleep

Though it is not always easy to sleep, a lack of sleep may lead to decreased memory, depression, and an increased risk of certain health problems. For example, older adults who slept for less than six hours per night were more likely to develop depression during a two-year period. Furthermore, seniors who do not get adequate rest might increase their risk of diabetes by 30%. These are only a few of the ways that a lack of sleep can harm your body. So, try to get a good night’s sleep by paying attention to your daily routine and sticking to a consistent sleep pattern.

Socialize 

Spending time with family and grandchildren can help elders feel more connected, especially if they have mobility difficulties. These visits may also make seniors happier, which is the best medicine at any age.

Making healthy choices might be difficult, but having a support system can be beneficial! Finding support for new, healthier habits is generally important for success. Having someone to check in with ensures accountability and motivates you.

By spending quality time together, family and friends may get involved in their senior loved one’s health. Check in to see if they’re eating properly, being active, and remaining healthy. 

Hiring a professional can also be a big help in maintaining senior health. Thrive USA Homecare can help with meal preparation, offer transportation to doctor’s appointments, and keep family members informed about their loved one’s health.

If you would like a helping hand with making healthier habits for seniors, we can help! Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.