The United Kingdom currently has over 12 million people aged 65 years or above. Senior citizens make up nearly 19% of the total population and this number will only grow in the future. Improvements in medicine and better living standards have increased life expectancy. This has resulted in an aging population.
Individuals live much longer than now. This trend is only going to continue. This is why taking care of the elderly has become an important objective on a national level.
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10 Essential Lifestyle Health Tips For Seniors
Government policies aside, there are plenty of lifestyle health tips that can help seniors live a better life. As individuals age, they start to lose their mental and physical capabilities. Here are ten essential tips that can improve health and raise the quality of life in seniors:
Tip #1-Adopt Healthy Eating Habits
As you age, your immune system weakens. The body requires more and more nutrients to fight off diseases. A well-balanced diet is necessary for healthy living and maintaining a healthy weight.
A diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables is rich in essential vitamins and minerals that strengthen the body. In addition to this, these also contain fiber that makes digestion easier as the digestive system also weakens with age.
Eating a nutrient-rich diet is important at any age. However, it is even more necessary as you age because your body needs extra nutrients. Incidence of conditions such as diabetes and heart disease also increases with age. This in turn increases the risk of eating unhealthy food increases as well.
Tip #2-Stay Active
Staying active keeps the body in good shape. There is no doubt that mobility becomes an issue for seniors. Nevertheless, regular exercise can do wonders. Exercising and being active are necessary for fitness.
Even if you have to use a mobility aid try to be active. Light aerobics or activities such as walking and cycling are relaxing as well. Being active enables seniors to remain independent and keeps their minds fresh.
Tip #3-Scehdule Regular Visits To The Doctor
With age comes many different complications. The health declines and age-related illnesses set in. Weakened bones and muscle loss are common. The immune system is also weak which makes getting ill even more dangerous.
It is necessary to keep monitoring your health. Seniors should regularly visit the doctor. Periodic testing helps track the body’s functions. Regularly consulting the doctor is a preventative measure as the focus is on safety and diagnosing a problem before it can become too serious.
Tip #4-Make Your House Safe
Accidents around the house are common, especially for seniors. The elderly have less control over their bodies. This makes them more prone to accidents.
Injuries are also more serious for seniors because of their weak bones. This is why keeping the house safe is an important preventative measure. Bathrooms should have extra support bars.
Yearly gas safety checks can help spot issues with the gas connection in the house. A gas safety certificate CP 12 assures that the gas system inside the house is protected against gas leaks.
Tip #5-Be Social
Being socially connected is critical for well-being. Social interactions make us happy and improve our quality of life. When you are young social interactions are unavoidable, be it at school or work.
Retired life can be isolating, which is why extra effort to remain social is necessary. Join the local community club or go to the nearby park. Staying connected with friends and family, even saying ‘hello’ to neighbors has positive mental health effects.
Tip #6-Take Supplements After Consulting Your Doctor
The body requires more nutrients with age. Depending on your health status, you might need zinc, iron, or vitamins. There are many different supplements available in the market. These fulfill the body’s internal needs.
The thing to remember is to never take supplements without consulting your doctor. Self-medication at any age is wrong.
Tip #7-Get Plenty Of Sleep
Your body rests and repairs itself during sleep. Ironically, it can become harder and harder to sleep with age. This is why sleep should be a priority. It is as important as medicine for the elderly. There is no issue in taking sleeping pills after consulting with your doctor.
If you have trouble sleeping then try to reduce your coffee intake. Take naps whenever you can. There is no need to sleep at nighttime only.
Tip #8-Drink a Lot of Water
Water is good for overall health. Keeping your body hydrated has plenty of benefits. It helps with bowel movements and keeps the toxins out.
You may forget to drink the water due to memory issues with age. It is a good idea to fill a bottle of water each day to keep track of your water intake.
Tip #9-Go Outside
Connecting with nature is also great for healing. Go out and get some fresh air. Hiking and walking are great forms of exercise in this regard.
Even if you are not near nature, it is good to go out. Going out provides a nice change of scenery and allows you to be social. You get to meet new people and make discoveries to break the boring routine of life.
Tip #10-Keep Challenging Yourself
Life is all about improving and becoming better. Do not limit yourself simply because you have reached a certain age. Just like a dead link that is inaccessible when needed, your body will not work when you need it if you stop using it regularly.
Whether you are 26 or 66, if you keep challenging your body and keep exercising as per the advice of your doctor, your body will remain health and active.
In the same way, challenge yourself mentally. Complete puzzles and crosswords, these are great for memory. Try to run a marathon or build a birdhouse. Just do whatever it takes to keep yourself busy.
It is easy to resign yourself to old age. However, that does not lead to an improved quality of life. Never let your age dictate your life.
Living A Fulfilling Life
Healthy living is not just for seniors. It is a lifelong commitment. The best tip for seniors is to adopt all of these lifestyle changes well before they are old. This way once your reach old age you are already in a much better physical shape.
It is better to make these healthy lifestyle changes a habit early on. Sometimes old habits, no matter how bad they are hard to change. It is easier to quit smoking when you are young than when you are above the age of retirement.
