Hey there, fellow baby boomers! It’s great to be talking about self-care with all of you. this morning I was trying to decide on a topic to write about and I was coming up empty. So I asked Google “what is the most Googled question asked by seniors?” The #1 result was worded exactly like this: “How can I stay healthy and active as I age?” So that’s the title of the article and that’s what we’ll be discussing today.
My topic choice method might have been a bit of a cheat but as it turns out, this is a question I ask myself often! I personally know all too well how easy it is to neglect important physical and mental health practices as I get busy with my daily life. Thankfully I also understand that taking the time to focus on our well-being is crucial if we want to stay healthy and active as we age.
So, let’s talk about some things we can do to stay healthy and active and why those things are important, starting with Physical Self-Care.
Physical Self-Care For Seniors
We all know that regular exercise is important, but did you know it can also improve cardiovascular health and strengthen our bones and muscles? And who doesn’t want to maintain a healthy weight? Regular physical activity can do just that – and can also boost cognitive function. So, let’s take a brisk walk, go for a bike ride, or hit the pool for a swim. Just make sure to check with your doctor before starting an exercise program, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
Learn more about physical exercise for seniors here
Mental Self-Care For Seniors
On to mental self-care – This can include activities such as engaging in hobbies, socializing with friends, and having meaningful conversations with loved ones. These activities can be just as important as physical self-care in keeping our minds sharp and reducing the risk of depression. So, go ahead and pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read, call a friend, or have a chat with a loved one.
Learn more about mental and emotional self-care for seniors here
Diet For Seniors
Finally, let’s talk about our diet. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats can give us the nutrients we need to stay healthy as we age. Fruits and vegetables are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for maintaining good health.
Lean protein from sources such as fish, poultry, and legumes can help to build and repair muscle tissue, and healthy fats from sources such as nuts, seeds, and avocados can help to support heart health and cognitive function. I
t’s also important to consume enough calcium and vitamin D to maintain bone health. And let’s not forget to limit processed foods, added sugars and saturated fats, as these can contribute to chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
As we age, our bodies may also produce less histamine. This could lead to an increased risk of allergies and allergic reactions. High-quality histamine supplements may help ease these symptoms. These supplements also support healthy histamine levels in the body to maintain healthy digestion and improve immune function for better overall health. In addition, you may also consider taking NAD shots in NY, which is a molecule that plays a critical role in various biological processes, including energy production, DNA repair, and gene expression. NAD therapy aims to restore NAD+ levels, thereby promoting healthy aging and potentially reversing some of the negative effects of aging.
Learn more about a healthy diet for seniors here
Conclusion
So, let’s make a pledge to take care of ourselves, both physically and mentally. We’ll feel better and be able to enjoy our golden years to the fullest! Say this out loud with me:
I pledge to take care of myself both physically and mentally. I will make time each day to be active and work on my mental health by practicing meditation, journaling, and/or engaging in a hobby or activity I enjoy. I will also strive to make healthier food choices, drink plenty of water, and get plenty of rest. I will be sure to make my health a priority and take the steps necessary to make sure I am living my best life.
References:
General Reference
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Healthy aging. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyaging/index.html
Physical Self-Care Reference
- American Heart Association. (2021). Exercise and physical activity: Your everyday guide from the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults
Mental Self-Care Reference
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2021). Senior adults and mental health. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/2021/Senior-Adults-and-Mental-Health
Diet Reference
- National Institute on Aging. (2021). Eating well as you get older. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/eating-well-you-get-older
Please be aware that the references provided are generally known and useful for the topic but not necessarily the specific information provided in the text.
*DISCLAIMER: This content is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.