Staying healthy as we get older becomes increasingly important as we become more vulnerable to complications and chronic diseases as we age. Hence, it is important to know what is okay or normal for your body and what should be a concern. This blog will help you with some tips for healthy aging.
As per World Health Organization (WHO), healthy aging is defined as “the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well-being in older age.” In short, it refers to creating opportunities and environments that allow people to be and carry on with what they value throughout their lives.
Being free of any disease or infirmity is not a requirement for healthy aging, as many older adults suffer from one or more health conditions. However, when the environment and opportunities are well controlled, it can help their conditions and allow them to live healthy lives.
It’s essential to make healthy choices or decisions to reduce the likelihood of illness and strengthen your immune system. Some ways to stay healthy in older age include:
Healthy diets rich in vegetables, fruits, and lean meats protect your body against harmful bacteria and viruses and give your immune system a healthy boost. Limit your consumption of fatty and sugary foods, which can weaken your body.
Certain supplements can help support a healthy immune system. However, if you are thinking of taking supplements, contact your healthcare provider first. Your doctor may recommend you take supplements like vitamin B12 and Vitamin D after determining their safety, especially if you’re taking prescription medicines.
One of the best boosters for the immune system is physical activity. However, the activity does not need to be intense. You can consider walking, swimming, biking, etc. Low impact exercises are effective too.
Another way to stay healthy is by washing hands regularly, as viruses can live on surfaces for over a day at times. If you touch your nose and mouth with contaminated hands, it may lead to infections. You can also use hand sanitizer if you’re unable to wash your hands.
Your body starts to produce cortisol in excessive amounts if you suffer from chronic stress. Too much cortisol can disrupt various bodily functions. It can also weaken your immune system. To reduce stress, set reasonable expectations for yourself and explore enjoyable activities.
Loneliness can be damaging to your health. If you feel lonely, you are more likely to experience dementia or depression. Seniors experiencing loneliness have more trouble with everyday tasks and are more at risk for diseases as well.
Therefore, try to stay connected or make new friends. You can also opt for volunteer work or try to help someone in need to connect to people better.
An adequate amount of sleep can help develop a stronger immune system that makes it easy for the body to fight off viruses. It also improves concentration and memory as you get older.
To be a caregiver is a compassionate task. Still, it can also be incredibly challenging as you may feel burnt out if you’re a primary caregiver for your loved ones who are highly dependent on you for their well-being and safety. According to statistics, around 30% of adults in the U.S alone are informal home caregivers, spending around 20 hours a week for someone in their homes.
However, you can hire professional caregivers trained to provide care to people who need some assistance with everyday tasks. Caregivers can help in healthy aging in the following ways:
Leading a healthy and meaningful life can be possible with prompt physical and mental attention as we grow old. Therefore, if you believe that you cannot care for your senior loved ones as much as they need, you can always opt for professional in-home care or respite care services for better results.
Looking for caregivers or home care providers in Orange County, CA, or senior home care near you? Newport Home Care at Newport Beach, CA, offers 24-hour in-home care services at fair prices. Contact us for more information.
