What to know about getting older
As the average American is living longer than ever before, it’s no wonder so many search for the secrets to eternal youth. But aging gracefully isn’t all about wrinkle-free skin and the hair color of childhood, it’s about maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. The body inevitably changes as it grows older, and healthy aging is both a physical and mental task.
As with any healthy lifestyle, nutrition and diet are a top priority in functioning at optimal levels. In addition to improving or maintaining a healthy appearance, eating a well-balanced diet can more importantly improve the way you feel.
The National Institute on Aging suggests eating the appropriate kinds of foods will lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, bone loss, anemia and even certain types of cancers – in addition to lowering cholesterol and high blood pressure.
For those who have suffered significant health-related ailments already, committing to a balanced diet may help with managing the aftereffects of such conditions. Eating properly is one of the most effective ways to maintain the body’s muscles, bones and organs throughout a lifetime, according to the NIA. It can increase energy and give the fuel needed to stay active. The necessary vitamins and minerals needed for healthy living after the age of 50 are best obtained through nutrient-dense foods, rather than supplements or pills. Certain vitamins such as calcium, B vitamins and vitamin D can even be found specifically added to certain foods for those needing the benefits.
If a drastic change is needed to get a healthy diet in order, it’s best to check with your doctor first and remember that changes can be made one at a time. The NIA suggests trying to simply remove the salt shaker from the dining room table to avoid excess salt intake.
Second to eating well, keeping physically active is significant in maintaining a healthy body and remaining independent. The benefits can be both short- and longterm, even positively affecting those who are somewhat frail or disabled. The NIA suggests older individuals try to be as active as possible. Exercising has shown to have effects in either preventing or delaying certain diseases, as well as improving other conditions. Those with diabetes or heart disease may benefit from regular exercise.
Not only is being active conducive to healthy living, but in fact being inactive is potentially dangerous for certain individuals. According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health, people who were significantly inactive were twice as likely to develop heart disease compared to their more active counterparts.
Though there is a difference in simply being physically active and exercising, the NIA suggests that including both in your lifestyle help in enjoying life more as you age. Just as with changing up a diet, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider if considering adding a new exercise routine to your daily schedule. Be sure to discuss current physical activity levels and the risks involved if you are prone to certain conditions in order to avoid injury.
For older individuals, just as important as keeping the body active is keeping the mind active as well. Because the later stages in life can be at risk for conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Healthy Brain Initiative promotes maintaining cognitive health as a way of healthy aging.
The decline of cognitive health can lead to those individuals unable to care for themselves, affecting their overall quality of life. The CDC’s Healthy Brain Initiative focuses on increasing awareness, research, connecting communities to public health resources and much more. They define cognition as the mental processes that allow for new learning, as well as the ability of remembering, intuition, judgement and language.
Similar to the body, to maintain brain health, the Alzheimer’s Association suggests staying physically active and eating a “brain-healthy” diet that is low in fat and cholesterol. Also just as useful is remaining socially active, which can reduce stress and maintain healthy connections between brain cells. Mentally stimulating activities such as crossword puzzles are also recommended in order to strengthen brain cells and even create new nerve cells.
There a number of tips and activities provided by reputable sources such as the CDC and National Institute on Aging that promote healthy aging and keeping physically and mentally active, but maintaining regular check-up appointments with a doctor can be a significant component as well. No matter the situation, taking a proactive approach to overall health is best.
– Katie Ho
