Leading a healthy and active lifestyle is important for every stage of life. Whether it’s practicing tummy time as an infant or keeping your joints limber and muscles strong, physical and mental health is essential for everyone, especially as you age.
In 1914, the average child born in the United States had an average life expectancy of about 55 years but today’s children can expect to live closer to 80 years. Obviously, the more active a person is the longer they can expect to live.
In 1914, the average child born in the United States had an average life expectancy of about 55 years but today’s children can expect to live closer to 80 years. Obviously, the more active a person is the longer they can expect to live.
Being healthy doesn’t mean you’re a 70-year-old who finished a marathon. Remember, being active looks different on everyone. However, when you do engage more activity into your lifestyle your independence is also more likely to thrive.
According to a recent healthy study by Harvard University, independence for the elderly has a multitude of descriptions. It is essentially the ability to perform basic activities of daily living without help. These include: walking, eating, bathing, getting out of bed or playing with grandchildren. Walking without any assistance is something that many aging people find helpful for maintaining their independence as long as possible. Here are 5 ways to boost your energy level, become more social, and Feel Younger in 2019:
1. Explore Physical Activity Programs
One way to explore a variety of physical activity programs is checking out local organizations or centers which provide specific programs for seniors. A bonus is that by participating in local centers, you’ll make friends and boost your mental health as well. Positive mental health and having one or a few friends may be a possible deterrent to dementia like symptoms.
You can check out places such as your local hospital, fitness and recreation centers, churches and community centers. Some non-profit organizations may even cater to your specific age group or need.
You can check out places such as your local hospital, fitness and recreation centers, churches and community centers. Some non-profit organizations may even cater to your specific age group or need.
 | 2. Grow A GardenIt can be as simple as planting some flowers on your porch or you could have an herb garden. How extravagant you tend to your plants and vegetables is up to your ability to do so. This is wonderful to do solo or have grandchildren help out especially when it comes to more intense work or kneeling. |
3. Tailor Your Diet to Your Nutritional Needs
Adjust your diet or ensure you’re eating enough and properly. Nutrition is important to ensure overall health and this will look different for you depending on what other health issues are ongoing. A panel of health and nutrition experts ranked the 35 top diets for seniors and the top ones were diets rich in produce and lean protein. The 'Mediterranean' was also a top recommended diet.
It’s important to eat for your mind and health. Weight loss is not necessarily a goal for the elderly. Rather, many seniors need to focus on the right nutritional needs to reduce the risk for chronic disease. On another note, don’t deprive yourself of a sweet treat because life really is a delicate balance.
It’s important to eat for your mind and health. Weight loss is not necessarily a goal for the elderly. Rather, many seniors need to focus on the right nutritional needs to reduce the risk for chronic disease. On another note, don’t deprive yourself of a sweet treat because life really is a delicate balance.
4. Go to Lunch with a Friend
Catch up with a lifetime friend or make plans with a new friend. This is for better emotional health but oftentimes when our emotional health is neglected, it can possibly lead to a downward spiral involving your physical health.
5. Volunteer
Now that you’re most likely retired, now is the time to volunteer with an organization or participate in something that has always piqued your interest. Volunteer with younger people and be a mentor or find a group or project that spikes your interest. This will keep you active for your overall health and you’ll feel better contributing to society.
When older adults are physically more active and have some sort of exercise routine, their ability to walk and navigate other activities is considerably higher than elderly who are more sedentary. However, it’s never too late to make changes even if they are small changes.
It’s important to note you should consult with your physician before starting any new physical activity or making changes to your routine. He or she know your strengths and weaknesses and can dictate what is needed or desired.
It’s important to note you should consult with your physician before starting any new physical activity or making changes to your routine. He or she know your strengths and weaknesses and can dictate what is needed or desired.
What ways are you aiming to live a healthy lifestyle this year? Let us know in the comments and be sure to ‘Subscribe’ to our blog for monthly health and wellness tips!
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