As we grow older, it is crucial to ask ourselves how we can maintain and lead a healthy lifestyle. By focusing on healthier habits, we don’t have to worry as much about health problems, such as chronic diseases or mental disorders.
There are several healthy habits you can take on to improve your overall health. Let’s take a look at the best and most effective health tips to help you keep your physical health and wellbeing intact, no matter your age!
Exercise a Couple of Hours Throughout the Week
Getting 3 to 5 hours of moderate exercise every week dramatically decreases the chances of developing disease. Not only does exercise help rule out disease, but it also improves mobility, agility, and flexibility. Aerobic exercises such as walking, dancing, swimming, and cycling are best for individuals who are aging. Older individuals can also focus on strengthening exercises.
Be Mindful of Your Diet
One of the best ways to age gracefully is to maintain a healthy diet. The older your body becomes, the harder it can be to digest and break down what you eat. Your body is no longer operating and burning calories how it would when you were in your 20s.
If you’d like to improve your diet, you can consider eating the following:
- Fruits and vegetables, fresh or canned
- Lean proteins such as beans
- Whole grains
- Fat-free dairy
- Healthy fats
Continue to Care for Your Skin
There are many ways you can care for your skin even when you have reached middle age. After all, your skin is your body’s largest organ. With that being said, you should always treat it with care. Make sure to protect your skin by wearing sunscreen and protective clothing if your skin is sensitive. It is highly recommended to get skin cancer screenings to be able to detect any abnormalities ahead of time. Lastly, you can nourish your skin by drinking plenty of water!
Keep Stress to a Minimum
Stress can be quite detrimental as it can affect your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Stress can actually increase the risk of heart disease. The effects of stress are vast, which is exactly why it should be managed and treated. Some of the best ways to keep stress under your control are by exercising, getting good sleep, and speaking about your worries and stresses to your friends and loved ones. All of these methods of dealing with stress act as an outlet to release tension and negative sensations in the body.
Stay in Touch with Loved Ones and Friends
Keeping socially active is especially important to one’s mental and emotional health as the years go by. Studies show that people who are more socially active tend to be happier individuals, overall, experiencing fewer concerns with mental health. Social interaction stimulates the brain. The more that the brain is stimulated, the happier and healthier you’ll be!
Quit Smoking and Drinking
Tobacco and alcohol are among the leading causes of death in the United States. By quitting smoking and drinking, you can significantly decrease the chances of developing chronic and life-threatening diseases. Quitting both smoking and drinking can be rather difficult as they can easily become an addiction. If you are struggling with smoking or alcohol addiction, you should speak to a doctor right away.
Include Cardio into Your Routine
Not only is cardio-based exercise is highly recommended for weight management, but it also helps support your cardiac health! Once you start incorporating cardio into your weekly routine, you can expect to feel more energized, motivated, and better all around. Jump rope, jumping jacks, and HIIT (high-intensity interval training) are all great examples of cardio workouts to consider. Cardio can also help increase muscle mass and bone density, which is crucial to consider as one ages.
Try a New Hobby
The more you challenge your brain the more active it stays. An active brain is a healthy brain! Practicing and finding new hobbies is beneficial to one’s mental health. New activities promote happiness, purpose, and fulfillment. The more you practice a new hobby or activity, the less prone you are to developing depression or other mental health issues.
Practice Mindful Meditation
There is a common misconception that mindful meditation is only beneficial for mental wellbeing. While mindful meditation does encourage mental wellbeing, it is also a great practice for emotional and physical health. Mindful meditation is encompassed around becoming more present at the moment. This is shown to help people feel less tension and pain in their body as they learn relaxation. The practice also improves focus, emotional reaction, relationships, and increased immune functioning.
Keep Track of Your Health and Make an Appointment Today!
Looking to lead a healthier lifestyle? We have the knowledge and resources you’re looking for. Make an appointment with Healthonomic by contacting us today. We can’t wait to discuss and address your health concerns!
