Change is an inevitable part of life; everybody experiences it in different degrees and lengths. Sometimes, changes happen to give way for a bigger opportunity or a positive outcome. However, when you are an older adult turning 65, you may not welcome change as warm as you did during your younger years.
Weakened knees, slow movements, poor vision–the list of body changes that happen during seniorhood goes on and on. Unfortunately, this also means numerous doctor’s appointments, dental check-ups, and physical monitoring. However, you can still turn this around if you choose to.
Avoid giving in to these changes by keeping your body healthy and strong. Practice healthy habits as early as now to prevent feeling limited by your own health.
Whether you are in a nursing home or residing in an assisted living in Oceanside, it’s never too late to have a healthy lifestyle. There are plenty of opportunities for all seniors, regardless of abilities and interests. So, here are seven healthy lifestyle tips to live by to become a healthy senior!
1. Keep Up with Doctor’s Appointments
Physical check-ups and dental services become more significant as you age. Your immune system may not work as efficiently as it did years ago, making you vulnerable to plenty of diseases. So, it’s essential to keep up with various medical requirements to stay on top of your health. This includes:
- Dental check-up
- Vision screening
- Screening and monitoring of health conditions common in seniors like diabetes and hypertension.
- Physical examinations
- Vaccinations
Further, it’s important to partner and establish open communication with your GP regarding your health. Trust that your healthcare provider has your welfare at the forefront of their minds, so it’s best to follow their health advice.
2. Join Exercise Programs
A healthy lifestyle would not be complete without regular physical activity. Luckily, the best assisted living in Oceanside provides exercise programs for their residents to stay physically active.
Exercises, even low-impact ones, can do wonders for your health when done regularly. It is a major immune system booster that preserves the normal function of your body systems. So, get ready to move your body in tandem with other residents so you can all enjoy a healthy body and physique.
3. Eat Healthily
Reap the best results out of your exercise programs by pairing physical activity with a nutritious diet. Meals rich in vegetables, fruits, lean meat, and whole grains help keep your body’s defenses up.
Further, these nutritious foods will help fill up your system with the essential vitamins and minerals needed to function well. Some of the best foods to include on your plate are:
- Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and arugula.
- Fruits like apples, blueberries, and oranges.
- Lean meat and fatty fish
- Low-fat dairy products
- Beans, nuts, and herbs
In addition, healthy eating means consuming the right amount of food based on your age and body type. Also, it means practicing discipline in the kinds of foods you eat. It’s okay to indulge in your comfort foods once in a while but make sure to control your cravings and not make it a habit.
Lastly, your system needs water as much as other nutrients. Make sure to drink water consistently throughout the day to complete WHO’s 8 to 9 glasses recommendation.
4. Stimulate Your Mind
Research suggests that the brain needs constant stimulation to maintain its cognitive health and keep performing everyday activities. So like your body, the mind also needs its fair share of exercise to keep it active and engaged.
Support your mental and cognitive well-being by engaging in meaningful activities that interest you. Some of the activities you can try include:
- Doing crosswords and puzzles.
- Enrolling in online classes to gain knowledge and learn new skills.
- Join a book club, music group, theater acting, or creative writing.
- Use devices and apps to play your favorite game.
- Pursue your favorite hobbies like gardening, knitting, or cooking.
Any activity that challenges you and keeps your brain active promotes cognitive health. It can enhance your memory, strengthen your critical thinking skills, and improve motor function.
Further, these mind-stimulating activities decrease your risk of developing brain disorders like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Maintain Proper Hygiene
Your assisted living in Oceanside takes up the responsibility of helping you maintain proper hygiene. They can also handle hygiene activities for seniors that need assistance and support.
However, senior homes still encourage able-bodied older adults to practice good personal hygiene on their own. This includes simple tasks like combing your hair, brushing your teeth, and hand washing.
No matter who does it for you, maintaining proper hygiene is an important healthy habit to keep to lead a healthier life.
6. Get Plenty of Sleep
Quality sleep is a vital part of living a healthy lifestyle because it influences your overall health. For starters, a good night’s sleep allows you to have plenty of energy for the entire day. You can join in on other’s exercise routines, do your chores, and socialize without feeling like a withered vegetable.
Moreover, sleeping for eight to nine hours every night boosts brain health, sharpens your memory, and improves concentration. So, turn down your night lights and get the rest and sleep you deserve.
7. Stay Socially Engaged
Many older adults become socially distant and isolated as they reach seniorhood. This is especially true for seniors who live alone, have a chronic health condition, hearing problems, or currently experience mental health troubles.
To prevent this, assisted living in Oceanside provides plenty of opportunities for seniors to interact with their loved ones and other residents. They encourage socialization by:
- Organizing social activities and events inside the community.
- Encouraging mealtimes to be spent in the hall with other elderlies.
- Providing technological devices so seniors can communicate with their loved ones.
- Organizing volunteering events and field trips so older adults can socialize with people outside the facility.
Staying connected with the community impacts your overall health. So stay socially active and participate in the activities offered by the best assisted living in Oceanside.
