7 Ways to Stay Healthy as a Senior

The health implications of getting older can be a worry for many, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right motivation, know-how, and routine, you can make sure that you’re always putting your health and wellbeing at the forefront of your day. Staying healthy as a senior may take a lot more effort and include a lot more considerations to make, but it doesn’t mean a happy lifestyle has to be compromised.

Here are seven ways to stay healthy as a senior.

1. Make Sure to Stay Active

Staying active is essential at any age, but it’s especially so when you’re a senior. Not only is staying active imperative for your physical health and keeping in shape, but it also has a hugely positive effect on your immune system. When you age, your immune system is fundamental in fighting off simple illnesses like cold and flu, leading to complications in older adults.

That’s why exercise is a good all-rounder for protecting your health and keeping you moving.

There’s no right or wrong when it comes to exercising as a senior, as long as you’re trying to move at least 20 minutes a day. You can tailor your own workout to what works for you and what your body allows you to do. There may be a certain area you want to concentrate on the most with gentle exercise, or if you’re a fan of full-body workouts, then exercises like swimming can be a perfect choice.

2. Boost Your Brain

Brain health is just as important as physical health, but it can often go neglected. As a senior, you need to focus on giving your brain a much-needed boost to keep your mind working as it should. The brain is a muscle, too, so a good brain workout regularly is key for good overall health.

You can give your brain a boost by trying anything which stimulates your mind. This could include:

• Interacting with others through discussions or conversations
• Brain puzzles and games
• Learning a new skill, especially a creative one
• Learning a new language
• Spending time in nature
• Reading

3. Don’t Neglect Your Diet

Complement your physical and mental exercises by eating right, too. A healthy diet will help your body function the way it should and provide more energy for you to stay on your feet and feel motivated.

Stay aware of your changing dietary needs, as these may not stay the same as you age. You may also need to consider supplements if anything is missing from your diet so that you can maintain a full balance.

Getting into the habit of focusing on meal planning and nutritious foods will help you to stay organized with your eating habits. If you don’t know anything about healthy eating or nutrition and what certain foods contain, then it’s worthwhile to do your research and make an effort to learn more for the good of your own health.

A good diet should include a healthy mix of fruit, vegetables, and essential vitamins and minerals.

If you’re struggling for inspiration, invest in healthy cookbooks or find food recipes that inspire you and give you a passion for cooking.

Remember: staying hydrated is a key part of a healthy diet, too! So be sure to drink enough water every day.

4. Consider Whether You Can Still Live at Home

It’s also important when you age to consider whether your normal routine at home is still working for you. This is especially important if you live alone and find that you need help for your day-to-day living. There is a time when you might have to consider senior living facilities or assisted living to best care for your own health and wellbeing and gain the care you need if you can no longer fully accomplish it yourself.

There are many great options out there for senior community living, including options to still retain your independence and live your life the way you want to. Senior living facilities like Belmont Village offer a variety of services, all with a good mind and body health at the forefront.

5. Improve Your Bedtime Routine

Sleep is essential for good health in seniors, but as you get older, you may also find yourself tossing and turning more or struggling to get into a healthy sleep-wake pattern. There may be specific reasons why you’re struggling to sleep as a senior, and it’s best discussed with your doctor if you feel as though your sleep pattern is highly impacted.

Why is it important to get enough sleep? Sleep isn’t just to have you feeling less groggy; it has fundamental health benefits, especially if you’re older. Sleep is your body’s chance to repair itself and keep everything in full working order. The healthier your sleeping pattern, the more likely it will be that you retain a strong immune system, keep your weight down, keep your health on track, and even improve your ability to remember information.

All of this is even more fundamental in seniors so that your body can better fight off infections and always feel its best.  

6. Always Stay on Top of Your Health Appointments

Regular healthcare and checkup appointments will ensure that you stay in your best shape, and if any issues are present, these will be detected and treated as soon as possible. It’s important to always listen to your healthcare provider’s advice regarding your appointments’ frequency so that you don’t miss any.

Key healthcare appointments for seniors include regular health checkups by your doctor, dental checkups, and eye appointments.

7. Stay Social

As a final consideration be sure to stay social. Feeling isolated can not only have a detrimental effect on your wellbeing and mood, but it can also make it more likely that you’ll neglect good health practices like exercise and healthy eating. Staying social can boost your positive energy, keep you feeling connected, and even encourage better habits (like joining a community exercise group to get outdoors).