Written by Karen Weeks. You can find more from Karen at Elderwellness.net
There are so many things in this modern world that demand our attention, making it all too easy for the things that matter most to fall by the wayside. One of the things that invariably don’t get the attention it deserves is our health, which is very concerning as one’s well-being should actually be everyone’s number one priority.
No doubt, the necessity to focus on your health becomes more pronounced as you get older, which is why a good 70 percent of older adults consider physical health very important. However, it can also be a challenge at this late stage in life to stay healthy. It then becomes paramount as seniors to pay more attention to your overall wellness and take great pains to focus on what really matters, such as the following.
Your Welfare
It’s a well-known fact that mental and physical health are indelibly connected. Getting healthy, therefore, should be a two-pronged approach. As seniors, much of your mental wellness relies on security, which is why it’s important to take into account your overall welfare. Your healthcare benefits are undoubtedly a significant part of this, making it crucial to ensure that you’re getting the right Medicare or Medicaid coverage that you need and, better yet, also have your own healthcare coverage. Doing so will lessen your burdens considerably, especially in the face of rising healthcare costs, and, in turn, maintain your peace of mind.
Equally as important when it comes to your welfare are your living arrangements. As you get older, your needs will inevitably increase. Depending on what you need in terms of daily living, mobility, or medical care, you may find yourself in need of assistance, making it only prudent to consider other housing situations, such as a retirement home. It’s a good idea to start by taking stock of the care and assistance that you need when choosing a retirement home. Other considerations may also include your location preferences, as well as your personal lifestyle requirements like pet-friendliness, the social environment, and your budget.
Your Routine
Now, it’s a well-known fact that exercise is good for just about everyone, and seniors are definitely not exempt. In fact, exercise benefits seniors in so many ways that, in most cases, it’s exactly what the doctor ordered. First of all, regular physical activity boosts cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and immune functions, which considerably lowers the risk of diseases and serious conditions. Secondly and just as important, exercise also strengthens bones, increases flexibility, and promotes balance, which is crucial in preventing falls.
Of course, it may be smart to consult your primary care physician before you start incorporating movement into your daily routine, as well as taking into account any medical conditions that you may have. This way, you can get the right exercise plan and ensure that you get the full benefits of it safely without compromising your health.
Your Diet
Lastly, your diet also plays a huge part in keeping you healthy as you progress in age. In fact, many might even argue that diet is even more important than exercise, which is why it’s only wise to pay just as much attention to it — perhaps even more.
As you get older, you will undoubtedly find that your nutritional needs are constantly changing. You may even be confronted with an onslaught of dietary restrictions at every turn, especially when you have a medical condition. Indeed, there’s no one-size-fits-all diet for seniors, and this may only add to the challenges of keeping yourself healthy. However, there are actually tried-and-tested ways to eating well as you get older, and many of them focus on keeping your sugar and sodium intake at a minimum, avoiding processed foods, and essentially, being mindful that you take in the right kind of vitamins and nutrients.
Suffice it to say, maintaining good health as you advance in age is no small feat. So, focus on what matters and making conscious, healthful decisions for your own benefit.
