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Young or not, it is important to take care of your body to prevent illnesses. But if you are over 65 years old, something as simple as flu or even a common cold may develop into something serious that leads to complications like pneumonia or bronchitis. Heart and respiratory diseases are also emerging as people age.
On the bright side, 41% of senior adults in the USA report that they are in good health, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This just shows that although diseases are common, there is still a chance to live longer when you make the decision to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Follow these 10 tried-and-tested health tips for seniors, if you want to stay strong and healthy all year-round.
10 Health Tips for Seniors
1. Be active
Physical activities are a natural immune system booster. The more you move, the more you stay active, the better your body will be able to fight inflammation and infections. However, be sensitive about your body’s limitations. Physical activities do not have to be strenuous. Low impact exercises can be effective, especially for the elderly.
2. Ensure a healthy diet
Diets with the right balance of fruits, vegetables, and lean meat will give seniors an immune boost and will protect them against viruses and infections. Make sure to add antioxidants in your diet to protect your cells from damage and keep your body healthy.
Eliminate in your diet sugary and fatty foods, as well as excessive alcohol intake, that may trigger inflammation in your body and lower your immune system.
3. Take supplements as necessary
Yes, supplements were made to support a healthy immune system. However, unnecessary supplements may just affect your kidneys and waste your resources. Before taking supplements, check with your doctor if it is safe and necessary for your body.
4. Focus on prevention
Vaccinations are sure ways to prevent specific illnesses and to stay healthy throughout the year. For seniors, talk to your doctor about getting a high-dose or adjuvant flu vaccine. You can also consult with them about getting pneumococcal vaccines to protect yourself against pneumonia and meningitis.
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5. Wash your hands frequently
One of the healthiest habits you need to incorporate immediately is washing your hands frequently. Washing your hands on a regular basis is an effective way to keep viruses at bay. Also, disinfect your personal things and surfaces around your home frequently.
6. Manage stress better
Stress is good as it prompts our body’s natural survival instincts. However, chronic stress alarms the body to produce the stress hormone called cortisol. Cortisol, when produced too much, can disrupt different functions in your body, including your immune system.
Doing physical activities and being in a happy and engaging environment will help you reduce and avoid stress.
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7. Rest and sleep
Light sleeping, frequent waking and insomnia often plague seniors. To address these, it is important to maintain a healthy sleep habit to improve one’s ability to have a restful slumber.
Sleeping and waking up at the same time will help seniors’ internal body clocks to sync in their daily schedule. Seniors could also avoid afternoon naps and refrain from alcohol and caffeine that may influence their ability to sleep. Having a comfortable and relaxing personal space also encourages rest and sleep.
8. Schedule annual physical and medical checkups
Regular checkups where you can speak with your doctor about senior health will help you keep everything in check. Serious conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer can go and worsen undetected. But regular physical examinations can help your doctor diagnose any problem early on and hitch you with early treatment.
9. Don’t forget cognitive health
To improve thinking ability and ward off cognitive decline, stay mentally active and learn new skills. Seniors can keep their minds busy and sharp through various brain games and engaging activities like reading, completing puzzles, writing, and exploring new hobbies.
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10. Socialize
Isolation and lack of socialization may lead to low self-esteem and high levels of stress among seniors. To prevent this from happening, seniors need opportunities to stay connected and social. Activities with friends, visits from families, and being a community will help them feel more positive.
Age Healthily
Ultimately, self-care is a community effort. It takes a strong support system and a caring environment to ensure that seniors are healthy and living a quality life. This system of care may come from their own families, friends, or even new communities.
If you want a healthy environment for yourself or your senior loved one, senior living communities are an option you could explore. Contact us today at Blue Skies Homes to know more about our healthy environment and community for seniors.
Recommended Assisted Living Locations:
- Blue Skies of Tri-city – Assisted living
3218 Mira Mesa Ave, Oceanside, CA 92056, United States - Blue Skies of Temecula – Assisted Living
45410 Bayberry Pl, Temecula, CA 92592, United States - Blue Skies of San Marcos – Assisted Living
1119 Via Vera Cruz, San Marcos, CA 92078, United States - Blue Skies of Oceanside – Assisted Living
322 Keyport St, Oceanside, CA 92057, United States - Blue Skies of Laguna Niguel – Assisted Living
25437 Via Estudio, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677, United States - Blue Skies of Laguna Hills – Assisted Living
25811 Tree Top Rd, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, United States
