Senior Living: Stay Healthy As You Age
These days many seniors stay healthy and active into very old age, but how do they do it?
The key to healthy old age is social engagement, keeping active, taking regular exercise, and having fun too. People who have had healthy and long lives tend to have an optimistic outlook, be socially active and rarely get depressed.
Many elderly people lead isolated lives, which is not good for them. Talking to others, exchanging banter and having a laugh can give you a great boost, and make you feel better.
While elderly people may suffer from various ailments, that should not stop them from meeting new people and enjoying themselves.
Avoid big meals to stay healthy
As we age, we tend not to burn up the calories so quickly. This means we do not need large meals, and indeed, big meals should be avoided.
Furthermore, many elderly people are overweight. If you want to stay healthy you should maintain a healthy weight, so keeping meal sizes modest is the way to go.
But that’s not to say that meal times need be boring. Well-presented, interesting food options, especially if they spark conversations, can be fun, tasty and good for you.
Eat healthy
Meal times can be important social occasions, but they must also provide you with a healthy diet. While you may prefer your traditional ethnic cuisine, if it has too many fatty acids, it may not be good for you. A balance has to be struck between eating what you like and eating the right foods to stay healthy.
For instance, many elderly people have diabetes, which means that they should avoid sugary food and too many carbohydrates. Keeping diabetes in check is very important as it can lead to so many other health issues.
Exercise regularly
One thing you should definitely do to maintain your mobility and independence in old age is take regular exercise. Exercise helps retain muscle strength and is also good for your lungs, heart and brain.
In some day care centers seniors can get a supervised exercise program, perhaps using some hi-tch exercise machines. But there are many other ways to keep trim and stay healthy. Walking round the block or the garden is good for you. Better still is if you can get out into the countryside for a walk. There’s lots of evidence to suggest that being close to nature is highly beneficial for your mental health, too.
Stay active
Chatting and socializing with others is also very important for a healthy old age. Many elderly people make new friends when they visit a day care center or live in an old people’s home. Reminiscing about the good old days is a great way to make friends and feel good.
Some institutions organize entertainment programs for seniors. These might include singalongs, outings to a nearby shopping mall, concerts or trips to the theatre. Such activities help you stay healthy and active by stimulating your brain and keeping you moving. Music competitions, quizzes and discussion groups can provide similar stimulation and entertainment. Never be afraid to ask: for instance, you may want to have a go at painting or drawing.
Learn new skills
It’s never too late to learn new skills. There are plenty of stories about very elderly people learning how to do things they never did before. That could be brushing up your language skills, improving your computer skills, or learning how to knit or embroider.
Avoid negative thoughts
Taking an interest in your appearance and well-being can boost self-esteem and keep negative thoughts at bay. Keeping active and socializing with others is the best recipe if you want to stay healthy and enjoy life.
Fairview ADC in Brooklyn
Admission to a day care center may be the perfect option, though be warned that it’s not automatic. You need to meet various conditions – i.e. be reasonably mobile and independent.
Fairview Adult Day Care Center in Brooklyn, New York, offers all the social activities mentioned above, and more. We have extensive experience of caring for and entertaining seniors.
Visit us today or sign-up for a one-day free trial to see what people do to stay healthy!
This article is for educational and informational purpose only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. For any questions about your own health condition, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.
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