As we get older, the more important it becomes to take care of ourselves. While we can’t entirely prevent the impact of aging, there are steps we can take to lessen some of the worst effects and make things easier for ourselves. If you’ve entered an advanced age or are helping to care for someone who has, below are some simple strategies you should explore to take the best care possible.
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Maintain a Healthy Diet
A good place to start is with your diet. A healthy diet will help fuel the rest of your efforts and is essential for taking care of yourself at an advanced age. While everyone’s dietary needs may differ, there are a few strategies that are beneficial to most people. For example, you should prioritize nutrient-dense foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Next, ensure that you’re drinking enough water throughout the day so that you stay hydrated. Finally, try to limit the amount of processed foods and sugars in your diet, as doing so can lower your risk of conditions like diabetes and heart disease. These few strategies will set a strong foundation for healthy living.
Get Plenty of Exercise
In addition to a healthy diet, it’s important you get plenty of exercise as you get older. While you may not be able to complete the same rigorous activities as you once did, there are many exercise options you can explore. Look for low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, or yoga routines.
Strength training is also very beneficial. Try to add some light weightlifting or resistance exercises to your daily life to help maintain muscle mass and bone density. And finally, make exercise a consistent habit. Aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise per week, spread across multiple days.
Meet Regularly with Your Doctors
Your doctors are essential partners in healthy living as you get older. They can help you create specific strategies for taking care of yourself based on your unique needs. In addition, regular checkups at your doctor can help detect any issues early, which improves treatment outcomes.
These days, there are more medical treatments available than ever before. Conditions that were once life-threatening are now treatable if you catch them early enough. And you can even connect with investigational medicinal products when all other treatment options have been exhausted, thanks to a company called Early Access Care. So, make visiting your doctor a regular habit if you want to live a longer and healthier life.
Keep Your Brain Sharp
Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. Many people rely on their jobs for brain stimulation throughout their lives, which they then lose after they retire. To keep yours active, look for ways to challenge your mind. Engage with activities such as puzzles, reading, or learning a new skill.
Staying socially active is another way to keep your mind sharp. Make sure you’re scheduling time with friends and family to reduce feelings of isolation and to support your mental well-being. You can also look for senior groups in your area to spend time with others your age and participate in group activities.
Monitor Your Financial Health
Taking care of yourself also means managing your financial situation so that you can afford everything you need. Your income may be limited as you get older since you’re less likely to be working and relying solely on retirement savings or government benefits. This is why it’s a good idea to create a budget for yourself to track your income and expenses closely.
You should also regularly review your various financial accounts, making adjustments to your budget to reflect your current financial situation. Then lastly, if you need assistance with your finances, consider talking with a professional financial planner or advisor. They can help you navigate complex issues and ensure you have the money you need going forward.
Make End of Life Plans
Lastly, if you haven’t already, start making some end-of-life plans. This includes drafting legal documents like a will, assigning power of attorney, and writing any advanced directives for wishes you’d like carried out. You should also discuss your preferences with your loved ones, such as medical treatments or funeral arrangements so that everyone is on the same page.
One more thing you should think about is potential care needs. Explore options like assisted living, home care, or hospice services. By learning more about what’s available, you can make a decision ahead of time should you need one of these care options. Start exploring everything you need to consider, as the sooner you get these end-of-life items out of the way, the sooner you can stop thinking about them and enjoy your time.
