Doctor Hal Royer
As we age, each new phase we enter can affect our overall health and lifestyle. From the time children leave home to the time they retire and become grandparents, we are going through significant changes that can bring both joy and stress to our lives. Proactively taking care of your physical and mental health before experiencing some of these life changes will allow you to enjoy the rewarding experiences ahead and ultimately promote healthy aging.
Move: Research shows that people who exercise live longer and enjoy more years without pain or disability. While it has many other benefits, exercise is an important way to maintain a healthy weight. Exercise helps you maintain muscle mass and prevent the decline in muscle function that is common in older adults. Try short bursts of physical activity throughout the day or set aside a specific day and time each week to exercise. Gardening, walking the dog, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator are great ways to keep your body moving. As your activity increases, you will begin to feel more energetic.
Make smart food choices: Fueling your body with good food can help you avoid health problems and promote brain function. As you age, you may experience changes in your metabolism or appetite. Healthy eating is important to maintain your energy. Choosing what to eat doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Focus on incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, and plenty of water into your meals and snacks. Establishing good eating habits now can help improve your well-being as you age.
Aim for quality sleep: Not getting enough sleep can make you irritable, depressed, forgetful, and more prone to falls and other accidents. That’s why it’s important to create healthy sleep habits now. There are many things you can do to improve your sleep. Try to fall asleep and get up at the same time every day. Avoid naps at the end of the day so you don’t wake up at night. Keep your bedroom quiet, dark, and cool, and avoid screens for at least an hour before bed.
Stop smoking: You can add several years to your life if you stop smoking. It reduces the risk of cancer, heart attack, stroke, and lung disease, improves blood circulation, and increases the ability to exercise. Choosing a definite quit date can help you achieve this goal. Exercise can help you fight cravings or situations that trigger your desire to smoke. Try to schedule activities for the time of day when you’re most likely to want a cigarette. You can also talk to your doctor for help quitting.
Get regular checkups: See your health care provider for preventive services, not just when you’re sick. This can help with disease prevention and early detection when treatment is most effective. Studies have shown that regular checkups help health care providers identify chronic conditions early and help patients reduce risk factors for disease, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. How often you visit the doctor may depend on your age, lifestyle, family history, and existing conditions. Ask your provider what is best for you.
Take care of your mental health: Mental health affects the way we think, feel, act, make decisions and relate to others. Managing social isolation, loneliness, stress, depression, and mood swings through medical and personal care is important for healthy aging. Staying connected with others and maintaining meaningful relationships and a strong social network can improve your overall mental and physical well-being.
Keep your brain alert: Keeping your brain active can help prevent cognitive decline and memory problems. Whether it’s a new instrument or a trade, your brain loves to tackle new tasks that can help prevent memory loss as you age. Challenging your brain by incorporating activities like music, crossword puzzles, or reading into your routine can keep your mind active and promote cognitive health.
Participate in leisure activities or hobbies: Developing hobbies or engaging in leisure activities that bring you joy can help you maintain a sense of purpose and reduce your stress. Research shows that people who engage in hobbies are happier, experience less depression, and live longer. Consider volunteering. Pardee offers a wonderful range of volunteer opportunities and is a great way to be more active in your community.
If you have questions about maintaining a healthy lifestyle as you age, talk to your provider.
Dr. Hal Royer is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician at Pardee Medical Associates Brevard.
Source: www.blueridgenow.com