As we grow older, our body experiences a sea of changes. These can affect you mentally, physically, and emotionally. As these changes can vary significantly from person to person, some may be positive while others negative.
However, with ageing remaining an inevitable aspect of life, you need to use it to your advantage. It can be best to minimize the negative effects of ageing so that it doesn’t affect your life. This article brings to you tips related to healthy ageing.
How to promote positive ageing
Here are nine tips that you can adopt right away to age healthily.
1. Exercise regularly
Exercising helps you keep heart diseases at bay and is one of the best examples of positive ageing. You can also enjoy good mobility, better sleep, lesser stress levels, and improved bone health. It will also help you be in a positive frame of mind.
You can have five hours of moderate exercise or 2.5 hours of intensive workouts a week. Besides muscle and bone-strengthening workouts, you can also do aerobic and balance training exercises.
2. Take good care of your skin
Regular skin care can help regulate body temperature and keep sensation levels high. The best way to do that is by staying hydrated, applying sunscreens, and wearing protective sunglasses when going out. You can also go for annual skin cancer screenings and follow a skincare regimen regularly.
3. Spend time with family and friends
To keep your mental health strong, you must spend time with family and friends regularly. Man is a social animal, after all, and cannot afford to live in isolation. You can plan for weekend outings or evening get-togethers in the company of people you like. Jogging and walks are another way to socialize with people of your age group.
4. Have a healthy diet
Healthy food items can help you not get affected by diseases. Experts suggest that fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole-grain cereals make for the best options. You can also have fat-free dairy items according to your liking. Make sure you stay away from processed food, oil, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats.
5. Keep stress levels low
Stress can have wide-ranging effects on your health, including risks of heart diseases and early ageing. You can do yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises regularly. Having an adequate sleep of 8-8.5 hours a day is another prerequisite to keeping the stress levels low. A good company of friends can also be the icing on the cake.
6. Indulge in your hobbies
Your pre-retirement life must have kept you busy and not allowed to pursue things you loved. However, your retirement life is the best time to do everything you wished to before. It can keep you engaged and find a sense of purpose in life. You will experience joy and avoid stress.
7. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption
Smoking and alcohol consumption bring with them several health issues. They increase the risks of heart disease and lead to premature ageing. Quitting these habits can be difficult, but consulting your doctor can help. They can propose resources and rehabilitation measures to overcome them.
8. Keep your mouth healthy
An unhealthy mouth can lead to gum diseases, bacteria pneumonia, heart diseases, and strokes. It is advisable to see a dentist regularly and follow a proper oral care regimen. If there are any related health issues, a dentist can identify them and help you take remedial measures.
9. Visit a doctor regularly
Regular health check-ups can help you diagnose health conditions at their early stages. The need for these visits can depend on several factors. It includes your existing health problems, age, family history, and lifestyle. Your doctor will be able to suggest how often do you need health screenings. If you experience any symptoms, do not delay seeing a doctor.
Bottom line
Ageing positively is more about having an optimistic approach to life. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help you keep diseases at bay. Practising your hobbies and being in the company of people you like will further help you experience the joys of life. At times, it can be normal to worry about the changes and challenges with life. However, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor and loved ones about them.
We regularly write about such tips to help you manage your health and lifestyle better. Interested in getting more such insights? Join our thriving community today to learn, grow, and engage with fellow seniors.