As you grow older, you can quickly learn that a lack of health is going will hamper your quality of life. Besides that, it could lead to the development of additional health problems – which you do not need in your senior years. After all, longevity is best enjoyed with good health.
When it comes to staying healthy, there is more than one thing involved. It will take more effort to maintain good health – because as you age – your immune system naturally becomes weaker. The following tips will help you maintain better health.
Control Known Health Problems
It is possible that you already have one or more health problems. Sometimes, one thing can lead to another, so you need to control that health problem before it worsens. Problems may include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and more.
If you already have cancer – or suspect that you might have it – get it checked out. Men and women need regular checkups for the more common types: cervical, colon, breast, and prostate cancer. Follow up on the results and get treated for it – if need be – while it is still (hopefully) in the early stages. It is even more important if there is cancer in your family history.
Get stress under control. When ongoing, it can open the door to many health problems. Don’t let it ruin your health and life.
Keep a Healthy Weight
Being overweight is another health problem that is getting worse among people of all ages. It is a problem that can promote health complications you do not want later in life.
Getting into a regular exercise program can help you stay active and feel better. It also helps reduce pain and increases mental well-being. Exercising for about 150 minutes per week will also help you stay mobile longer – and it strengthens your immune system at the same time. Many types of exercise can help you keep the extra weight off.
Visit the Dentist
Recent discoveries have led to the understanding that the condition of your teeth affects your health – especially if they are in poor condition. Problems such as gum disease are connected with the development of more than 100 different diseases – many of them fatal. Visit your dentist at least once a year for preventive care.
Eat a Healthy Diet
As you get older, what you eat has a larger impact on your health. You also may eat less. These things make it necessary to get the best nutrients and vitamins from what you eat.
Your meals should include more fiber, fruits and vegetables, and less sugar and salt. You also want to drink enough fluid to stay hydrated because there may be a tendency to not feel thirsty as you age. You may also need to add some supplements to your diet.
Stay Social
Keeping in touch regularly with other people is beneficial to your mental and physical health. Isolation can lead to issues of low self-esteem and more stress – which can cause more inflammation. Loneliness also increases your risk of depression and dementia.
Get Enough Sleep
A good night’s sleep can reduce stress and give your body time to repair itself. A lack of sleep reduces your ability to concentrate, remember, and have more energy in the day.
See Doctors Regularly
Regular checkups with your doctor are another essential item to stay healthy and have better longevity. Your doctor may be able to pick up problems that you are completely unaware of and can provide medical advice to help the problem.
