Staying Healthy and Aging Well
It’s a known fact; millions of baby boomers are aging. Their concern is to age gracefully and still live life to the fullest. This means keeping a healthy body and mind. It is a topic on many people’s mind, and it should be. You should think about your body and mental capacity before you start losing it. Flexibility is reduced and your body tightening can be painful. We may dread getting older, but we will, the alternative to that is dying. Most dread being a burden on their loved ones by getting sick, creating a caregiver situation. What we do now, will increase our chances of living healthy and productive lifestyles when we are well into our senior years.
Common health problems that afflict older people are cardiovascular diseases including heart attack and stroke, depression, and cancer. We can reduce the risk of getting these illnesses by taking care of our body while we are still young. Beginning an exercise program when you are a teenager or young adult can benefit you when you grow older. By keeping active, you may also decrease your risk of contacting different illnesses.
Diet is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. It’s recommended that you have a diet that is low in fat, low in sodium, and with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. You are less likely to experience heart disease or any other cardiovascular disease when sticking to this diet. This should be a lifelong way of life to keep your body physically and mentally fit.
Stress reduction and taking part in religious activities slow the aging process. Our body has social, physical, and spiritual needs. We need to balance our lifestyle, set up our priorities, and make time for our own needs to achieve the balance that is needed. By changing how we think, and through therapy, meditation, or prayer, we can make changes in the chemicals of our brain. Increasing serotonin levels will decrease depression symptoms.
Exercising can help reduce the risk of heart disease, lowering cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Exercising three to four times a week for 30 minutes is the best. Studies do show that women who walk as little as one hour a week can reduce their chance of having heart disease by half. Exercise can also slow down bone loss that causes osteoporosis.
If you are suffering from a life threatening illness, find a support group. People who are in the same situations can help you cope with the emotions and issues you are facing. Meditation and prayer can also help this stress. Some stress is necessary for life, but prolonged stress can be life threatening.
Probably the biggest change that can prolong your life is to quit smoking. Within just a few months the chances of having a cardiovascular disease is drastically reduced. Smoking is a major cause of lung, throat, and other cancers. Quitting now will give your body time to heal and decrease your risk.
Having regular screenings for cholesterol, triglycerides, breast, prostate, and colon can decrease the risk of you having problems later in life. In addition, if you drink alcohol, you should drink in moderation staying under three drinks at one time, and having fewer than 12 drinks a week can help. Your doctor may also recommend an aspirin regimen for prevention of heart disease or heart attacks.
Take part in enjoyable activities with your family. You can feel younger, act younger, and be happier by being involved in family activities. Playing with grandchildren, taking part in enjoyable hobbies you and your spouse enjoy, and spending time with your children can improve your moods and lift depression. Never underestimate what a small child can do to lift your mood. Many nursing homes are now encouraging visits by small children and pets to ease the symptoms of depression in their patients. The feel of a tiny baby in your arms, the arms around your neck giving you a hug, and the high fives as you take part in a teenager’s life can make life worth living. Smile, have fun, and enjoy life. Live each day as if it might be the last day of your life. It could be!
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