Staying Healthy & Active as You Age

People in the U.S. are living longer than ever before. Many seniors live active and healthy lives. But there's no getting around one thing: as we age, our bodies and minds change. There are things you can do to stay healthy and active as you age.

First is eating correctly and having a balanced diet. For seniors, the benefits of healthy eating include increased mental acuteness, resistance to illness and disease, higher energy levels, a more robust immune system, faster recuperation times and better management of chronic health problems. As we age, eating well can also be key to a positive outlook and staying emotionally balanced. Eating three small meals and two snacks per day that include fruits, vegetables, calcium, grains and proteins is key. Also seniors are prone to dehydration because bodies lose some of its ability to regulate fluid levels and our sense of thirst is dulled. Also medications can affect how and what you eat. Talk to your doctor about a healthy diet that is right for you.

Keeping mind and body active, and not smoking are also important. Emotional health affects physical health and in particular, our immune system can be damaged by poor mind health. Stimulating the brain with activity (puzzle games, reading, new learning experiences, daily conversation, meeting new people) shows a positive correlation with a healthy body. Spirit-health is also important and can include religious group participation, meditation, admiring nature’s beauty and reading thoughtful books, to name a few.

Be sure to get regular checkups. If you have several doctors and ongoing medical issues, keep a medical journal in a DayTimer type book. Record appointments, medications prescribed including dose, and any diagnosis. Take this DayTimer with you so you can reference the information at each appointment. Also keep a quick reference list of all medications and dosage handy and updated. Taking charge of your healthcare is important.

Practice safety habits at home and in the car. Remove any tripping hazards and make all floors and rugs slip resistant. Have an emergency plan to call for help, including in-home emergency call systems if needed. Keep a currently tested fire extinguisher, and regularly test smoke and carbon detectors. Equip bathrooms with movement aids such as grab bars, non slipping mats and shower chairs. Use a walking cane or walker to safely move around. Make sure all stairs have secure footing and handrails. Everyone ages differently, so some can drive a car in their 80’s and beyond, while others cannot and should not. The statistics on older adults and driving is sobering. Fatalities rise sharply for drivers over 70 so know when its time to stop. With the help of friends, family, community resources and personal initiative, you can remain mobile without driving.

Sources: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/seniorshealth.html; http://helpguide.org/life/senior_nutrition.htm; http://www.seniorcitizen journal.com/health-and-fitness/annual-physical-exam-for-seniors-mind-body-spirit/; http://www.helpguide.org/elder/senior_citizen_driving.htm