Looking after yourself is important at any age. But, as we age, the way we look after ourselves can vary compared to when you’re in your twenties or thirties. As we get older, certain areas of our body may require extra care. This is not something we often think about or consider when we are younger. If you want to ensure that you are taking care of yourself as well as you could be, we have a number of tips to help you and your health in older age.
Keep up with your regular exercise routine
Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you have to start slowing down completely. While you may need to re-adjust the types of exercises you do, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t continue with your exercise routine. As with any type of exercise routine, it’s always important to choose a type of exercise that you enjoy.
If you hate swimming, then joining your local aqua aerobics class may not be the best idea. If you like walking, going on regular hikes may be a good choice.
You don’t have to invest in fancy equipment or an expensive gym membership. Even going for walks can do your body a great deal of good. The key is to focus on aerobic/cardio exercise to help with heart health, as well as strength training to help keep muscles working over time.
Focus on your diet
When many people think of aging, the focus tends to be on creams and serums to help slow down the effects of aging on our skin and appearance. But, looking at what goes into your body via your diet is even more crucial.
Eating a balanced diet can ensure that you get all of the nutrients you need as a part of a healthy lifestyle. As we age, our body may not absorb nutrients as well and our metabolism can slow down which may lead to unwanted weight gain. This can lead to chronic diseases and it is therefore important to address your diet. Adequate protein can also assist with muscle repair, growth and maintenance. Ensuring you get the right nutrients through a healthy diet will help you to age well.
Don’t forget to exercise your brain
You might still be working out to ensure your body stays in peak physical condition, but what about your brain? Ensuring our brain health is in top form as we age is just as important as physical workouts. But, how do you give your brain a workout? Mental exercises such as crosswords, sudoku and general knowledge tests are all great options. Even playing games such as chess can help keep the brain ticking. There are also smartphone apps such as Luminosity that can help you to keep up with a daily routine for working on your brain function.
Get the right vitamins
Making sure you have the right vitamins every day can help ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs to function correctly. The best way to do this is by assessing your diet and eating foods rich in vitamins, minerals, nutrients and antioxidants. For some people, the use of a multivitamin can help ensure their daily intake is adequate. Having a chat with your doctor can be of good use to understand the most important vitamins and nutrients you need for your age.
It is never too late to get started on improving your health and wellbeing in older age. Whether you’re in your 30’s and considering the future or whether you’ve hit retirement and want to improve your lifestyle, getting started now can help with your overall health in everyday life.