NEWS

7 Steps to Healthy, Happy Aging

Apr 11, 2016

Cross-Posted from Sunrise Senior Living
By Julia Little

Growing old presents new challenges to staying healthy and in good spirits. By following these tips, seniors can minimize the risk of getting sick, less independent or unhappy in their golden years.

Adapting to the changes brought on by old age is important, especially because folks may neglect the importance of a healthy diet or staying psychically active during middle age. As you get older, taking the time to be proactive about your personal health and well being is absolutely essential. Having said that, this effort can be easy and rewarding.

1. Start An Exercise Plan.
Physical activity has a long list of health benefits for people of all ages, and according to Everyday Health, finding time to exercise regularly is especially important for senior care. This keeps your body fit, empowering you to do the things you love, but can also be critical in preventing or minimizing the risks associated with things like heart disease or dementia.

By joining a community group or partnering with a friend, finding ways to exercise can be a fun development in your day to day life. Activities like swimming or jogging are fantastic ways to stay loose and limber, and can be calming for the mind as well. Other ideas, like yoga or lifting weights, can improve flexibility and mobility.

Senior adults having morning tea together

2. Pick Up a New Hobby.
Concordia reported that along with efforts to stay physically active, seniors should find ways to exercise the mind as well. A new hobby not only helps with memory and reasoning skills, but can be a fun and easy way to stay social. Staying busy and interacting with peers or neighbors on a regular basis is helpful for avoiding feelings of loneliness or depression.

There are all sorts of ways seniors can get started on a new activity. There are all sorts of community meetings and workshops that might teach a new skill like knitting or sewing, promote physical exercise with hiking or bird watching or even bring together veterans or like minded individuals.

Continue reading at Sunrise Senior Living.