Regardless of age, taking care of your health and well-being is vital. Doing so helps prevent illness and keeps physical health intact as well.
But if you’re 65 years old or older, your health and well-being are even more of a priority; the progression of a simple cold or flu can lead to severe consequences for your health. Moreover, neglecting physical well-being puts you at a higher risk of enduring severe and even catastrophic injuries from a seemingly minor fall accident.
Even though you can’t turn back the hands of time, you can improve your health and wellness with these fundamental ways to stay healthy as a senior.
Invest In Fall Prevention And Fall Detection
Fall prevention in the elderly makes aging in place safe. Modifying your home to prevent accidental injury is the best way to age in place safely. With this, you must change the bathroom by installing grab bars, a walk-in shower, non-slip flooring mats, and railings. It’s also wise to install railings, grab bars, and non-slip mats in the hallways and near steps.
But because fall prevention efforts can only minimize risks, it’s also wise to invest in a medical alert system that can effectively detect falls and health conditions like heart attack, stroke, and others.
Stay Active
Regardless of your age, you can stay active and keep your physical well-being in top condition. However, if you are already battling to move around, jogging around the neighborhood in the mornings is not the best idea.
Instead, consider opting for physical therapy sessions that can heighten mobility, improve joint range of motion, manage the impacts of osteoporosis, alleviate symptoms of arthritis, and reduce the risk of falls. In addition to these benefits, physical therapy for seniors can also enhance independence.
Add Supplements To Your Diet
There are many nutritional health supplements out there that can effectively support a healthy immune system. However, it’s always best to speak to your doctor before taking any supplements.
Even so, the best kinds of supplements to consider to boost your immune system are vitamin b-12, vitamin b6, calcium, vitamin d, and multivitamins.
Follow A Healthy Eating Plan
A healthy and balanced eating plan is one of the most effective ways to stay healthy at any age. An eating plan that’s rich in vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and enough carbs will give your immune system a nutritional boost.
But as a senior, your dietary changes will differ a bit from younger individuals depending on any existing health conditions.
Seniors need a diet that’s rich in B group vitamins, folate, calcium, vitamin D, fiber, and healthy fats. So, for those with existing health conditions, it’s wise to consult your doctor or a professional nutritionist to determine a suitable eating plan.
Invest In Your Sleep Quality
Many seniors have the common complaint of deteriorating sleep quality. Unfortunately, lacking sleep quality can negatively impact every aspect of your health and well-being.
Stick to a sleep schedule that encourages you to go to bed and wake up at the same time. Reduce or eliminate daytime napping, don’t drink caffeine in the evenings, and adopt a sleep routine that improves your sleep hygiene.
Moreover, assess your sleep environment and consider investing in a new mattress to reduce muscle pain and sleep disturbances.
Prioritize Health Checkups
We all need to visit the doctor for routine health checkups. But as a senior, the frequency of checkups increases.
From the age of 50, it’s wise to visit your GP for a general health checkup once a year. In addition to this, see the optometrist every two years, and book a hearing exam every two years.
Health checkups are vital as the best way to identify conditions early on, which means progression can be slowed, and quality of life is maintained for longer. If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, make sure to check out this list of the best Bay Area senior homes. They will make sure that you get the routine health checkups you need.
Avoid Contact With Sick People
Even if your grandchild has a mild case of the flu, it’s best to keep a distance. As a senior, it’s best to avoid sick individuals to protect your own health.
If you are unable to avoid sick individuals, wear a face mask and wash your hands frequently when in contact with individuals who have a contagious illness.
As a senior, it’s crucial to prioritize health and well-being above all else. But even so, it’s perfectly natural to see your physical and mental well-being decline gradually as you age. With the right positive outlook and a healthy lifestyle, you can still hold onto a high quality of life and enjoy your twilight years.