Set a Schedule and Get Off the Couch: How to Boost Your Head-to-Toe Health as a Senior

Being a senior isn’t all fun and games. At some point, you need to start taking your health seriously. By being proactive about your health and well-being, you can live many long years in health and happiness. Healthy ageing is all about eating right, staying active, getting enough sleep, and finding outlets for stress. In this article, Services Dictionary will explore some effective and impactful ways to support your health as you venture into your golden years!

Get Off the Couch

Being sedentary isn’t good for anyone. Unfortunately, research shows that sedentary behaviors tend to increase as we age. This might be because social activities and connections tend to decrease after retirement, leading to an increase in time spent at home engaging in sedentary activities like watching TV. You no longer have work breaks or commutes to interrupt long periods of sitting. And this isn’t good.

Make it a goal to get up off the couch and walk at least 10,000 steps a day. You can find ways to walk more often by taking breaks from sedentary activities to walk around the block or visit a neighbor for a chat. Spend time in the garden, go shopping, or ask a friend to join you for a stroll in a nearby park. When you leave home for appointments and errands, try to park your car further away from building entrances, so you have to walk further. And always take the stairs instead of the elevator when you have the option!

Create a Schedule That Benefits You

Creating a good schedule can be greatly beneficial for seniors who want to maintain their overall health. With a customized plan, seniors have the opportunity to carefully manage their time and take the initiative to prioritize certain aspects of their health such as physical activity and proper nutrition. A free schedule maker can make this process even easier by allowing users to input specific tasks and deadlines so that they can better organize their daily activities. This may help seniors create an optimal routine which will ultimately lead them towards increased well-being.

Find Healthy Ways to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

When you have a sweet tooth, eating healthy can be a real challenge. Fortunately, there are foods out there that can satisfy your sweet tooth without the dangers of sugar. AgingCare.com suggests drinking smoothies, eating fresh fruits, and trying black bean brownies—they’re surprisingly tasty! That said, you’ve earned the right to eat the foods you enjoy. Unless it’s a direct threat to your health, feel free to indulge your sweet tooth once in a while. It’s all about moderation!

Try Sleep Tips and Tricks

How well do you sleep? Seniors tend to struggle with sleep as they get older. The Sleep Foundation explains that hormonal changes, age-related health conditions, and a nap-focused retirement lifestyle can contribute to sleeplessness in your senior years.

While many people think seniors need less sleep, this is a myth. You still need seven to eight hours of high-quality sleep every night. If you’re not getting this much shut-eye, try implementing a few sleep strategies:

  • Limit your daytime naps to 20 minutes or less.
  • Don’t watch TV in bed.
  • Avoid caffeine at least 8 hours before bed. Even if you can fall asleep after an evening cup of coffee, the caffeine still reduces your sleep quality.
  • Avoid nicotine and alcohol in the evening.
  • Exercise during the day with other seniors.
  • Talk to your doctor about your medications and possible side effects that may cause sleeplessness.

Keep Your Mind Stimulated

Mental stimulation is essential for maintaining your cognitive functions as you age. After retiring from work, you’ll have to seek out new avenues for challenging your brain. Brain games are fun, but studies suggest that they don’t translate to real-world skills. Instead, stimulate your mind with complex and abstract ideas. Learn new skills, like how to play music, speak another language, or code on the computer. You could even sign up for a class at a local college. Getting your brain to think about complex subjects is far better for your cognitive health than playing a simple memory game on your smartphone.

Growing older always comes with a few quirks. Whatever changes you’re facing right now, a healthy lifestyle will make it easier to navigate life in your golden years. Try to spend more time walking and less time sitting, eat healthy foods but don’t restrict yourself too much, and test out strategies to improve your sleep quality—even if it means cutting out the after-dinner coffee or nightcap.

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Isabela Smith