Although aging is inevitable, most of us think that all our cards have been dealt once we hit 60. We tend to think that it is too late for us to make some lifestyle and health adjustments. However, this is not the case. According to research, leading healthy lifestyles even when you are 60 increases your longevity and helps reduce the risks of getting ill. Small changes can have a significant effect on your overall health. As we age, we may not be able to eat or work out how we did when we were younger. But with these simple lifestyle changes, you can still feel great in your golden years.
Check What Goes into Your Plate
Old age can predispose some bodily changes such as slow metabolism, changes in your sense of taste, and smell, all of which can cause the loss of appetite. However, now more than ever, it is vitally essential to incorporate healthy eating habits into your lifestyle since poor eating habits cause many old-age illnesses.
As such, it is essential to make some tweaks to your diet, even if when you are 60. Ensure that your diet has high fiber, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins. Remember to stay hydrated, as water helps keep the skin smooth, but it’s also an essential product in metabolism. Avoid processed meats like sausages and hot dogs, packaged foods, and only take supplements after consulting your doctor.
Stay Physically Active
Another pivotal aspect of aging wisely is staying active through exercises, physical movement, and yoga. Although you may not be able to do workouts that you used to do when you were younger, simple old-age physical exercises can have several benefits. For starters, working out helps your body to release the feel-good hormones known as endorphins. It also helps prevent memory loss, improve sleep quality, reduce chronic pain, boost your immune, and enhances balance flexibility and posture. And the best thing is that it’s not a must that you hit the gym; you can stay physically active by doing what you love. Whether it is golfing, taking strolls, cycling, or gardening, that’s enough exercise.
Maintain Social Connections
You might have planned your retirement by racking up some financial resources, but have thought about your social life? Switching from an active working environment to staying in the house alone can be a daunting challenge. Therefore, when you hit 60, start planning on how you’ll keep your interactions alive. You can arrange to have your grandkids visit you during holydays, join a community, or participate in charity work. Having constant interaction with other people is beneficial since it helps manage stress and emotions and helps you maintain a sense of purpose.
Keep Your Mind Sharp and Nourished
Research indicates that some part of your brain starts to burn out as you age. But according to Gary J. Kennedy, M.D., professor of psychiatry and behavioral science at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, neurogenesis (growth of new brain cells) continues even when you are in your 60s. Therefore, your ability to learn new things is still strong. Therefore, before you start experiencing brain decline, take care of your brain by learning new things daily, solving puzzles, or tapping into your innate talents such as artistry, singing, or knitting. Avoid too much routine or monotony by keeping your brain active with challenging thoughts and quests.
Check Your Sleeping Habits
Old age might come with some sleeping problems, but it is up to you to tweak your lifestyle so that you can enjoy quality sleep. If you wake up several times at night, find yourself gazing at the ceiling due to insomnia, or experience daytime sleepiness, you need to improve your sleeping habits.
First starters, you need to ensure that you sleep in a conducive and relaxed environment. You also need to maintain artificial light to a minimum since it is responsible for suppressing melatonin, a hormone responsible for sleepiness. Performing some bedtime rituals such as meditation, listening to soft music, and taking a warm relaxing bath is also recommended. Lastly, staying physically active can also help improve the quality of sleep.
Take Charge of Your Medical Care
When you reach 60, make sure you know of the various ailments that come with old age. Learn about the changes in hormones and body conditions comprehensively as you age, as well as take time to research about maintaining good health. Conversely, it would help if you got used to screenings and preventive care. Make sure you go for testing so that if you are ailing, it can be detected and treated early if you have an existing condition. It is crucial that you ask questions and seeks to understand your medical condition in detail. You can sit down with your health practitioner, come up with convenient preventive care and screening plans, and make sure that you honor any doctor’s appointments religiously.