Although genetics play an important role with longevity, certain lifestyle choices ultimately determine how healthy you’ll be as you age. From staying active to remaining social, you can increase your quality of life by practicing a few important habits. To ensure that you enjoy life even in your senior years, you can begin to make certain choices today.
Take Naps – Naps are essential each day to increase alertness and improve both your memory and learning capabilities. It can also improve your overall health by increasing cortisol levels in the body which combat stress and tension. For some people, small naps during the day and shorter sleeping times at night can help with energy levels.
Remain Social – Staying socially active is crucial to your mental health and confidence, making it easier to thrive in old age. For individuals over the age of 65, social activities are proven to prolong life and reduce the risk of depression due to isolation. It can also increase mental health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems.
Drink Plenty of Water – Most people are aware that it’s important to maintain a healthy diet with age, but drinking plenty of water is important for calorie control, muscle fuel and proper kidney function. It can also keep your skin looking youthful and help control dry skin. Becoming dehydrated can quickly cause other health concerns, so it’s important to drink water through the day.
Get Hearing Aids – If you notice that your hearing has declined in recent years, it’s important to get hearing aids if they’re needed to recognize speech over the phone and improve your communication with family or friends. This will allow you to stay connected and avoid potential problems or confusion that can occur when you’re unable to hear certain sounds or voices. County Hearing And Balance can help you understand what type of hearing aid would be best for you.
Get Frequent Eye Exams – After the age of 40, vision can rapidly decline and cause problems with driving or reading. It’s important to schedule frequent eye exams to prevent further damage and stay current on your prescription. You should also wear sunglasses outdoors to reduce strain that can be caused by the sun.
Maintain Hobbies – Enjoying hobbies is important to your mental and physical health, which can include playing tennis, scrapbooking, photography, or bowling. It allows seniors to enjoy life and have events or activities to look forward to as they age, which can reduce stress and improve cardiovascular health.
Instead of succumbing to the mental and physical ailments that can come with age, there are a number of ways to improve your lifestyle and truly enjoy each day. By maintaining proper health, you can allow yourself to thrive and feel younger even in your senior years.