Despite several industries working hard to fight aging, the process happens to everyone. Doing it in a healthy way involves several factors that you can control and several you cannot control. Your genetics play a major role in how you age, but you can take these five steps to live a long and healthy life at one of many retirement communities in AZ.
1. Make healthy eating choices
What you put into your body makes a difference. Rather than eating highly processed foods, turn to foods with simple ingredients. Whole fruits and vegetables are filled with nutrients that help you body stay healthy. Dont’ forget about whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins when you build your menus. When you get older, your metabolism slows, so you’ll find your eating habits change. Many older adults often benefit from eating fewer small meals rather than three large ones.
2. Prioritize movement
Eating healthy food goes hand-in-hand with healthy exercise. As you age, you’ll find your physical activity changes. Prioritizing movement will keep your heart and joints healthy. Try to walk at least 8,000 steps each day. Take the stairs when you can. Older adults should prioritize their muscle mass and try to find time to do some type of weight-bearing activities like yoga or gentle stretching. Speak to your physician before you begin exercising to be sure that you are doing the best activities for your physical conditions.
3. Quit the addictive substances
Smoking, drinking, and drug use will age you quickly. The best thing you can do for your physical and mental health is to stop using addictive substances. Smoking increases your cancer risks, drinking alcohol ages your liver, and doing drugs harms several organs. Quitting isn’t easy, but there are several methods that work. Speak with your health care provider to find the solution that will work for you.
4. Develop a sleep routine
Our busy worlds often prevent us from sleeping well each night. Adults need sleep to stay alert throughout the day. Sleeping well can improve your creativity. It also helps you with decisions, and it can reduce obesity and heart disease.
Most adults need seven to nine hours, but many get significantly less. If you get too little sleep, you can become irritable and depressed. You are also more likely to fall or have an accident if you aren’t sleeping well.
You can improve your sleep by creating a sleep routine, moving during the day, and engaging in meditation and relaxation exercises before bed. Go to bed at the same time each night and wake at the same time each morning.
5. Get involved in your community
Spending time with people improves overall wellness. On the flip side, isolation can cause problems that harm your health. You can help yourself by getting involved in your community by joining groups that do things you enjoy. Volunteering and spending time with other people will reduce your stress levels and make you feel better. Researchers find that socialization can make a big difference when it comes to health and wellness.
Photo by Philippe Leone on Unsplash
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
