5 Habits To Help You Stay Healthy Into Old Age
No one enjoys getting older. Once you hit middle age, your body starts to decline, and you notice you’re not as young as you used to be. Your hair begins to fall out, your joints ache, and you struggle with activities that your youthful self would have completed with ease.
But how you age is up to you. Not everyone ages in the same way. Look at stars like Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford. Both well into their seventies but still as fit and sprightly as ever, making Hollywood blockbusters and not seeming at all restricted by their aging bodies. What’s their secret?
It should come as no surprise to you that there is no magical potion of life that keeps you looking young, but the secret instead lies in good habits. Habits that begin when you’re young and carry on into old age.
By adopting certain habits now, you can ensure you age as gracefully as possible and enjoy your golden years in the peak of physical and mental health.
Eat a balanced diet
The things that you put into your body have a significant impact on your long-term health. A diet full of greasy takeouts and boozy nights out will inevitably quicken the aging process. A balanced diet should be full of fruit and vegetables, low in saturated fat, and contain plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids to keep your skin looking radiant and youthful. Ensure you stay hydrated and limit the amount of caffeine and alcohol you consume.
Look after your back
Back pain is one of the most common complaints people suffer as they get older, and it can severely impact your quality of life. By paying attention to your posture while young, you can ensure you remain spritely and agile as you enter old age. If you work at a desk, you should start taking steps to improve your posture as well as minimizing the amount of time you spend sitting. Take regular breaks and stretch throughout the day. Experts such as Dr. Ian Edwards Chiropractor recommend Pilates and other forms of physical exercise to keep your spine strong and healthy.
Stay active
Physical exercise is the most effective way to live a longer and more fulfilling life. You don’t have to run a marathon or win any weightlifting world records, but thirty minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day is more than enough to stave off age-related degeneration. If you’re not much of an exercise fanatic yet, here are some ideas for beginners to get started.
Get enough sleep
Sleep is important for our health because it allows our bodies to repair and recharge. Many chronic ailments can be worsened by a lack of sleep. It’s essential to get eight hours of sleep a night. Try limiting caffeine, alcohol, and screen time in the hours before bed and establish a bedtime and morning routine to make things easier.
Have regular checkups
With many age-related concerns, the symptoms are often spotted after it’s too late. Complaints like hearing loss, vision impairment, and arthritis can all be diagnosed before they get too severe. This is why it’s important to have regular physical checkups as you get older. This way, you can address any health concerns early on and take steps to minimize their effect on your life.