It’s a simple fact of aging: The older you get, the more your body can become susceptible to chronic diseases, such as heart issues, hypertension (high blood pressure), type 2 diabetes, degenerative joint conditions, stroke, or other health problems.
However, no matter your age, there are simple ways you can improve and maintain your health.Here are the top 10:
- Monitor and regulate your weight.Check your body weight each day or on a weekly basis and take steps, such as modifying your diet to cut calories or working out to burn more, to maintain a healthy weight accordingly.
- Limit or eliminate your intake of unhealthy foods. Avoid saturated fat, sugar, and processed food as much as possible. Eat nutritious meals with more protein and fiber, including lean meat, freshwater fish, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Take a multivitamin supplement daily.Micronutrients like vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, and E, in addition to zinc, iron, copper, selenium, and magnesium, are vital for a strong immune system.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.This helps lubricate your joints and keeps your urinary tract operating smoothly. At the same time, limit your consumption of caffeinated beverages that contain sugar.
5.Be physically active and exercise regularly.The last thing you need as you age is to become sedentary.Even if it’s just taking a daily walk or a light to moderate workout, physical activity not only helps keep you in shape but enables restful sleep, all of which keeps you mentally alert and can help boost your immune system.
- Reduce your screen time.Spending lots of time sitting in front of a computer puts you at risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke – even if you exercise regularly. If you must work long hours in a seated position, take frequent breaks and walk around your office or room several times per day.
- Get enough quality sleep. Help keep your immune system functioning properly by getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
- Moderate your alcohol consumption. An occasional glass of red wine may be good for your health, but overindulging in alcoholic beverages can lead to heart and liver problems, not to mention having an adverse effect on your mental and emotional state. Sobriety equals a healthier lifestyle.
- Manage your emotions.Fear, anxiety, stress, uncertainty, and depression are all common aging-related feelings that can lead to illness or injury. To deal with it effectively, you can practice yoga, exercise regularly, engage in forms of body manipulation such as massage and Tai Chi, and/or become active in your community where you can cultivate new and rewarding relationships.
- 10. Keep track of your mobility skills, sleep patterns, and heart rate. Use an app to monitor these factors, especially if you have a chronic medical condition such as obesity, diabetes, or heart disease. That way, you can alert your medical provider of any significant changes that require treatment to avoid worsening complications.
Medical Center in South and Central Florida
At Palm Medical Centers, we offer premier primary care that focuses on the healthcare needs of seniors 65+. Our team of board-certified medical professionals excels at providing the type of high-quality, value-based primary healthcare services that can help keep you healthy as you age. With multiple convenient locations throughout South and Central Florida, our patients have access to a wide variety of healthcare specialists and social service guidance that can enhance their well-being and provide cost-saving benefits.
To learn more about the advantages of becoming a patient at Palm Medical Centers, call us at (833)500-PALM (7256) . You can even request a tour of one of our clinics. Either way, we look forward to meeting with you soon.
