Living healthily looks different at every stage of our lives. After all, the types of nutrition and exercise we need will change over time. Here are some ways you can stay on top of your health during your golden years.
Healthcare Options
Enrolling in Medicare can seem like a maze, but navigating it successfully is highly beneficial for your well-being. Indeed, even the basic plan, known as Original Medicare, offers annual checkups that can identify a range of health issues. However, if you choose a more comprehensive policy, like Medicare Advantage, some of those check-ups can even be performed in your own home. Likewise, Medicare Advantage offers additional features that could support a healthier lifestyle, such as dental and vision examinations. Yet, beyond those choices, you will have to decide which plan is most cost-effective, as the more expensive Advantage could potentially save you money in the long-term thanks to its broader coverage.
Eat Well
Having a balanced, nutritious diet can be a cornerstone of a healthier lifestyle. Thankfully, having one doesn’t mean investing in new kitchen appliances or spending most of your time at the stove. There are plenty of easy and quick recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, from whole grain pancakes to quinoa salad. Otherwise, you might consider a meal plan service to have nutritious options conveniently delivered to you. Going this route ensures your diet meets your needs while you focus on other health priorities.
Stay Fit
Being active not only strengthens you physically, but it also helps improve flexibility and protects you against various health issues. Of course, getting fit may require experimentation as you will want a workout that suits you. So, don’t rush in, but instead, get advice from your doctor and try gentle exercises at first. For instance, do push-ups against the wall, or use a chair as support when practicing squats. Better still, you could take your exercise out of doors by walking whenever possible, whether to the store or the local park. However, as with any workout, make sure that you warm up and cool down to avoid injury, and stop whenever you need to.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep can have a positive influence on whole-body health by raising our energy, reducing stress, and making us more alert. Unfortunately, a good night’s rest isn’t guaranteed, but you can improve your chances. You want to stick to a regular sleep schedule, no matter what you do during the day. With that in mind, make it a policy to cut out tech before bedtime, and consider reading or taking a relaxing bath instead. Beyond that, make sure your bedroom’s temperatures are cool and that light doesn’t creep in. Considering how sleep is our primary foundation for a good day, we all need to invest in being well rested.
Be Safe
A healthier lifestyle also means making adjustments to stay safe. After all, the safer we are, the more independent we can be. In particular, that may mean making home modifications for accessibility, decluttering, or even investing in a medical alert bracelet. Along those lines, it’s good to know when it’s time to step away from driving. It’s critical that as an older driver you remain on the lookout for warning signs like stiff joints, poor eyesight, or hearing difficulties. These issues can become a hazard, and you must communicate any concerns to a doctor. While it’s never easy to give up a source of independence, there may come a time for the safety of others. Keep in mind that giving up driving doesn’t mean a loss of freedom. There are many alternative ways to get around, including public transport, taxis and volunteer shuttle services supplied by a local community organization.
Each step may seem small, but every single one gets you closer to your health goals. Look after your safety, sleep better, eat smart and get some exercise daily. You may be surprised by how well you feel as the changes stack up.