Your Daily Routine Matters! 7 Tips for Healthy Ageing
Getting older doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to face a growing list of health complaints and a decreasing quality of life. Far from it, in fact. There are actually plenty of positives associated with becoming an older, wiser adult. But, to really make the most of your time, it does help if you take a few steps to maintain your health!
You won’t be the first person to ask, “how healthy am I for my age”, and with skin, bones and even your brain behaving differently, you might worry that you’re starting to decline. Thankfully, our simple tips for healthy ageing can really help, and the good news is, it’s never too late to start!
Most common health problems in the elderly
There are a number of common complaints that affect otherwise healthy people as they age that can make them feel like they’re in worse condition than they really are:
- Bones – Bones become thinner and more brittle as we age, particularly in women. That can put you at an increased risk of broken bones when you fall.
- Heart – A good diet and plenty of physical activity will help to maintain a healthy heart, but it can still become enlarged as you age and your heart rate may fall.
- Teeth – The tough enamel that protects your teeth from decay wears away over the years leaving you more susceptible to cavities. Gum disease is also more likely in older adults.
- Digestive system – The digestive tract becomes firmer and more rigid with age, potentially leading to stomach pain, nausea and constipation.
- Senses – You may notice that your vision, hearing and sense of taste are not quite as sharp as they once were.
How to stay in the best possible shape
So, what can you do on a daily basis to reduce the impact of some of these common health complaints and promote healthy ageing?
- Stay physically active
Regular exercise is one of the simplest ways to maintain your physical and mental wellbeing. Signing up for dance classes, Pilates, line dancing or simply walking as much as you can will help to keep heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and depression at bay.
At Westgate care homes, we always to promote healthy ageing and encourage our residents to stay active by offering a range of activities to keep them fit as fiddles. This can be dancing, a spot of gardening, or activities put on by Ooomph! Wellness.
- Eat a healthy diet
As you age, you’ll find your appetite tends to decrease. Eating as much nutrient-rich food like vegetables, fruit, nuts, whole grains and fish as you can will keep you active and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
All our care homes have their own chefs preparing delicious homecooked meals for our residents, while our blog on the best supplements for elderly life can give you more information if you’re looking to understand more about health ageing and eating.
- Exercise body and mind
Studies have shown that new skills such as learning a language or a musical instrument, attending educational classes and even dancing can slow cognitive decline.
- Maintain relationships with family and friends
Common life changes in older adulthood can lead to loneliness and social isolation. Maintaining regular communication with family and friends and reaching out to those who may be lonely improves your ability to handle stress and reduces the likelihood of depression.
- Don’t neglect your health
No one particularly likes going to see the doctor, but when you get older, regular check-ups with your doctor, dentist and optometrist are a must to ensure healthy ageing.
- Get plenty of sleep
Older adults need just as much sleep as younger people, but often they get much less. Developing a regular bedtime routine and sticking to it will make sure you get plenty of sleep.
- Reduce stress
As we age, the brain’s ability to deal with stress decreases, potentially leading to memory loss, fatigue and depression, so avoid stressful situations wherever possible.
Promoting healthy ageing
At Westgate Healthcare, every one of our care homes and nursing homes provides nutritious, homecooked meals three times a day. We also host regular events and activities to make it easy to socialise and keep your body and mind active. Enquire today to find out more.
