Ten Tips
for Healthy Aging
Today,
due to numerous medical and scientific advances, people are living longer
than ever before. But you don't just automatically live longer—you
have to be good to your body, mind, and soul. The following 10 tips are
a good start for getting you on your way to living a long and healthy
life.
1. Eat a balanced diet —one that is rich in fruits, vegetables,
whole grains, and fiber and low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol.
A well-balanced diet can provide your body with the essential nutrients
needed to achieve and maintain optimum health. In patients with osteoporosis,
or previous fracture, additional supplementation of 800 IU of vitamin
D with calcium may be needed. Especially, if dietary intake is poor and
access to sunlight is poor.
2. Be physically active —try to incorporate 30 minutes of activity
into your day, every day. The options are endless; start walking on the
beach in the mornings, join a yoga class, try jogging with a friend, sign
up for a basketball league, or go for a bike ride in the afternoons. Make
sure you choose activities that you enjoy, that way you'll be more likely
to make them a habit.
3. Get regular preventive check ups —see your doctor regularly;
remember your doctor is your partner in healthcare. The two of you are
working toward the same goal—your optimum health. By having regular
check ups, you may be able to catch small problems before they become
big problems. And, it is just as important to visit you dentist regularly
as well.
4. Don't smoke —cigarette smoking is the number one cause of preventable
death. This year alone, more than 400,000 people will die from smoking-related
causes. It is never too late to quit. Your body will begin to feel the
benefits almost immediately. Did you know that after one day of quitting,
your risk of having a heart attack decreases?
5. Be safe —use common sense and be street smart. Don't put yourself
in situations that are questionable. Just a few ways you can put safety
first include: Always wear your seatbelt and bike helmet, use smoke and
carbon monoxide detectors in your home, don't go for a run, walk, or jog
at night by yourself. Most attacks happen to people who are alone...just
by bringing a friend, you reduce your risk. Use medicines wisely: follow
directions and ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects and drug
interactions. Keep your home well lit and free of things that could make
you fall.
6. Avoid environmental extremes —protect your skin when you are
outdoors—don't get too much sun. Dress appropriately for the weather
and avoid getting too hot or too cold.
7. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation —for a man under 65,
moderation means no more than two drinks a day; for a man over 65 or a
woman of any age, moderation means no more than one drink a day. One drink
is: One 12-ounce bottle of beer or One 5-ounce glass of wine or 1.5 ounces
of spirits
8. Keep your personal and financial records in order —start planning
now for your long-term housing and financial needs. For information on
banking, saving, buying, getting credit, and investing, check out Money
Matters...an excellent resource that can answer many of your questions.
9. Stay in touch with family and friends —get to know your neighbors.
Take the time to be involved with your community. By creating a strong
social network, you will not only have friends to celebrate with when
good things happen, but also a support system in difficult times.
10. Keep a positive attitude —studies have shown that people who
have a positive attitude tend to live longer, and lead healthier and happier
lives. Don't take it all so personal; rarely does it really have anything
to do with you. Try to find the humor in life. And remember to laugh;
several studies have shown that laughter makes you feel better. But really,
who needed a study to prove that. Just laugh, and you will know it is
true.
Feel free to contact us at 800-515-5438 to hear more!
