Most adults feel strongly about maintaining their independence as they grow older. Whether you want to drive yourself to the store, take care of your own garden, or simply be able to live on your own. The best way to maintain your independence is to maintain your health. In honor of Healthy Aging Month this September, here are some tips on staying healthy through the years so that you can thrive living on your own.
Get Regular Checkups and Exams
One of the keys to staying healthy when you age is seeing doctors regularly and getting your annual exams. You need to visit a doctor at least once per year for an overall checkup. You’ll also need to make sure you get pap smears, mammograms and prostate cancer exams if they apply to you. These tests can catch problems early so that you have a better chance of recovering from them if they occur.
Improve Your Eating Habits
Your nutritional habits are crucial to maintaining energy and emotional balance as you age. Your aging body will need lots of protein, calcium and Vitamin D. You’ll also need plenty of B vitamins for your energy levels. You can get all these nutrients by making sure you eat three large meals or six small meals every day. Include items such as eggs, milk, green vegetables and fruits to get your daily dose of good stuff. Additionally, make sure you drink the recommended eight glasses of water every day to stay hydrated. The proper hydration will keep your body healthy and your skin looking youthful at all times.
Get Your Daily Dose of Supplements
You can also add to your nutrients by taking supplements if you don’t think you’re eating well enough to stay in good health. Visit the local health food store and ask for a multivitamin that might assist you. You could also opt to take individual supplements, but you should ask your medical practitioner for advice on which ones you need the most. Vitamin D3 is something that you may need to take as a supplement to the foods you eat. Vitamin D3 helps with calcium absorption. Having the right amount of calcium in your body keeps your ligaments, bones and muscles strong. Furthermore, the D3 supplement keeps your blood PH levels regulated and can give you an energy boost throughout the day. Ask your doctor for information on this nutrient and start taking it immediately if you need it.
Exercise More Frequently
Exercise has great benefits all around. It can keep your body toned and visually attractive. It can also keep your heart strong, which can prevent you from suffering from heart disease. The rule-of-thumb advice is to exercise at least three times a week and take pre-workout supplements before you exercise to aid your healing process.
Improve Your Mental Health
Mental health is crucial to your overall health because problems often manifest physically over time. To improve your mental health, you need to take one day out of the week to relax and do something you like to do. You might want to take a nice, warm bubble bath and watch a movie at the theater. Go see a comedy show or a concert while you sit back and have a nightcap. Take a walk on the beach with a loved one in the summer when the sunset hits. Join a church or a Bible study and get some spiritual nurturing when you’re not working. Speak to a therapist or mental health provider if you feel as though you have issues you need to resolve. The happier you are, the healthier you will be.
Healthy Aging Month is the perfect time to start living healthier every day. Pay close attention to the tips as mentioned above. Try them all and watch your health and strength increase more each day.