Today, about 13% of the U.S population is age 65 or older. Older citizens make up the fastest-growing part of the community. Aging is better now than it was for our grandparents. There are social changes in our society and proven lifestyle habits that have allowed senior citizens to live longer. We also have organizations such as GSHS that provide health support to our older adults. People who led good healthy habits in their younger years tend to become healthy seniors. However, it is never too late. Good health habits can even assist senior citizens prone to illness. Here are some health tips for senior citizens aging into Medicare.
Table of Contents
1. Eat Healthily.
As you age, your digestive system slows down. Eating vegetables, high-fiber fruits, and whole grains can help you to keep healthy. Combining physical activity and eating nutritious food will help your body fight diseases such as blood pressure, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Seniors are also prone to dehydration. As such, plenty of water can help them to stay energized.
2. Quit Smoking.
Gone are the days when your lungs were strong. Smoking can lead to heart failure, strokes, and cancer. Men can also have erectile dysfunction. The smoke you inhale attacks skin elasticity and causes excessive wrinkling. Quitting this habit can be the primary step in staying healthy and combating aging.
3. Weight.
Excess weight will increase the chances of heart diseases, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Use the body mass index to check whether your weight is right for your height. Avoid sugary drinks and get used to taking plenty of water. Once you achieve the right weight, maintain it by eating healthy and staying active.
4. Stay Active.
Regular exercise ensures that the body maintains its strength, balance, and flexibility. Make sure you engage in physical activity to keep fit. You do not have to join the gym to stay fit. You can choose something that you love doing. For instance, you can walk your dog every morning. Exercise will also improve your cardiovascular health, control diseases, reduce stress, and allow you to sleep better.
5. Prevent Falls.
Your body becomes vulnerable as you age. Remove anything that puts you at risk of falling. Mend the loose carpet or throw away unwanted rugs. Keep your path clear of electrical cords and clutter. Make sure that your entire house is well lit, including the hallways. Wear well-fitting shoes with good support. If you have any health conditions, let your provider recommend the best exercises for you.
6. Sleep.
Most seniors have insomnia. Having adequate sleep allows your body to rest and release any tension. Turn off the lights in your bedroom to spur drowsiness. A comfortable, calm, and quiet bedroom will also ensure that you enjoy your sleep.
7. Socialize.
Do not lose your social touch because you are now old. According to Blue Angels Hearing, untreated hearing loss can increase the risks of social isolation. In the past, most people with hearing loss did not seek treatment. and struggled to hear in noisy situations and avoided social activities. Modern hearing aids can change all of that. Time spent with family, friends, and grandchildren will make you feel connected. Just like yoga and meditation, socializing is also a way of managing stress. Socialization can help you learn how to cope with old age and also facilitate positive thinking.
8. Prevention.
Remember that prevention is always better than cure. Make sure you take preventative care visits to your doctor. The visits may include health screening for heart problems, cancer, and many more. Check whether you qualify for Medicare coverage. Ask your doctor about the senior’s medications and consider possible drug interactions. Senior citizens should also get vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia.
9. Mental health.
Seniors are more prone to mental illness compared to other people. Health professionals recommend that older adults do crossword puzzles, read, write, and try new hobbies to engage their minds and connect with the world around them. Such exercise will prevent their mental health from declining.
10. Regular Checkups.
Your teeth, gum, ears, and ears can remain healthy if you properly care for them. Ensure you brush your teeth daily and get regular dental checkups. Research suggests that most people begin to notice a decline in their vision by the age of 50. You begin to find it challenging to focus on small objects or read small prints. Conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma are some common eye problems among seniors. Exposure to loud noise can also impair your hearing. Ensure you get regular checkups for your eyes and ears.
While it is a gift to grow old, seniors need to take care of their aging bodies. Maintaining these healthy tips can help you enjoy better health and an independent old age. These health tips for senior citizens aging into medicare will make a difference in how you feel as you age.
Featured Image by planet_fox from Pixabay
