When Mr. Jason Lewis reached out to me and asked if he could write an article on my blog about senior wellness, I was definitley very intrigued since both my husband and I have mothers who are in their mid-eighties. I think you’ll enjoy what he has to say. THANKS JASON!
Seniors face some very critical health issues as they age. For example, in the United States alone, one in three seniors deals with an anxiety or depression diagnosis, while more than 12 million are managing type 2 diabetes. Some health concerns are a natural part of aging bodies, but that doesn’t mean people over 65 should have to spend their golden years plagued with additional health issues.
Fortunately, you can take control of your mental and physical health at any age. It’s never too late to age happily and in good health; here are eight tips to help you take charge of your health.
Get Exercise
Regular physical activity, like walking, jogging or taking a low-impact aerobics class, can prevent falls, reduce the risk of heart attack, and promote independence. Not only will you feel immediate physical effects, but exercise boosts the endorphins that improve and regulate mood, as well. See if your health plan covers Silver Sneakers exercise classes or call around to a few local gyms to get information on their senior discounts.
Try a New Hobby
Learning a new skill does wonders for the mind, and you can make a double impact by trying out a new physical hobby. Golf, for example, is a great skill for seniors to explore. It strengthens hand-eye coordination, gets you walking outdoors, and promotes social activity. Be sure to practice with a good set of golf clubs. Do a little research on the different styles and sets available so you can try before you buy.
Get Solid Healthcare Coverage
Protecting your physical and mental health means being proactive about your healthcare coverage. If you’re on Medicare, make sure you have all the gaps filled by learning what plans like Aetna Advantage cover. Traditional Medicare doesn’t cover vision, dental, or prescription drugs, but many advantage plans do, which helps you take a more proactive approach to keeping whole-body health in check.
Meditate Daily
Carving out 10-20 minutes a day to practice meditation can help you let go of thoughts, feelings and habits that lead to stress, worry or anxiety. Not only will you feel calmer in your mind, but you can feel healthier in your body. Meditation can relieve headaches, lower your blood pressure and tackle insomnia. There are tons of free meditation apps you can try out on your phone or tablet.
Start Swimming
Swimming is an ideal low-impact cardio exercise for seniors. Studies show that swimming can help with injury prevention, improve balance and boost lung health. You can make it a social activity by taking a water aerobics class, where you use the natural resistance of the water to improve strength and flexibility.
Volunteer
Giving back to your community is a powerful way to bring a sense of purpose and meaning to your life. Many seniors struggle with identity after their children move out or they retire from their careers. Volunteering is a way to give yourself meaningful work and the chance to stick to a routine and make new friends. Check out your local United Way for a list of volunteer opportunities in your area.
Take an Online Class
Challenging yourself with new skills is one of the top ways to keep your mind sharp. Many senior centers and community colleges offer free courses for people 65 and over. You can learn computer skills, play around with new business ideas or tap into your inner Picasso with art classes. Take a friend with you to make it social — or make a new one.
Keep a Food Journal
Tracking what you eat also reveals why and how you eat — sometimes this is a more powerful tool for making life-improving dietary changes. If your doctor is telling you to manage your diabetes more closely, then a food journal can help you see patterns, like how you always eat cake with that one friend or snack on cookies when watching your grandkids. You may not notice these patterns alone, but a food journal helps you keep track and make changes.
Just because you are in your 60s doesn’t mean your health is set in stone. Changes you make today, even small ones, can drastically improve your health and, in some cases, even reverse course. By being proactive with your health and well-being, you can give yourself a new lease on life and add more years to enjoy.
Do you have aging parents you care for?
Of these 8 tips from Jason, which do you practice regularly or which do you need improvement on?
Do you meditate on a daily basis? Learning a good meditation practice is hard for me.
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