How to remain active in your seniority or old age?

• By Admin admin
• February 21, 2024

Introduction:

Aging brings changes in all areas of life, from physical to mental, social, emotional, sexual, and more. Some of these changes can be viewed as positive and others as negative. The challenge is to maximize the positive aspects of aging and minimize the negative aspects through proactive health maintenance measures.

Ideally, you’ve been practicing healthy habits throughout your life. But even if you haven’t, it’s never too late to take proactive steps to maintain and even improve your health. Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference, and just adopting a few of the habits listed here will get you on the right track:

1. Be physically active for a healthy body and mind

Staying physically active can help counteract many of the effects of aging. According to kutumb. care, regular exercise can improve balance, help maintain mobility, improve mood by reducing feelings of anxiety and depression, and contribute to better cognitive function. It is also an important ingredient in the treatment of some chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, breast and colon cancer, and osteoporosis.

Any exercise is better than none, says the CDC, which recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (like swimming or brisk walking) each week; You can further reduce it to 30 active minutes a day, five days a week. He also recommends muscle-strengthening exercises twice a week. A list of CDC-approved physical activities can be found here.

2. Stay socially active with friends and family and in your community

Making the effort to interact with family and friends can have many health benefits. An article published in January 2019 in The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences found that participants (all over the age of 65) who reported higher levels of social activity were more likely to be in positive and less negative moods. feelings and a higher level of physical activity.

If you are not currently involved in an active social life, look for opportunities to reconnect with old friends or make new ones. Look for like-minded people in church groups, volunteer activities, gyms, alumni groups, or any other group that fits your interests.

3. Eat a healthy and balanced diet

To provide your body with the nutrients it needs and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, your diet should be based on whole foods that are high in fiber and low in saturated fat. A diet like the Mediterranean diet can help you with this. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes olive oil, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fish. It is low in red meat, full-fat dairy, and processed foods.

4. Don’t neglect yourself: plan your trials and respect them

Regular check-ups with your doctor, dentist, ophthalmologist, and nurse provide an opportunity to identify problems early and treat them before they get worse.

If you have one or more chronic medical conditions, take multiple medications, have memory or mobility problems, or were recently hospitalized, you may want to make an appointment with a geriatrician, notes the American Retired Association. Geriatricians specialize in the care and treatment of older people. After an initial consultation, they can refer you to other specialists, coordinate your care and treatment of health conditions, and help you create a care plan tailored to your needs.

5. Take all medications as directed by your doctor

It may seem obvious, but it’s worth remembering that you should always take your prescribed medication exactly as your doctor has told you. However, it’s also a good idea to have medications reviewed regularly with your GP to discuss whether prescriptions are still needed. The more medications you take, the more difficult it is to remember when and how to take them all, and the greater the risk of adverse (negative) reactions and drug interactions

.

While you should rarely stop taking any medication without first talking to your doctor, it can be worth proactively checking that all prescribed medications are necessary. And don’t forget that your pharmacist is another source of information about medications, side effects, and drug interactions.

6. Limit your alcohol consumption

The US Department of Health and Human Services Dietary Guidelines 2015–2020 recommend limiting alcohol consumption to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. However, a recent report by the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee also advises men to limit their alcohol consumption to one drink per day.

More recent recommendations are based on research showing that the risk of alcohol-related death increases by an average of one drink per day for both men and women.

7. Quit smoking to reduce your risk of cancer and heart disease

If you are a current smoker, you urgently want to quit smoking: According to SmokeFree.gov, the health benefits of quitting include a reduction in cholesterol, blood pressure, and heart rate; reduced risk of cancer, diabetes, and lung damage; and stronger bones, muscles, and immune systems.

8. Get the sleep your body needs

The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults over the age of 65 get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. As you get older, you may find that your sleep patterns change, allowing you to be more sleepy in the early evening and wake up earlier in the morning. This is not uncommon or problematic as long as you continue to get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep per night. If you have chronic or acute insomnia, talk to your doctor. He can help you figure out what’s keeping you up at night and suggest possible solutions.

9. Follow the rules of oral hygiene daily

To protect your teeth and gums, the ADA recommends brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing daily, and cleaning your dentures regularly. Not only will this routine keep your teeth and gums healthier, but preventing mouth infections through good oral hygiene can also help you manage other chronic inflammatory conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

10. Discuss changes in sexual function with your doctor

If you are experiencing changes in libido or sexual function that are affecting your sex life, talk to your doctor. The National Institute on Aging notes that help comes in the form of physical tools or medication, as well as communicating with your partner and exploring new avenues of physical and emotional intimacy. Your doctor can refer you to a sex therapist who can help you understand what a fulfilling sex life would look like and how to achieve it.

Warning signs not to be ignored

It is easy to attribute bad mood or tiredness to aging, but often aging is not the direct cause of these misfortunes. Feeling constantly exhausted or depressed is not normal at any age. If you’ve lost the energy or will to engage in activities you previously enjoyed, see your doctor. You may be suffering from depression or another condition that needs immediate treatment.

CONCLUSION:

At Kutumb. Care, we understand the challenges that come with aging, and we are committed to being a trusted partner in your healthcare journey. Our goal is to empower seniors and their families with the resources and services they need to maintain optimal health, prevent illnesses, and enjoy a happy and fulfilling life.

With Kutumb. care by your side, you can rest assured that your health and well-being are in good hands. We are here to support you every step of the way, providing personalized care and services to ensure that you and your loved ones receive the best possible healthcare experience.

Remember, it’s never too late to prioritize your health. Reach out to Kutumb. care today and discover how our services can help you or your loved ones maintain a healthy and vibrant life. Together, we can navigate the aging process with grace and vitality.