Tips for Staying Healthy as You Age

As each birthday comes and goes, you may begin to feel the effects of aging. Whether you are feeling a little back pain as you walk around your Casa Grande home or you need a little boost of energy, there are several things you can do to stay in tip-top condition. When you make your health a priority, you will benefit in all areas of your life.

Here are a few tips for staying healthy as you age.

1. Eat a Well Balanced Diet

The elderly years are not the time to disregard your nutrition. What you eat plays a critical role in your energy, mood, and overall well-being. Many individuals eat more than the recommended amount of sodium, sugar, and fat. This can lead to a plethora of health issues including weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart conditions, etc. A few tips to help you eat a more healthy diet include:

• Prepare your meals in advance. Don’t give in to the temptation of going out to eat at local restaurants or fast food joints often.
• Eat a minimum of one serving of vegetables for every meal. This can be as simple as including spinach in your omelet, having carrot sticks with your sandwich at lunch, and enjoying a large salad with little dressing during dinner.
• Keep a food diary. This will help you see where you can make improvements to your food intake and it will help your doctor better understand your health as well.

2. Move Your Body

If you don’t want to battle chronic pain as you venture around Casa Grande, make daily exercise a priority. This will not only help you better manage the discomfort and other aspects of your body but it will improve your mobility, reducing your risk of falls, and improve your quality of life.

Exercise doesn’t have to be difficult and strenuous to reap the results. A walk around the block or a water aerobics class at the local aquatic center are fun, get you outside of the house, and offer incredible physical and mental benefits. However, if you do choose to participate in a lot of cardio, make sure to include some strength training in your workout routine as well. Cardio is excellent for the heart and to keep your body moving but if you want to improve your muscles and to prevent losing muscle mass, regular strength training should be accomplished.

If you have any questions or you don’t know how to properly workout as you age, work with a personal trainer. He or she can provide exercises based on your current activity level, strength, and health.

3. Take Your Medication

If you take medication regularly, do not stop. These medications will not only help prevent diseases but some can also act as pain management as you enjoy various activities around Casa Grande. Even if you feel like you do not need the medication, not taking it as prescribed can have devastating consequences.

Keep in mind that most medications will have a variety of side effects. These side effects will differ depending on your body and the type of medication but you may notice weight gain, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, depression, and more. If you are worried about the side effects, talk to your doctor. If you are experiencing any side effects and it is affecting your quality of life, seek medical help right away.

4. Do Activities You Enjoy

Your mental health is just as important as your physical wellbeing. As you age, it is easy to become lonely and depressed. You may easily become discouraged or frustrated as you battle neck pain in Casa Grande each day. To help improve your mental health, continue participating in activities that you enjoy. If you love walking or running, then go for it (with approval from your doctor). If you love to spend time fishing, knitting, cooking, etc., continue with these activities. This will help to improve your mood and your energy levels. It will also distract you from any stressful and discouraging events that may take place in your life.

6. Visit Medical Professionals Often

If you wish to stay healthy as an aging adult, it is important that you visit with medical professionals often. Even if you feel well and have few problems, regular checkups will help to catch potential problems before they become large scares.

Visiting with your primary physician isn’t the only medical attention you should seek. Dental cleanings and exams should be conducted every 6 months — if not more. Your oral health and physical wellbeing are connected and when your oral health isn’t in check, the rest of your body can suffer.

You should also schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. As you age, your risk of certain cancers and skin conditions increase. You should visit often to ensure there are no current problems or worrisome areas. Additionally, if you constantly hurt and have difficulty moving, visiting a pain clinic in Casa Grande is highly recommended.

The things you do to care for your body as you become older is similar to when you are a teenager. However, now you must be more proactive and make sure you are putting your health and well-being at the top of your priority list. When you let your health slide, you will feel the effects and there may be several consequences you endure. Eat a healthy diet, exercise daily, get enough sleep, and visit your doctor regularly and you will find your quality of life improves, you are happier, and your lifespan will likely increase.

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