Did you know that there are around 58 million adults over the age of 65? This number is expected to continue to grow to around 88.8 million by 2060. It’s never too early to look for ways to improve your health as you prepare to enter your senior years.
The concept of active aging is designed to address every aspect of a person’s health. The goal of this concept is to increase your lifespan while improving your quality of life. However, it may seem like an overwhelming concept if you don’t know anything about it.
This blog will cover the basics of the active aging movement. We’ll discuss some of our top positive aging tips and lifestyle changes you can employ in your daily life.
What Is Active Aging?
Active aging is a concept that was adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and others to showcase the best practices for maintaining health and vitality in old age. It encompasses a person’s ongoing participation in the following things:
- Mental activity
- Physical activity
- Emotional health
- Social participation
The vision behind active aging is that all individuals, regardless of health, age, or socio-economic status, can fully engage in the concept.
Explore the Benefits of Active Aging
Active aging improves your life in more ways than just your physical health. A well-cared-for mind, body, and soul can sustain your health.
Improved Physical Health
Seniors can experience many physical benefits when they embrace active aging. Some of the most common ones include:
- Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, some cancer, and stroke
- Improved strength and balance
- Better sleep quality
- Enhanced bone health
- Reduced anxiety and depression symptoms
Increased Mental Health
Caring for ourselves can improve more than just our physical health. It can also help give our mental health a boost. A few ways active aging can impact your mental health include:
- Reduced chance of cognitive decline
- Improved self-confidence and mood
- Feeling connected to yourself and others
- Decreased feelings of depression and anxiety
Enhanced Social Engagement
Many seniors, especially those living on their own, suffer from feelings of loneliness and isolation. According to Michigan Medicine, around one in three adults experience isolation.
Exploring new hobbies, classes, and workshops can introduce seniors to new friends. They’ll also have something to look forward to when they participate in regular social activities. This can give seniors a sense of purpose and belonging.
Easy Ways to Embrace Active Aging
Making small changes to your daily living can help you lean into active aging. Keep in mind that these longevity tips don’t have to be complicated. Minor alterations to your routines can make a major impact on your overall health.
Increase Your Water Intake
Seniors typically have a lower water content in their bodies than younger people. Unfortunately, this makes them more likely to get dehydrated.
You may also not feel as thirsty the older you get. Decreased kidney function can also play a part in your fluid retention.
It becomes even more important for seniors to work hard to stay hydrated. The elderly should aim to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water each day. This amounts to 50 to 67 ounces.
A few tips to help make it easier for you to increase your water intake include:
- Keep water nearby
- Flavor your water
- Consume hydrating foods
- Make homemade popsicles
- Drink smoothies
Get Movement Each Day
As we mentioned earlier, getting regular physical movement can improve your overall health. Having a sedentary lifestyle and a poor diet can result in major health problems, such as:
- Depression and anxiety
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cardiovascular diseases
The exercises you participate in depend on your mobility and interests. Some types of exercise you may want to explore include:
- Yoga
- Swimming
- Tai-Chi
- Walking
- Jogging
- Dancing
- Cycling
Keep in mind that you may want to pursue low-impact exercise options. These are great for seniors because they can get your heart rate up while being easy on your joints.
Schedule Regular Health Exams
Seniors become more at risk for chronic health conditions as they age. It’s important to schedule regular health appointments to get evaluated for past and new conditions.
You and your doctor should create a plan that focuses on preventative care while keeping an eye on certain conditions that tend to emerge later in life. A few appointments you should regularly schedule include:
- Mammograms
- Bone density screenings
- Colonoscopies
- Cholesterol and blood panels
- Dental cleanings
- Eye exams
Depending on your health, you may want to schedule appointments with certain specialists. These doctors may include:
- Dermatologists
- Urologists
- Cardiologists
Eat a Healthy Diet
Your diet plays a major role in your overall health. This includes the amount and type of food you eat. It’s pivotal for seniors to adopt a nutritious and balanced diet to preserve their physical wellness.
You should pick a diverse selection of foods from the major food groups within the food pyramid when deciding what to eat. A few of the kinds of foods you should incorporate into your diet include:
- Low-dairy products
- Lean proteins
- Whole grains
- Fruits
- Vegetables
These types of foods will provide you with the fiber and vitamins you need to rescue your risk of age-related health conditions. They can also help support your bodily functions.
The quality of food you consume will also play a role in your health. For example, eating high-calorie foods will negatively impact your health.
Focus on consuming minimally processed foods. This can help you avoid certain chronic conditions, including:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Some cancers
- Cardiovascular diseases
Stay on Top of Your Health With Our Healthy Living Tips
Active aging is a great way to ensure every aspect of your health is cared for as you age. It’s never too late (or too early) to start adopting some of the tips we’ve suggested. Take ahold of your health and lifestyle by looking for ways to give yourself a boost.
At Discovery Village at Deerwood,we prioritize the heath and wellness of our residents by hiring the best individuals in the industry. Our staff members bring over decades of experience in the senior living lifestyle. Reach out to our office to schedule a tour of our senior living community and speak with one of our experienced staff members.
