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Promoting Healthy
Lifestyles
According
to the National Council on the Aging, 86 percent of seniors
believe that taking care of one's health is the most
valuable key to a meaningful and vital life. Here are
three areas where seniors can focus their efforts in
maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Activity
Regular and consistent exercise is the most proactive thing seniors can do to
remain healthy. It is a misconception that health factors may prevent seniors
from performing exercise. Exercise can be modified or tailored to fit most medical
conditions. In fact, exercise can go a long way toward improving certain physical
ailments, and it is a proven factor in improving attitude and combating depression.
Thirty minutes of regular exercise is recommended for all seniors, whether it
consists of aerobic activity designed to improve cardiovascular health or workouts
with weights to help build muscle strength. Exercise does not need to be complicated
or involved. An activity as simple as taking a quiet walk after dinner can do
wonders to improve health.
Whatever your current state of health, it is best to consult a physician before
entering into any consistent exercise regimen. Your physician will be able to
recommend a type of exercise that will fit your specific needs. Also, do not
forget common exercise safety measures, such as staying hydrated with plenty
of water and stretching fully before each exercise session.
A Healthy Diet
Another area in which seniors can improve their health is through diet. Metabolisms
do change with age, meaning your body burns fewer calories as you get older,
regardless of your activity level.
Appetite may not be as great as it once was, but it is still important to eat
food that has as much nutritional value as possible. If you are not eating much,
choosing junk food that fills you up but offers no nutrients can only harm your
health.
A big part of maintaining a healthy diet as a senior follows the same common
sense that dictates healthy eating during any stage of life. Eat fruits and vegetables
whenever you can. Steam vegetables instead of boiling them to retain valuable
nutrients. Choose healthier meats such as lean pork, skinless chicken, and seafood.
Attitude
Perhaps the most often neglected aspect of healthy living for seniors is attitude.
A positive attitude about life and the future can be critical to staying healthy,
as stress and depression have their own physical consequences that can be avoided
through positive thinking.
Maintaining a healthy attitude is based largely on the individual. Seniors might
consider trying new hobbies, spending time with friends and family, and travel
or leisure activities as paths toward staying positive in their daily lives.
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