Elders aged 65 and above are prone to many health conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, infections like pneumonia and bronchitis, as well as chronic conditions like diabetes and respiratory illnesses, among many others.
To strengthen the immune system and avoid contracting and developing such health conditions, seniors should follow the tips below for healthy aging and happy retirement.
Take Medications as Necessary
If you have been prescribed medications by your doctor, take them as prescribed. Different health conditions demand different medications. That is why you should never carelessly take anything without consulting your doctor first. Moreover, do not stop taking medication unless directed by a health professional.
For example, if you have diabetes and you have been prescribed to take Glucophage, a medicine that helps regulate blood sugar levels, you should stick to the doctor’s directions. To save money on medications, you can find many Glucophage Deals, among many other discounts on coupons for the medication you are currently taking.
Moreover, review all the medications with your doctor and pharmacist. This way, you can apply necessary dosage changes and medicines’ application. It is also important to note that your pharmacist is an essential resource for side effects, information on drugs, and drug interaction.
Exercise
Doing regular exercises can help improve your mobility and balance. Moreover, it can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, thus improving overall cognitive function. It is also an immune system booster. You can fight body infections by following a physical fitness routine.
As you get older, you can find many excuses not to exercise. However, following a schedule of at least 50 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week can help you strengthen muscles and lower the risk of developing many age-related diseases. With about 20 to 30 minutes of exercise daily, you can avoid chronic illnesses like colon cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, breast cancer, and colon cancer.
Additionally, keep your mind active by engaging in some mental exercises. For example, you can dedicate an hour on the weekend to reading books, working in the garden, learning new life skills, or finding a new hobby to stimulate your mind and body.
Stay Socially Active
Maintain healthy social relationships with friends and family. According to The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences published in 2019, elders aged 65 and above tend to feel fewer negative feelings, perform higher levels of physical activities, and experience more positive moods by engaging in multiple social activities.
You can join different social groups like church groups, alumni groups, book clubs, garden clubs, and arts groups, among many others. You may also take dance classes/social dances, community gardens, cooking classes, and other support groups available to seniors. For those with health concerns, you may sign up for health condition support groups to learn tips for addressing common issues related to the disease and get general validation and encouragement.
Follow Well-Balanced Diet
As we grow old, there are necessary diet changes that we have to follow. For example, our diet should be composed of lean meat, fruits, and vegetables to boost our immune system and prevent contracting and developing diseases that might compromise our already vulnerable health.
Fruits and vegetables can be the most abundant source of a healthy dose of antioxidants that keep our cells healthy. A protein-rich diet is also essential to support mobility, strength, and quality of life.
Avoid chronic conditions like heart disease and fatty, sugary, and salty foods. You can follow meal plans like the Mediterranean diet, which is low in processed food, red meat, and full-fat dairy products. This type of diet is also high in fiber and low in saturated fats.
Get Enough Sleep
For adults over 65 years old, seven to eight hours of sleep is required, as The National Sleep Foundation recommends. This can result in a healthy immune system and lower stress levels. Adequate sleep can also help you improve concentration, memory, and overall cognitive function.
Moreover, with enough sleep, you can avoid incidents like falling and daytime fatigue, which are common in seniors.
Follow Your Checkup Schedule
To avoid bigger health issues, make it a habit to visit eye doctors, dentists, and specialist healthcare providers for early diagnosis and treatment plans. For those suffering from mobility issues or memory problems and recently hospitalized, you must schedule a checkup with a geriatrician or doctor specializing in the care and treatment of older people. This way, they can refer you to specialists to get the proper care your condition requires.
Final Thoughts
As we approach the retirement age, many health issues may arise, prompting us to take extra care of ourselves. To minimize the adverse effects of some health conditions, we must take proactive steps toward maintaining our health. Following the tips mentioned in this guide, we hope you can enjoy healthy aging and a happy retirement!
