We know it’s not just about living longer, it’s about living healthily and happily for longer.
Growing more forgetful and finding it difficult to pick up new skills may be part and parcel of ageing. There are many ways seniors can stave off the effects of old age on their minds. And this involves changes in all realms of life, from the physical to the mental. Some of these changes you may regard as positive and some negative. As you get older, the challenge is to maximize the positive aspects while taking proactive steps to maintain your health.
Stay active
Staying healthy and strong requires daily exercise. This will lower your risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even cancer. If that wasn’t enough, staying active can boost your self-esteem, improve your sleep, and give you more energy.
According to research, it is recommended that older adults do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, as well as strengthening exercises twice a week. But if that sounds like a lot, start small. And as you get stronger you will be able to work up to those amounts.
Stay connected
Spending time with others can prevent you from feeling lonely or anxious. If you find that you are no longer able to do the things you used to do, try to develop new hobbies and interests.
Use Skype to make video phone calls to friends and family who don’t live nearby.
Sort out your sleep
Many of us have trouble getting – or staying – asleep as we get older. This can leave you feeling tired and grumpy. Cut down on daytime naps, develop a bedtime routine, and put yourself to sleep at the same time each night to avoid insomnia.
Try a warm drink such as chamomile tea or hot milk before you go to bed.
Stimulate the Brain
There is no age limit to learning. Studies show that activities such as reading and writing can help with improving our memory. If you are more adventurous, you could invest some time to pick up new skills instead – be it adopting new technologies or learning a new language.
Eat healthily
A balanced diet is crucial to good health, energy and preventing illness. An ideal diet should be low in saturated fat, with lots of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, oily fish, and small amounts of low-fat dairy and lean meat.
Be sure to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration, which can leave you feeling tired and confused. You can also stay hydrated with tea, coffee, and fruit juice, but avoid fizzy drinks with added sugar.