A lot of people dread getting older. Most folks don’t look forward to wrinkly saggy skin, weakened physical conditions, and sicknesses that go with aging.
However, aging doesn’t necessarily need to come with all of those negative aspects if you only have the right habits. Ideally, you would have already established good habits at this point, but if not, it’s never too late to start.
Here are a few healthy habits that you can get started on so you age gracefully that any hospice nurse or nursing home attendant who sees you can’t help but be impressed at you.
8 Habits to Build and Maintain to Age Healthily and Well
1. Be physically active
Exercise and working out keeps the effects of aging at bay. It improves your balance, keeps you mobile, and improves your mood and cognitive function. It also helps manage chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and high blood pressure.
2. Stay connected socially
There are certain benefits to staying connected socially as you grow older Studies found that those who constantly kept in touch and sought the company of their family and friends are more likely to have a happier mood, lesser negative emotions, and a higher chance of being active physically.
3. Eat healthily
Not everyone is aware that the road to fitness starts in the kitchen. While exercise and physical activity contribute greatly to one’s physical health and wellness, the proper diet helps slow down the negative effects of aging on the body.
The right diet doesn’t just give you the proper nutrition your body needs, but it also helps you prevent chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
4. Don’t skip on medical and dental check-ups
One of the best ways to catch health problems early on is to regularly go and see your doctors, dentists, specialists, and health care providers. That being said, make it a habit always to see your doctors and dentist for your regular check-ups so that any physical or health condition can immediately be identified and treated early to prevent it from getting worse.
5. Never neglect your medication
If you’ve already been put on medication and maintenance medicine, make sure you don’t miss any of it. It’s a no-brainer always to follow your doctor’s orders and take your medicine as prescribed. Don’t just go drinking something without your doctor’s approval.
6. Minimize your consumption of alcohol
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines, alcohol consumption should be limited to two drinks per day for men and one for women. A more recent report says that a man should limit his drink to only one per day. Anything beyond the limits increases one’s mortality risk.
7. Say goodbye to smoking
We all know smoking is bad for health, but a lot of people can’t seem to kick the habit. As a matter of urgency, you might want to consider the health benefits of quitting smoking, such as lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart rate. It also minimizes the risk of acquiring diabetes, lung damage, and cancer.
8. Get enough quality sleep
As you grow older, your sleeping pattern will change, such as sleeping earlier at night and waking up earlier than you’re used to. Whatever your age is, sleep experts recommend that you get at least seven to eight hours of quality sleep at night, especially if you’re aged 65 and up.
Getting old does not need always to mean a negative thing. If you do the right things and take better care of your health, you will grow old gracefully and healthily.
