Last Updated on March 22, 2024
When it comes to developing healthy habits, it can often feel overwhelming. However, living a healthy lifestyle can make your life much easier and enjoyable, especially during your golden years. Seniors who exercise spend 25 percent less time being injured than those who don’t, so it’s incredibly useful and important to exercise regularly. Here are a few methods to help you improve your physical and mental health in a long-lasting way.
Start Small with Healthy Habits
After New Year’s, many people set resolutions that they eventually give up on after a month. This can be in part to trying to do too much all at once. Instead, focus on starting small. Try to change one habit instead. For example, if you’re hoping to change your diet, start doing one thing like drinking more water. This can help with skin health and overall energy.
Get to Know Your Medicare Plan
Your Medicare plan is your gateway to helpful resources and tools. Take some time to learn about its benefits, so that you can take full advantage of all that it has to offer. If you need additional coverage, Medicare Advantage has options for you. For example, Medicare Advantage plans through Humana provide supplemental benefits such as the SilverSneakers fitness program, as well as dental and vision coverage.
Create a Healthy Eating Environment
Eating well is about more than just controlling weight. The National Institute on Aging mentions that many older adults suffer from micronutrient or vitamin deficiencies that can be remedied by eating more fruits and vegetables.
However, you need to eat more fruit and vegetables. It’s all too tempting to give in to the unhealthy snacks when they’re so readily available. Instead, fill your pantry and fridge with healthier snacks and find suitable substitutes, like replacing potato chips with carrot chips.
Do Exercises You Love Indoors
Making walking part of a healthy daily routine can be extremely beneficial, but finding a way to walk when the weather is too cold or too hot can be difficult. You can still exercise indoors and experience the benefits. Try going for a swim or do some yoga. You can also do some strength training and improve your joint health. There’s always something to do inside. Bad weather doesn’t have to stop you from taking care of yourself.
Take Group Classes
Social isolation affects not only mental health, but it can also have a major impact on physical health. If you’re trying to exercise more regularly, take some group workout classes instead. There are strength training classes, yoga classes, water aerobics, and other classes where you can get active and meet new people.
Get a Pet
Older adults and pets are a natural pairing, as they can provide tremendous benefits and meaning to each other. After making sure you don’t have allergies, adopt a pet that can keep you company. You’re not just limited to cats or dogs; birds, reptiles, and fish can also make for entertaining and interesting companionship.
Play Fun Brain Games
Keeping your mind sharp is always a healthy thing to do. Games like Sudoku can help to train the brain to focus and strengthen working memory. You can also do crossword puzzles or even read some new books. If you’re really want to try new skills, take a class on something that interests you. Learn to draw realistic faces, start speaking a new language, or try your hand at woodworking. There is always something new to try.
Try Positive Reframing
Having a mindset that focuses on positive aspects of life can be difficult, but doing so can help with aging and overall health. Positive reframing can help you take typically negative situations and help you see the bright side. Instead of focusing on failure, focus on what you can learn. This is vital in helping you create healthy habits, as it can help you start over when you struggle.
Healthy habits are important for all stages of life. Exercising regularly, learning new things, and maintaining social ties are all vital parts of aging well. Start with building these habits one at a time and be patient with yourself. You’ll experience the benefits soon enough and enjoy the confidence that comes with making healthy decisions.