5 Tips for Healthy Aging

Aging is a fact of life. Although we can’t turn back the clock, our older years really can be golden if we take good care of ourselves. Here are a few ways to feel better as we age.

Load up on high-fiber fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You may not have slowed down, but your digestive system has. Incorporating a lot of high-fiber foods into your diet will aid your digestive process and keep you filled and fueled. Make an effort to include high-fiber nutritious foods in your diet each day such as strawberries, brown rice, black beans and baked potatoes.   

Watch out for dehydration. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, your body still needs just as much and maybe more, water than it did when you were younger. The good news is drinking water is the cheapest and easiest way to keep your body thriving. Teaming water with a good amount of fiber in your diet can keep you moving and feeling great until late in life.

Take a daily multivitamin. Finding a good daily multivitamin will play a key role in your health. Even the most health-minded people struggle with fulfilling all their daily nutritional needs through meals alone. A multivitamin isn’t a substitute for healthy eating, but it is a great supplement to round out any nutrients you didn’t get from your meals that day. Talk to your doctor or a nutritionist about which multivitamin will be best for you.

Check with your doctor before starting an exercise program. While you’re asking your doctor about multivitamins, ask if you’re ready to get fit. This is especially important as you get older. Different ailments and aches come with age and your doctor may be able to recommend exercises that will benefit you the most without risks to your overall health. The saying ‘no pain, no gain’ is a myth. Exercise shouldn’t hurt.

Get active with others. Finding an activity that you enjoy doing will motivate you to continue your exercise plan. And finding a friend or two to join you will increase the likelihood that you’ll stay on a healthy track. Not only will it help your body, but the social aspect of your exercise will nourish your mind and soul. If you’re new to the area, look into fitness classes or organized sports to meet new people.

Exercise regularly. Exercising consistently has been proven to delay the onset on a variety of different diseases. But don’t confuse consistent with routine. Routines can be comforting, but they can also be boring and cause you to lose interest. If your doctor suggests getting 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise three times each week, try swimming one day, walking with friends another day and getting on an elliptical machine on day three.

Maintain flexibility by stretching.  Many muscular and skeletal problems that affect older people are the result of poor flexibility. More importantly, poor flexibility can affect your independence. Better flexibility will help to prevent strains and sprains from slips, falls, and awkward twists and turns. It’s also a great way to shake off those morning aches and pains.

Your best shot at making your body feel as young as your mind is taking great care of it. Don’t forget that your doctor is a great resource for helping you stay healthy.