How Exercise and Lifestyle Can Keep You Healthy and Active Into Your Golden Years

Are you in your life’s sixth, seventh, or eighth decade? As you grow old, you might notice significant changes in your capabilities and notable differences in your body. For instance, you might witness throbbing pain, severe aches, or other health problems that make walking or moving difficult. Likewise, you might suffer from appetite suppression or feel malnourished most of the time.

Potentially life-threatening illnesses and age-specific degenerative health issues are pretty common in today’s age. It’s because our bodies and minds go through a broad array of physical, emotional, and mental changes as we age. And while it’s true that some aspects of life are challenging to deal with, living a fully satisfying life for the elderly is still within reach. Meaning: there are heaps of lifestyle choices to optimize independence and mobility.

However, before we get into the lifestyle adjustments that can help you stay in the best shape of your life in your golden years. Let’s have a look at the following important factor:

ADVANTAGES OF HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHANGES FOR AGING ADULTS

Enhances the quality of life

As you grow old, you become more susceptible to chronic health problems such as diabetes, colon cancer, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, or immune system deficiencies. Specifically, women above 50 are at an elevated risk of these conditions as their bodies witness drastic changes concerning menopause.

Nonetheless, positive lifestyle changes can help aging adults manage their health conditions, overcome the risk of potentially life-threatening issues, and increase longevity. Likewise, women can embrace simple yet effective lifestyle choices to cope with mother nature’s changes and achieve peace with their menopausal bodies.

A few healthy lifestyle changes for women over 50 include regular exercise, healthy eating, and mindful journaling. These stepping stones can help women rejuvenate their bodies and mind, feel vibrant, and live life to the fullest.

Strengthens muscle mass

Loss of bone density and muscle mass is one of the repercussions of aging. Both males and females suffer from bone density loss; however, females drop 10% bone mass during the initial five years after menopause.

Given this, aging adults must maintain muscle mass to improve bone health, enhance independence, strengthen the immune system, and optimize hormonal and metabolic balances. Physical exercise and strength training can help seniors restore muscle mass. Additionally, regular workouts assist in lubrication and assuage joint inflammation. Not only this, these workouts lift off the pressure of the throbbing joints.

Improves mood and cognitive abilities

As per the National Institute of Aging, exercise and other physical activities brighten the mood and alleviate the symptoms of depression. It makes the person feel good, enhances relaxation, and improves overall health. 

Some of the fun exercises which you can start trying in your golden years are yoga, and pilates. They do not demand vigorous exercise regimes, but at the same time work on our strength, and good mental health. Sign up for some of the best pilates services right now. 

According to research back in 2019 of seniors aged 65 and older, the mood-lifting advantages of physical exercise continue even in later years, accentuating the significance of staying active and fit. Over and above, training and other lifestyle changes enhance brain function, allowing aging adults to multitask effectively.

Reduces the risk of falls and injuries

According to the CDC, an aging adult suffers from a fall in the US each second of every passing day, thus making it one of the primary causes of injury and death for this specific age group. And proving to be detrimental for the elderly to maintain their independence. Since older adults require prolonged periods to recover from fall incidents; therefore, it’s critically important to avoid such occurrences in the first place.

Physical therapies and exercises can help seniors prevent fall incidents. Evidence-based physical training and exercise strategies regulate coordination, improve balance and strength, and boost flexibility and endurance.

TIPS TO STAY PHYSICALLY FIT AND ACTIVE IN THE GOLDEN YEARS

With National Senior Citizens Day almost two months away, here’s a roundup of wellness tips, besides exercise, for aging adults to live a fulfilling, meaningful, and rewarding life:

Socialization

For most older adults, if not all, aging equates to isolation. As you retire from the job, children move out, and close ones pass away, it becomes easy to feel detached and lost. Unfortunately, this loneliness is one of the significant contributors to a wide array of physical health conditions. Also, it can take a massive toll on seniors’ mental health.

Keeping in touch with friends, family, and other loved ones is critical in this situation. Even if it’s tempting to lie in bed in the mornings now that you’re retired, you’re not required to go to work. Interaction with like-minded people in the morning helps keep your mind healthy. Letting the heart out and expressing emotions ingrains a sense of belonging.

With that said, try joining a language, game club, or fitness class. Also, leverage technology to stay connected with loved ones, such as FaceTime, to remain in touch virtually or revive the art of letter-writing to keep up with your peers.

Healthy eating

A well-balanced diet is vital from the moment an individual is born. That’s because the human body requires the right fuel to function at its peak efficiency. But unfortunately, the human body’s metabolism and digestive system tend to decelerate as individuals enter their senior years. 

The nutritional needs vary from younger to older adults, and to ensure sound physical and mental health, the elderly must receive an appropriate amount of specific nutrients. For instance, intake of high-fiber food items can help expedite metabolism and bolster energy levels. 

Besides, you might feel enticed to indulge in your favorite foods. However, that extra layer of cheese and slice of cake can leave adverse impacts on your well-being. These unhealthy food items can heighten the risk of chronic health conditions in the senior years. 

Therefore, eating a wholesome diet encompassing lean protein, fresh fruits, whole grains, and leafy greens makes sense. Also, loss of appetite can become one of the primary reasons for malnutrition, so it’s indispensable to keep an eye out for this.

Final Words

The way we feel mainly hinges on our thought process. At times, one of the best ways to combat feelings of solitariness and despair is to remind yourself of the little things you feel thankful for in your life. And express gratitude through journaling. Moreover, even if physical workouts weren’t part of your daily life. It’s better late than never to make amendments to your lifestyle choices and adopt healthy ones. 

As you enter your golden years, you deserve to live your life in the solace and full of happiness. Remember, the lifestyle changes you embrace, no matter whenever you begin, will yield positive results for your body. The more vigorous, healthier, and active you are, the less likely you will suffer from life-threatening diseases and lose independence in your senior years. 

All that’s to say, numerous adventures and opportunities await as you enter your later years. Therefore, seek out those adventures and make the most of the possibilities. This way, you can lead your golden years in the healthiest and most meaningful manner.