It is important that you look after yourself as you age. There are many important tips and tricks to follow if you want to stay happy and healthy in your golden years.
Drink Plenty Of Water
You should be drinking at least 2 litres of water a day. This is to replace water lost through the body’s everyday functions such as sweating and going to the toilet. There are many benefits to drinking water, these include aiding with weight loss, keeping the skin hydrated and boosting your immune system. If you struggle to remember to drink as a lot of people do then there are things you can do to remember. You can set an alarm to go off every hour to remind you to have a glass of water. You can also purchase special water bottles that have lines and times on again to help you get those vital drops.
Exercise
As you get older your metabolism slows down, thus meaning you can put on weight a lot more quickly and easily than your younger self. Just 30 minutes of exercise a day will help you stay fit and healthy and prevent those excess pounds from piling on. As you age your joints can become weaker so keeping them mobile will help a great deal. Exercise can be anything from a brisk walk in the countryside to a yoga or pilates class.
It is also important to look after your brain health. The age-old saying ‘use it or lose it’ applies here and is very accurate. If you keep cognitive activity to a medium or high level then you have less risk of developing Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Brain training is an option, as is sudoku or crossword puzzles. Anything that gets you thinking is a bonus for your brain health.
Diet
Your nutritional needs will alter over time, so as you age it is important you are getting all the necessary vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy. You will be more prone to nutrient deficiencies due to the body lacking the ability to absorb them so watching what you eat is vital. Postmenopausal women need to be extra careful with their diet as lower levels of estrogen in the body mean fat can gather in unwanted places, especially around the middle. You won’t be able to eat as much as you did when you were younger as you don’t need as many calories when you get older.
It might be worth looking into adding a vitamin supplement to your diet as this will ensure you get all the vitamins your body needs to function.
Sleep
Sleep is important for you at any age as it helps with brain function and cell repair. However, the older you get the more important good quality sleep becomes. If you are feeling tired and groggy you have a higher risk of falling over and seriously hurting yourself. Good quality sleep contributes to higher memory retention as well. You may be on medication that prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep, if this is the case you should talk to your doctor about the possibility of changing medication so you can gain those extra forty winks.
We hope this helps you gain a better understanding of how to look after your body and mind as you age. Look after your body and it will look after you.
