Lifestyle Health Tips for Seniors

It is important to understand the mental and physical changes that are a normal part of aging and those that are not or are things you need to address with your doctor. Listed below are some common changes you can expect and some seniors’ healthy lifestyle suggestions. Check out this great fitness site – More Health Life!

Bone Health
As you start to get older, your bones become thinner, more brittle, and lose mass and density, which can cause problems such as osteoporosis, increased chance of broken bones, and other issues. You can do some things that will help keep your bones healthy and prevent injuries—an essential part of maintaining an active, healthy life.

• Make sure you age getting enough calcium. Women over 50 and men over 70 should be getting 1,200 milligrams daily.
• Vitamin D is important as well, target 600 to 800 international units (IUs) daily.
• Weight-bearing exercises like walking and weightlifting can help slow bone loss.
• Smoking can increase bone loss, so if you have not already, keep trying to quit.
• More than a drink a day for women or men over 65 can speed bone loss. So if you drink, do so in moderation.
• Make sure your diet includes lean protein, like eggs, lentils, shrimp, lean beef, dairy, white-meat poultry, and soy.
• Maintain healthy body weight; if you are underweight or overweight, your chances of bone loss and fractures increase. Maintaining a healthy body weight is good for your bones and your overall health.

Skin Health
As you get older, your skin loses its elasticity, and as much as we hate to admit, it can start to wrinkle. How well you took care to protect your skin throughout your life impacts your skin’s health as you get older. Being outside can be a big part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for elders, so make sure you are always using sunscreen and moisturizer and wearing a hat to protect your skin and prevent further damage and lower your skin cancer risk.

Sexual Health
Being aware of changes to your body’s sexual function as you age is an integral part of maintaining your overall health and staying in tune with the kind of healthy lifestyle you desire. After menopause, women’s estrogen levels drop and can cause physical changes, including reduced vaginal lubrication and a reduction in your sex drive. As men age, erectile dysfunction can occur and may indicate underlying medical issues or be side effects of some prescription drugs. Fortunately, many of these physical issues can be treated with help from your physician. Getting older does not mean you have to stop enjoying a healthy, active sex life which is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle for many. Check out this great video about Love After 50.

Digestive System Changes
As you get older, your digestive system slows down, which can cause issues such as constipation, stomach pain, and nausea. Another common cause of digestive problems can be the prescription drugs you are taking. To help avoid or minimize these issues, you should ensure that you are getting enough fiber in your diet, drinking enough fluids, water specifically, exercising, and managing your stress levels. All things that you should be doing anyway to stay healthy and active.

Stay Socially Active
Your mental health is an integral part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for the elderly. Maintaining strong relationships with friends and family has many health benefits. Studies have shown that those over 65 with higher social activity levels were more likely to have positive moods, less negativity, and higher physical activity levels. If you don’t have an active social life or friends or family close by, look for opportunities to connect with others by attending church, joining a gym, volunteering, getting involved with alumni groups, or any other group that corresponds with your interests. A senior’s lifestyle does not have to be, nor should it be a socially isolated one.