3 Steps To Maintain Health And Fitness Over 50

Most illness and health problems come up when your 50 years old and most of the time it becomes fatal when it is not managed. This is why, it is very essential to maintain health & fitness over 50. Reducing risk for health problems and maintaining a more independent lifestyle are benefits when you live a healthy lifestyle. There are three easy steps to maintain health & fitness over 50, namely taking on a healthy diet, having regular exercise and staying mentally active.

image from www.metrowestymca.org 

When you aged, your metabolism decreases and the amount of calories that you need reduces as well. To maintain health & fitness over 50, you must take into the mind that you need to eat foods with fewer calories compared to when you were in your 30’s. Eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, limiting high sugar, salt and saturated fats, and drinking a lot of water but less alcoholic or sugary drinks are just some ways to maintain a healthy diet. Try not to skip meals, particularly breakfast; instead eat small but frequent meals. Also, eat a variety of foods to ensure you are getting all the nutrients that your body needs.

In order to stay physically fit to preserve health & fitness over 50, it important to stay active and take into your system a regular exercise or a sport you enjoy doing. There are those who are even at their advance age, still play basketball and tennis to increase or maintain their endurance, while others choose to do yoga and tai chi to enhance their flexibility. If you do not normally exercise, start gently and one at a time. Once you get the hang of it, you can increase your exercise regimen gradually. For some who are not into sports, they can do regular activities such as, walking around the park with their pets or accompanying their grandchildren in the playground. Daily regular household chores, like house cleaning or backyard gardening can also be added to your tasks to keep yourself active.

Staying healthy physically should not be your only concern, maintaining mentally fit should also be put to mind to sustain health & fitness over 50. Change in mental ability is inevitable but deterioration can be prevented by proper coping mechanisms and keeping your brain active. Daily completion of puzzles, memorizing of shopping lists, and reading a book are just simple ways to keep your mind working. You will see sooner that your memory will still be intact even with your advance age.

Regular exercise of mind and body with healthy diet helps maintain independence and prevents illnesses such heart, endocrine, bone and muscle problems. Risk factors for some cancers are also greatly reduced. So, you should start watching what you eat and living a more active lifestyle.

Just to share, if one is really active throughout their lives, not only do they look young over 50 but they will also look great even if they reach 70. It is important to be able to make sure that they can see why they need to have these. An active lifestyle with definitely allow one to have a long life and younger look. This will also protect the body from diseases and illness because it has been kept active. Remember that these are definitely great benefits that many people will want to have.

Keep these in mind and build your habit. Also, don’t forget to make sure that you will accompany this with the proper diet. These two always go together and will definitely allow one to have the best results. Have fun!

Source: http://communityindependentschool.org/

How to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle When You Are Over 50

As you reach the age of 50, you need to adapt a lifestyle that will make you fit and strong. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle enables your body to combat age related diseases like Diabetes, osteoporosis and arthritis. It also increases the resistance power of your body. Here are tips on how to make sure that your body will remain strong and healthy even when you are over 50.

Regular Exercise and Weight Control

Some seniors find it difficult to move around because of weight problems or diseases. That is why doctors would recommend that seniors maintain weight or if above normal, should perform regular exercise in order to control weight. Walking is a good form of exercise for seniors. You can take a walk down the shady park or the mall if you can’t take the heat outside.

Eat a Nutritional Diet

Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that help fight off free radicals. As you grow older, you need to incorporate these kinds of foods in your diet. Adding calcium in your everyday diet can also help fight osteoporosis. This is a disease of the bone, characterized by bone thinning. If you need help in managing your diet plan, you can consult your doctor or a certified nutritionist.

Engage In Recreational Activities

Recreational activities like playing cards and board games promote socialization. It also improves your mental state. If you want, you can ask your friends to join you. However, take it simple. Avoid gambling because this can only increase tension and make your blood pressure high.

Preventive Health Care

When you are above the age of 50, you need to take necessary actions to prevent diseases. You can visit your doctor regularly to ensure that your health is okay. You can also take vitamins and supplements are recommended by your doctor. If you feel that something is wrong in your body like a bump or hair loss problem, you need to have it checked by your health care provider.

Acknowledge And Find Ways To Express Your Feelings

Some seniors are afraid to show their emotions. They don’t want people to see that they are weak.  They bury their feelings, until it leads to anger, hatred, and misery. You need to find ways to vent out your emotions. Don’t try to deny what you’re going through. You can express your feelings by talking to a trusted friend or a therapist.

Being healthy doesn't only mean you have to take care of your body. It is holistic. Healthy living means having a fit and strong body, mind and emotion. You need to make sure that you find meaning and joy in life. As you advance in age, you will experience many changes physically and emotionally. The way you cope up with these changes is very important. Your therapists will advise you to reminisce of your past accomplishments because it promotes self-worth. However, you need to make sure that you don’t live in the past. You should look forward in the future with happiness and contentment.

Source: http://www.intactwellbeing.com/

6 Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Women Over 60

Why is it that we all know exercise is essential to a long and healthy life, yet only 32% of us over 60 regularly exercise? Nobel laureate, Daniel Kahneman, explains that we’re wired to take the easiest way to any goal, and as we age, we tend to further let ourselves off the hook. We’re going to have to trick ourselves into finding enough pleasure and gratification in exercise to tip the balance in favor of benefits over costs in our own minds. But, we do have options. Here are 6 healthy lifestyle tips to improve your fitness after 60 that we hope you’ll love enough to tickle your pleasure center.

By Margaret Manning

Start Where You Are

It’s hard to make progress in anything if you don’t know where to start. Looking at where you think you are and comparing it to where you imagine you want to be can be discouraging. Instead, take the senior functional fitness test to get a true picture of your starting point, so you can make some real and measurable improvements. Focusing on present moment incremental steps is so much easier than always looking at the faraway end point. You can feel good about yourself right away, because you’re performing the most important step… taking action, and not just thinking about it. Even if your mobility is limited, there is a fitness program for you. Everyone can begin.

Pick A Few Activities You Enjoy

The fastest way to drop an activity is to dread doing it in the first place. If the thought of running makes you take a nap, try a walk in nature. Does walking alone bore you? How about a round of golf on an executive course (9 holes), and walking instead of riding in a cart? Still can’t get motivated? Maybe you’re the type who has to accomplish something – try running your Saturday morning errands on a bicycle, or hire yourself out as a dog walker. Sit down and take a look at your schedule and at what you currently enjoy doing, then brainstorm ways to ramp up your activity level doing those things. Don’t shy away from also trying new things. You’re looking for ways to integrate several hours a week of moderate activity into your days that are pleasurable, gratifying, or both.

Trick Your Mind: Mix it up and Make it Fun

Sometimes, routines are the very things that cause our resistance. You should have some kind of structure to your exercise, just to make sure it’s getting done, so how about stringing together completely disparate activities? Take an hour-long tennis lesson one day a week. Play in a weekly bowling or golf league. Go to yoga or qigong twice a week. Now you’ve tricked yourself into exercising four times a week, so maybe that strengthening program doesn’t look so bad once a week. Celebrate your accomplishments with a weekly swim and spa day. That’s six days and you’ve covered all the bases (cardio, strength, balance, flexibility); everyone deserves a day of rest – from having fun! The important part is to fill in the blanks with activities you’ll actually do. Making it your own and loving it is what will help make it a natural part of your lifestyle, instead of something extra to do.

Take Responsibility for Your Own Well-Being

Remember, as Dr. Kahneman explained, our tendency is toward “least effort,” so we have to build accountability into our new lifestyle change, because we know how we are! It simply hasn’t been enough to know exercise can add years to our lives. One easy way to stay accountable is through journaling. What were our measurable steps this week? Did we skip any activities? Which ones, and why? If you still struggle with resistance, see if you can find an accountability partner. Try a friend with a similar goal, maybe one of your league or team members, or your coach or instructor. Be sure to choose a partner who understands your goals and isn’t militant about helping, but at the same time is at least as active as you are or more so.

Try To Associate Exercise with Self-Nurturing In Your Mind

By far the most nurturing forms of exercise that make your body feel loved are energy practices like yoga, qigong, or tai chi. They gently and effectively challenge your body’s endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility – the core challenges you need to meet to be fit. Most studios offer free introductory sessions. Check out different styles to see which one you’re most drawn to. Many practices integrate meditation into the session. Your foursome could end the golf match with a light lunch together, or you could go out for frozen yogurt after bowling; schedule a massage after that tennis lesson, or take an aromatherapy bath when you finish your weight training session. However you do it, begin to blend exercise to a larger picture of self-nurturance.

Choose Flattering Clothes That Fit the Present You

One of the best ways to motivate yourself to optimum self-care is to feel good about your appearance. You don’t have to wait until your fitness is where you want it to be before you start honoring your body. In fact, fit you may not look much different than unfit you, depending on your body size. Fitness can sometimes be relatively invisible on the outside, but inside you know for sure. Wherever you are in your personal process, choose clothes that fit. Push the too small clothes to the back of the closet until you’re ready, or get rid of them. Definitely rid yourself of the over-sized clothes, if you’ve been hiding behind them. You know your style, so own it. Feeling good throughout the process is far more motivating than punishing yourself with unflattering clothes until you think you deserve more. You deserve more now.

Put some effort into making a plan that gives you pleasure. You owe it to yourself to live long and thrive.

Source: http://sixtyandme.com

OVER 50S LIFESTYLE TIPS: HOW TO STAY HEALTHY

image from www.maximumperformanceonline.net

Just because you might not be as spritely as you once were, there’s no reason why you can’t still enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Even if you find some activities too physically demanding, you shouldn't feel like your options are overly restricted. So whilst you might not be able to take up contact sports or cross country running, there are plenty of other activities to keep up your fitness levels and help you enjoy a healthy retirement.

Healthy eating helps get you fit from the inside. As you get older your metabolism will naturally slow down, making it more difficult to keep weight off. However, this shouldn't be viewed as a major impediment, just an opportunity to change your lifestyle. Whatever your age, eating healthily and engaging in regular exercise will have huge benefits on how you look and feel. It’s no good trying to do one without the other; to stay healthy you must pay attention to both your diet and fitness.

So what constitutes healthy eating? Well, making sure that you have your five a day is always a good start. Fruit and vegetables offer vital nutrition and also help process other foods. Avoiding excessive consumption of fatty foods and anything high in salt, e-numbers and other potentially harmful additives is also advised. The more natural your diet is, the healthier you should be.

But what activities can you get involved in to improve fitness and general well-being? Here are just a few ideas for over 50s.

Yoga

Good for body and mind Improving suppleness, inner calm and physical strength, yoga is a hugely popular activity amongst people of all ages. As there are many levels of participation, from beginner to expert, there’s no pressure to do more than you are physically capable of achieving. However, one of the many benefits of yoga is that over time, you can achieve the freedom of movement to do more and improve your exercises.

In May 2011 news sources around the world reported on Tao Porchon-Lynch, who was officially recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest yoga teacher in the world – at the age of 93! So this not only shows how beneficial it can be to your long-term health, but also that there really is no age limit.

Walking

Exercise at your pace Hiking, walking and rambling all provide a fantastic way to keep healthy and see more of the country. As you get older, you may not have the speed to jog or enjoy sports that you did in your youth, but walking is a low impact and self-regulating activity. You can go as far and as fast as you want and even select your own routes. By heading off into the countryside you will also be able to enjoy the serenity of nature and exploration of new places.

Dive into swimming

This is another low cost, low impact pursuit that will get the blood pumping and help you to enjoy a healthier way of life as you head into retirement. As with walking, there is no need to try to set lap records, you can go at your own pace in the pool. As an aerobic exercise it can help to improve lung capacity and muscle strength, making other activities easier.

Dancing

It’s physical and fun! Who said your dancing days are over? Ballroom and other forms of traditional dancing have seen a huge resurgence in recent years due to popular televisions shows like Strictly Come Dancing. As well as being good for your stamina and movement, it is also a great way of socializing. Remember, health isn't just about being physically fit and able, it’s also about your mental well-being. So if you’re having fun, meeting new people and getting involved with different activities, you will naturally be more stimulated. This can only be a good thing.

So whatever activities you choose to take up as you get beyond the age of 50, remember to have fun, take care and don’t be afraid to try new things. Your health is extremely important and so eating properly and staying in decent physical shape are equally important, especially as you get older.

Source: http://www.insure4retirement.co.uk

Health tips for the over 50s

Dr Steve Hambleton is the Federal AMA Vice President and a Brisbane-based GP. Here he shares health insights and advice for those aged 50 and over.

As people move into there 50s and 60s and beyond, health problems will become more numerous and more varied for many of them.

It is important for people as they age to more closely monitor their own health and ensure they get all the important check-ups.

Above all, it is vital that people have a GP they can see regularly and who can provide them with holistic health care and advice, as they grow older.

People should not be afraid to ask questions of their GP, especially in regard to conditions that are known risks for older people.

Here are simple and practical tips.

Men

1. Prostate.

Discuss the prostate issue with your GP. The GP will know your health history and current state of health and will decide whether you need to be tested.

In general, unless you have a family history of prostate cancer the conversation should start when you are about 50. Remember, the jury is still out about the value of the PSA blood test and the digital rectal examination.

Women

1. Breast screening

Every woman should attend for screening mammography from the age of 50 every two years. All women should become familiar with the look and feel of their breasts and any new or unusual change should be reported to your GP. Only five per cent of women are at substantially higher risk of breast cancer than the population. If you have a relative who was diagnosed with breast cancer below the age of 50, then see your GP to discuss the issue further.

2. Pap smear screening

Pap test screening is recommended every two years for women who have ever had sex. The over 50s represents an under-screened group. Eighty five per cent of women in Australia who develop cervical cancer either have not had a Pap test or are significantly under-screened. Remember, women who have female sexual partners are also at risk and need screening.

Everyone

1. Bowel or colo-rectal cancer. 

Bowel cancer is common in our society. The screening test is the faecal occult blood test. This is a very simple test that can be done at home and mailed in to the pathology company. Unless you have a family history of colo-rectal cancer, this can begin at age 50 years. It should be repeated every two years 

2. Diet

Diet is the key to good health. A mix of different food provides the raw materials that the body needs to stay healthy. Sufficient fibre exercises your insides as well and reduces the risk of diverticular disease of the bowel. The biggest problem with diet is overeating. Remember, ‘energy in’ needs to match the energy ‘going out’. Also, our metabolism slows down as we age, and we need to eat less, or we will inevitably gradually put on weight.

3. Exercise

Exercise keeps your joints lubricated and your muscles strong. Many studies have shown that one hour of exercise three times per week can significantly reduce your risk of heart attack, will burn excess energy and improve your health. Many people enjoy running or jogging, but brisk walking is sufficient for most of us. We need to lift our heart rate and put some colour in our faces. If you are still able to hold a conversation after exercise, you will be well within your safe limits.

4. Weight

Weight goes hand in hand with diet and exercise and is usually the result of an error in one or the other. Our society is growing larger and larger each year. BMI is a good measure to guide us. But for men, if you circumference is greater than 102cm it is time to act. For women, the magic number is 88cm and the limits are tighter if you are Asian or of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander extraction.

5. Smoking

Quit. This is the very first thing that smokers can do to improve their health outlook. Smoking is the number one cause of quality life years lost in our modern society. Take some advice - cold turkey is pretty good but there are lots of techniques that can help. Find a reason to quit, make a plan, put your plan into action and stay on track. For more information visit www.quit.org.au

6. Alcohol

Alcohol is the next nasty. For a legal drug, it also robs our society of quality life years. Direct and indirect effects are enormous. Binge drinking among teenagers robs them of their full potential. Society has turned against smoking and now its collective wisdom must turn against alcohol. By limiting consumption to two standard drinks per man or woman reduces your risk of death or injury from alcohol to less than 1 in 100. Every drink above this level continues to increase your lifetime risk of death or injury from alcohol. While many young Australians drink frequently, the highest proportion of daily drinkers in 2007 were those over 60 years old.

7. Family history

- cancer

- heart disease

- stroke

- diabetes

Some diseases do run in families. If you have any of the above, particularly in younger members of your relatives you should talk to your Doctor about your own risks. You can't change your genes but you can avoid the factors that we know contribute to your risk of harm.

8. Blood pressure

Blood pressure check at your GP can give them a clue that early intervention is required. A simple thirty second test could prevent your life from being shortened by stroke or heart attack or renal failure. Home blood pressure monitors are quite accurate these days and you can check your relatives and friends also.

Most adults should have a blood pressure check at least every two years.

9. Screening tests

- blood sugar

- cholesterol

- faecal occult blood testing

- renal function test

Blood tests form a part of good medical management of your health and a thorough health check will include some or all of the above. If they are normal they can be repeated at from two to five year intervals.

9. Skin check

It is very important that we are aware of changes on our skin. We have one of the highest melanoma skin cancer and non-melanoma skin cancer rates in the world in Australia. The risk increases with increased sun exposure. If you have a fair complexion and a tendency to burn then you are at slightly higher risk.

Older people

1. Hearing

Hearing cuts you off from society. Wax build up is the most common cause and is the quickest to fix. Those exposed to loud noises should wear hearing protection. If you are concerned, an audiogram will tell us if a hearing aid will help you.

2. Osteoporosis

A lack of calcium in bones can lead to fractures that are unexpected for the degree of trauma. A broken bone in an older person can set off a viscous cycle, which is hard to stop. We should make sure that our diet contains sufficient calcium – about three serves per day or consider taking calcium supplements. For people who never see the sun, Vitamin D could be the problem.

3. Vision

Glaucoma begins silently robbing sight from the age of 40 and your optometrist or ophthalmologist will always check on it. If you have a family history you are at special risk. Cataracts are now readily dealt with. Macular degeneration cannot be fixed but it can be arrested in some cases. The secret is early diagnosis. Your GP can show you a simple test. If your vision changes, you need to find out why and make sure it is not serious.

4. Falls risk

If we are getting frail and our bones are thinning and our hearing is not so good, a fall can start you on a downward spiral. It is important to fix that rolling up carpet and put more rails on steps and in bathrooms and toilets. An ounce of prevention is not only better than the cure - it might also save your life.

Source: http://www.yourlifechoices.com.au

Healthy eating for over-50s

Healthy eating can improve your quality of life and help you avoid diseases associated with ageing. There's a lot you can do to introduce healthier foods into your diet without giving up all of your favourites. 

A change in your food requirements

A major reason for age-related weight gain is that the rate at which you burn calories in food and drink, known as your metabolic rate, slows down with age. The extra calories will turn into surplus body fat over time if you don't adjust your diet or exercise more.

How much should you eat?

Weight gain is all about how much energy you take in to your body and how much energy your body uses. To lose weight you need to take less energy (calories) into your body from food and drink than the amount your body uses up by being active. Remember that you’ll need fewer calories in your 50s and 60s than you did in your 30s.

How much you can eat without putting on weight is also linked to how much you exercise. Being active burns calories, so it can help you to lose weight.

Manage your weight with a balanced diet

You may have to reduce your calorie intake slightly and ensure that you keep active. It's not a good idea to follow fad diets. It can make it even harder to manage your weight over the long term.

To get the best from your diet:

• ·         eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day
• ·         base meals on starchy foods like bread, potatoes, rice or pasta
• ·         drink plenty of water and cut out fizzy, sugary drinks - watch out for hidden sugars added to many soft drinks
• ·         limit your consumption of food and drinks that are high in sugar, or in saturated fats - like butter
• ·         choose lower-fat meat, poultry and dairy foods
• ·         eat more fish – aim for two portions a week, including one portion of oily fish such as salmon, fresh tuna, mackerel, sardines or trout
• ·         drink less alcohol
• ·         limit your salt intake to a maximum of six grams a day – try not to add it to your food and beware of added salt in processed foods and ready-made meals
• ·         try not to skip meals, particularly breakfast
• ·         eat a variety of foods to ensure you’re getting all the nutrients your body needs

Links between diet, exercise and health

Increased activity is perhaps the key to weight control as you age. Eating a balanced diet, not overeating and eating the right foods is important.

Research shows, for example, a link between diet and many major diseases, like coronary heart disease and cancer. By walking regularly you cut your rate of physical decline by half.

Thirty minutes of moderate exercise five times a week is what the experts recommend. It can be all in one half-hour, or split into smaller bouts of activity throughout your day.

Remember, before changing your diet or starting an exercise regime, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor.

7 Brain Boosters to Prevent Memory Loss (Part 1)

Experts share tips to help ward off age-related memory loss.

By Virginia Anderson
And Mary Jo DiLonardo
WebMD Feature

Aging is a part of life, but there are plenty of things you can try to help keep your memory sharp.

1. Get Up and Go

Exercise regularly. It's one of the best things you can do to help prevent age-related memory loss. Moving boosts blood flow to your brain and helps nerve cells in the part of brain that controls your memory.

If you're not active now, check with your doctor to see if there's anything you shouldn't do. Then get moving.

Often, water exercises are great, because they aren't hard on your joints -- but you can still get a good workout for your heart and lungs.

Try to get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 5 days a week.

2. Eat Right for Your Brain

One of the best diets for your brain is also good for your heart, says aging specialist Tiffany Hughes, PhD. She is a research assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh.

"We know that if your heart's not healthy and it's not pumping blood and oxygen to your brain, that can have a negative effect on your brain health," she says.

• So, load up on vegetables and fruits.
• Choose whole grains instead of processed refined grains.
• Cut back on unhealthy trans and saturated fats.
• Choose low-fat protein foods like fish, skinless chicken or turkey breast, extra-lean cuts of meat, and beans.

Fruits and vegetables are especially good because they're rich in antioxidants, which help protect damage to brain cells. Fill up on antioxidant-rich leafy greens, berries, and tomatoes.

3. Work Your Mind

Whether it's crossword puzzles or Sudoku, computer games or mahjongg, exercising your brain keeps it working, says Amy R. Ehrlich, MD. She is associate chief of geriatrics at Montefiore Medical Center in New York.

"I encourage people to find new activities that are stimulating, that engage them, that keep them using different parts of their mind than they used when they were working," she says.

Find activities that are challenging and fun and will keep you motivated to do them every day. Try to learn a new language or play an instrument. Take a continuing education class or dance classes. Like physical exercise, mental exercise will be easier to do if you enjoy it.

4. Be Social

Try to be part of your community. It gets you engaged in conversations and activities, and keeps you thinking, talking, laughing, and planning -- all important ways to keep your mind nimble.

Studies show that people over 50 who have strong ties with family, friends, and community groups have less memory loss than people who are more isolated. Socializing may not be the only reason why this happens, but it's one more good reason to join up with friends to exercise, volunteer, or have dinner. Or you can try new activities to make new bonds. The more active you are, the more your brain is working.

Source: http://www.webmd.com

7 Brain Boosters to Prevent Memory Loss (Part 2)

5. Sleep Well 

It can be harder to get enough sleep as you get older. But when your brain doesn't rest, you can have problems remembering and concentrating. So try to get at least 7 or 8 hours of sleep a night.

image from ontarioseniors.blogspot.com

Set up good sleep habits by going to bed and getting up at the same time every day. Also, create a calming routine for yourself before bed. If you nap during the day, keep the nap short, no more than 30-60 minutes. Try not to nap after 4 p.m., since that can make it harder to fall asleep at night. If you take sleeping pills to help you sleep, know that they can make you groggy the following day and cause memory loss.

6. Fight Stress

When you're anxious or under pressure, your body makes stress hormones. That helps when it's an emergency. But having high levels of these hormones for too long can hamper your memory. When you're feeling stressed, find things that help you relax -- maybe yoga, tai chi, deep breathing, talking with a friend, or meditation.

7. Learn Memory Tricks 

These strategies can help you remember, whether it's finding your car keys or knowing your new neighbor's name.

• Make a routine. Always put often-used items, like your glasses, keys, wallet, and phone, in the same place every time.
• Write it down. Jot down things you need to remember -- like appointments or grocery items you need -- as soon as you think of them.
• Set an alarm. It can help you get to places on time or remember to take medications.
• Leave yourself reminder notes.  
• Learn and repeat. To remember names, use the name often in conversation. Try to link the name with a picture that reminds you of that person.

Source: http://www.webmd.com

Five Health Tips for Women over 50

Most of the time women are so busy looking after their families that they have very little time left over for taking care of themselves. But if you’re a woman over 50, you've learned that taking time for yourself is a necessary part of keeping everyone well. And as your body ages, taking care of your health becomes more important than ever.

Here are 5 easy tips for keeping yourself healthy that every woman can follow, no matter how busy she is!

Tip # 1 - Eat healthy. There’s nothing you can do for your body more important than following a healthy diet. It not only ensures that you get the vitamins and minerals you need to fuel your body, but it just plain makes you feel and look good. Your diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, raw as well as cooked.

A healthy diet is the fastest, most complete way to enhance the health of every part of your body and it gives your hair and skin that healthy glow. Read labels! You’ll quickly learn what you should and shouldn’t be eating just by taking the time to read labels and learn how different ingredients affect your health.

Tip # 2 - Get on a good exercise program. Whatever your preference in exercise: walking, aerobics, yoga or the newest dance exercise craze, make sure that you exercise regularly. Add strength training with weights to help keep your bones strong. Find the exercise program that appeals to you, vary your routine to keep it fresh, and exercising will be a pleasure and not a chore. There are exercise groups you can join and there are DVDs and videos you can use for exercising at home.

Tip # 3 - Have a physical examination with your physician every year. A regular exam establishes your doctor’s familiarity with your physical condition and ensures that your health is being monitored. See your GP and your gynecologist, too. They will check your blood pressure and your cholesterol levels and they can advise you about diet and exercise programs.

Tip #4 - Take your vitamins and calcium regularly. Taking a vitamin supplement will help your body get all of the vitamins and minerals it needs daily. There are a lot of supplements for seniors out there to choose from. And taking your calcium regularly will keep your bones strong.

Tip # 5 - Take some "me" time every day. Yes, we’re all busy. But one of the best things you can do for yourself—and those around you!—is to take some time for yourself. Find a peaceful place to go, whether it is in your home or just inside your head, and take a minute to be calm and quiet and count your blessings. It’s better than a nap! When you feel good, you look good and vice versa, so what are you waiting for? Start with these 5 easy to do healthy tips and build on them. Pretty soon, your friends and family will be noticing and commenting on your improved looks and vitality!

Source: http://www.globelifeinsurance.com/