Your risk of increasing chronic health conditions increases as you get older. The good news is that there are a number of things that you can do to keep yourself healthy after you turn 50. Below are some tips for maintaining optimal health as you age.
Stay Active
Your energy levels have a tendency to decrease as you get older, and you may not always feel like exercising. However, you should try your best to get at least 30 minutes of exercise in every day. Exercise will help keep you looking and feeling young. Walking and swimming are examples of two low-impact exercises that are ideal for people who may not have the energy or capability to run or lift weights. Only perform what you are comfortable with and be sure to consult with your doctor about any new exercise plans to make sure your body can handle it.
Sleep Seven To Eight Hours
Sleeping allows your body to repair itself naturally. That is why you should try to get seven to eight hours of sleep every night. If you have trouble falling asleep, then you should practice a soothing ritual, such as playing soft music, meditation, or taking a bath before going to bed. Reading is also a good technique for relaxation. Try to avoid tv, computer or cell phone use right before bed because the light from the screen affects your eyes and doesn’t prepare your brain for sleep. In addition to getting enough sleep, try to keep an everyday routine of going to bed and waking at the same time each day.
Eat Lots Of Fiber
Your digestive system slows down as you age, so you want to make sure that you get adequate amounts of fiber. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables are good sources of fiber. Fruits and vegetables also keep your eyes healthy. If you are having trouble incorporating enough fiber into your diet, you can try fiber bars or other ways of supplementing.
Visit Your Doctor Regularly
Keep in mind that your risk of health problems increases as you age. You’ll want to make sure you are seeing your primary doctor at least once a year to keep an eye on your cholesterol, blood pressure and any other problems that may run in your family. Keep in mind that as you age you may experience vision loss or other problems you never had before. You’ll want to visit a specialist such as Hunter Eye Hospital to treat any problems that may arise.
Limit Your Intake Of Sodium
High sodium intake may increase your risk of high blood pressure and cataracts. You can limit your sodium intake by avoiding canned and processed foods. Experts recommend that you limit your sodium intake to less than 2,000 mg per day. Read your labels and keep a journal of the foods you eat to make sure you are staying on track and getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals and limiting sugar and salt.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
You will need to drink eight to 10 cups of water per day. Keeping yourself hydrated will help your body function at its peak. Try to avoid sodas or other sugar beverages as these can have a negative impact on health.
Stay Social
Staying social becomes harder as you get older, but you should try to connect with family members and friends regularly. Spending time with people helps you stay positive and helps ward off depression. Plan a luncheon or book club with family members or other people in your age group.
Stop Smoking
If you are a smoker, then now is the time to quit. Smoking cessation will cut your risk of developing numerous illnesses, such as heart disease and lung cancer. You’ll want to avoid any type of tobacco or non-prescription drugs. It’s also a good idea to avoid too much caffeine or other unnatural stimulants. These can affect your overall health and energy levels. If you need a pick me up try natural energy bars, meditation, or exercise as these are all natural ways of building energy and de-stressing your body.
Staying healthy becomes more of a challenge as you get older. Your days of staying up late and living off junk food are long past. Fortunately, you don’t have to feel weak or low on energy. Try to follow these tips and you will stay rejuvenated and keep your body running at it’s optimum level.
Source: hopinghealth
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