Friday, May 17, 2013

Healthy Living Tips for Seniors

If you are a senior, using healthy living tips can make all the difference in the quality of your life. Even small lifestyle changes can have a huge impact not only on your overall health, but how you perceive yourself.
Eat Healthy Foods
Having a low fat diet that consists of a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains along with lean meats and fish can help you feel better and control your weight. In addition, cut back on the pre-prepared processed foods that you eat and leave out the salt. Avoid alcohol and minimize the number of sugary deserts that you eat.
Make Small Changes
If you have poor eating habits, it may be harder for you to change your diet completely all at once. Make your changes is small steps. For example, substitute fresh fruit for desert instead of that piece of chocolate pie and go on from there.
Time to Quit
If you smoke, quit. Smoking is not only a health hazard, smoking turns your teeth yellow and contributes to the fine wrinkling on your face.
Get Regular Medical Checkups
Preventative medicine is important regardless of your age.
Exercise
If you are starting an exercise regime, do it slowly. You don't have to do a full 30 minutes all at once to reap health benefits. Break that thirty minutes into easier pieces of three 10 minute slots until you build up your strength. Exercise will help improve your cardiovascular system. If you have concerns, discuss an appropriate starting exercise program with your physician.
Variety
The key to successful exercising is variety. Walk with a friend. Take a tai chi chuan class. Lift weights, starting with the lightest weights first.
Work Your Mind and Body
Living isn't just about having a healthy body. You also need a healthy, challenged mind. Your life experiences and talents can be meaningful to others. Volunteer to mentor young business people or tutor college students. Read to children or visit hospitals. You can make a difference.

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