Five Healthy Living Tips for Seniors

Healthy living is about more than eating right and exercise. As we age, there are normal physiological changes that affect our body, our mind and our attitude. We can experience small physical changes like poorer vision and more aches and pains to more serious an increase in chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. On the other hand, as we age we tend to become more optimistic.

Learning to recognize and counter-act some of the bad stuff and enhance some of the good stuff, can lead to a healthier and happier life. Here are five tips for improving life at mid-life.

1. Break Bad Habits

Now is the time. If you want to stop __________ (you fill it in - smoking, overeating, drinking, being a couch potato, etc.), decide now is the time to change. Pick one thing to focus on. Too many goals and you'll become unfocused and frustrated. Be patient, get help from a buddy, and reward small successes. The benefits extend beyond your health to your pocketbook and your outlook on life.

2. Keep Active

First and most important: Find something you enjoy doing. The goal is to develop a new habit of exercising regularly and if you find an activity you like, you are much more likely to stay with it. Even mild exercise is a lot better than none. .Regardless of the program you select, it's important to begin slowly and have fun so that you will continue to do it. Make exercise part of your daily routine so that it becomes a lifetime habit.

3. Reduce Stress

We all experience some stress from time to time. But when it becomes constant, stress negatively impacts our health -mentally and physically. Sometimes we don't even recognize it - a problem that is frequently faced by caregivers who become so engrossed in the care they are giving they forget to take care of themselves. If signs are severe, you should see your doctor.

4. Exercise Your Brain

Researchers have shown that we can exercise and improve our brain's performance. Good brain exercises are marked by novelty, variety and constant challenge. Activities like cross word puzzles, brain teasers and Sudoku are a good start. Electronic or computer based games are even better because there is more variety and the level of challenge can be changed.

5. Stay engaged

Research shows that staying engaged in the community, having friends and a social network can be a great boost to your health and longevity. And, here's good news, as we get older we actually become more content and less stressed. A University of Chicago study found that while we may have fewer intimate relationships, older individuals (57-85) are more likely to be involved in social activities like volunteering, attending religious services and spending time with neighbors.

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