5 Health Tips For Seniors

Getting older might be a unique experience for each of us, but we all have to deal with the same hurdles to one degree or another. One of the biggest hurdles is our health and the fact that we need to take better care of ourselves as we age. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as the old saying goes, and nowhere is this truer than when it comes to aging comfortably, and gracefully. So if you’re getting on in years, here are some simple things you should start adding to your routine.

Tip #1: Exercise

While no one likes straining and sweating, exercise is one of the best things you can do to get healthy and stay healthy. This is true regardless of your age, and your physical condition. Before starting an exercise routine, though, it’s important to talk to your doctor to make sure the routine you’re planning on starting will have the results you want. It’s also a good idea to work with a trainer in order to keep yourself on task and make sure you get the ball rolling the direction you want it to go.

Tip #2: Break Your Bad Habits

We all pick up bad habits as we get older, and while they might be harmless in our youth, they can be extremely hazardous over a lifetime of practice. Smoking is the example that comes to mind for most of us, but it is far from the only bad habit that can come back to bite us in our golden years. Unhealthy eating habits, particularly if we favor processed, greasy food to the exclusion of fruits, vegetables, and other necessities, can also lead to health problems as we get older. Even avoiding water in favor of soda, and consumption of too much alcohol can be habits worth breaking in order to maintain your health.

Tip #3: Be Comfortable

Discomfort is just one of those things we tend to deal with, but it can have long-running health consequences if we ignore it for too long. For instance, an uncomfortable mattress can lead to joint pain, poor sleep, and other physical problems that can plague you as you get older. Wearing shoes that lack support, or which alter your gait, can have long-term negative effects on your feet, your knees, your hips, and other joints. Even sitting in a chair that lacks back support can cause problems… especially if you do it day-in and day-out for years of your life.

Make sure you take a moment and get the right inserts, the right bed, and that your body is properly supported. It makes a world of difference.

Tip #4: Make Friends With Your Doctor

None of us like going to the doctor, but regular checkups become a bigger part of your life when you get older. Whether it’s cancer screenings, yearly physicals, or just making sure the random bloody nose or headaches you’re getting aren’t the sign of something more serious, it’s important to find a medical professional and to actively use their services. Especially because if you wait for a problem to go away, that might just be giving it time to get worse.

Tip #5: It’s Better To Be Safe Than Sorry

Accidents happen, but a lot of the time they happen because we take risks we really shouldn’t. How many times do you get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom without turning on the light? Or putting on your glasses? After all, it’s just a short walk down the hall, what’s the harm? That’s how accidents happen, and all it takes is tripping on the rug, or catching your knee on the door frame, to lead to a serious fall.

These are just a few, simple ways seniors can stay safe and healthy. For more advice you can put into your daily life, simply contact us today!