July 26, 2018

Top Tips for Elderly Health

Did you ever wake up one morning, look in the mirror and face the realization that you’re old or elderly or a senior (and not a high school senior) or that you’d be reading a blog on a food delivery service site regarding health tips for seniors? Well, here you are and it’s nothing to get your knickers in a twist about…old happens…to all of us. As I’m sure you’ve heard, age is only a number and elderly is only a state of mind. You’re not dead for heaven’s’s sake! However, there are some things you can do (or not do) as a senior to ensure you stay healthy as long as possible. So here is our list of totally awesome senior wellness tips.

Stay or get active — Notice I didn’t say the dreaded “E” word…exercise. Why? Because as we age, there’s a difference between “being active” and “exercise.” Exercise is what the kids do. They run, bike or swim for miles, or spend hours in the gym. For you, my elderly friend, that type of exercise is unnecessary. You simply need to be active for half an hour or so every day. No need to pound the pavement in short shorts going no where in particular any longer. How about a nice walk at a local nature center, or working in the garden, or a yoga class, or a jazzercise class in the pool, or ride on a level rails-to-trails path. In other words, you don’t need to go nuts here. Study after study extoll the benefits of staying active, so heed your doctor’s advice, get out there and get active.
Watch what you eat – Yes, this is on every list of healthy living for seniors and there’s a very good reason for that…it’s important! The best advice I can give you here is to avoid, as much as possible, processed foods. You know, the oddly shaped nuggets of chicken from that fast food joint that begins with an M, chips, cookies, candies…all the good stuff…I kid, of course. It may taste good and we may crave those items, but they wreak havoc on our bodies. Someone once told me to eat only items with five or fewer ingredients and I found that’s really difficult to achieve. However, I’ve forced myself to attain that goal for at least one meal a day and I’m a better person for it. Fruits, vegetables and lean meats, my friend.
Quit smoking – However you can achieve this, with the patch thing, or nicotine gum, or with hypnosis, or therapy, or cold turkey. It doesn’t matter, just get it done and get it done as soon as possible.
Prevent falls – Among senior wellness tips, this one is usually forgotten. Remember when you had young children around and you had to “baby-proof” the house with latches on the cupboards and baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs? Well, guess what? It’s time to “senior-proof” your home now. Install bars and rails where necessary like in the shower, remove all tripping hazards, ensure outside walks and steps are properly lighted, don’t leave things laying around like a teenager, wear sensible shoes, and, if possible, live on a single level to avoid stairs all together.
Manage stress – I’m guessing you’ve lived with stress throughout most of your working life. It’s time to toss it overboard and chillax (combo of chill and relax). How to achieve this? I mentioned one already…get active. Also, take breaks when you feel the least bit stressed with meditation techniques, or tai chi, or yoga; find a tress-free hobby like art, or puzzles, or anything you find relaxing; talk it out with a therapist, friend or family member; and finally, eliminate or greatly reduce your triggers…those things that “trigger” feeling of stress like traffic, the nightly news, etc.
Get regular health screenings – In other words, see your doctor on a regular basis and get all the tests done that he or she recommends. Prevention is almost always the best cure!