Healthcare becomes increasingly complex as you age. Not only do you typically run into more health issues, but your body also isn’t as strong as it once was. One study found that 85% of adults over 65 have at least one chronic health problem and 60% have at least two.
This can make it harder for your body to fight off illnesses. While this may sound stressful, aging is just a natural part of life. You should never be afraid of aging because it is something that we must all do.
That said, there are ways that you can improve your health and even improve your longevity after 65 years old. The key is to focus on your health every day and make it one of your top priorities. If you’ve already retired (like many people over 65), then this gives you even more time to focus on maintaining a healthy mind and body. So, in today’s post, we are going to look at 4 ways to take care of your health after 65! These tips will be help you age better.
Get Regular Check-Ups At Your Physician
Once you get to a certain age, your primary care physician is like your best friend. They know more about you than almost anybody and they can provide you with sound advice on how to improve your health. So, check in with your doctor regularly. Ideally, you should have regular check-ups with your physician at least twice per year.
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If you suffer from certain health conditions, you might want to make these visits more frequent. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that you are comfortable and happy with your doctor and your healthcare facilities. Without a good relationship with healthcare professionals, you may not be getting the help you need. One aspect to consider is the use of virtual scribes, which can actually improve your experience as a patient. You can learn more about virtual scribes from the experts at Provider’s Choice Scribe Services.
Stay As Mobile As Possible
Regular exercise is very important for anybody that wants to live a longer life. One study found that exercising 150 minutes a week can increase your life expectancy by seven years.
Movement keeps the body in shape. Whether you are doing low-intensity workouts or simply going on walks, you need to make sure that you are mobile every day. Naturally, if you are feeling sick or weak, you may want to skip a day or two so that you can take time to rest. Otherwise, try to spend more time on your feet.
Walking is by far the easiest way to stay moving. However, if you feel that you can take on more complex exercises, you should consider yoga or swimming. These allow you to work out your entire body without engaging in activities that greatly increase the risk of injury.
Consider Dietary Changes
If you already eat a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables, great! You likely don’t need to make any changes. Alternatively, if you eat a lot of processed food or drink sugary drinks, you will almost certainly want to make some changes. Similarly, if you drink alcohol on a regular basis, you will definitely want to reduce your alcohol consumption to lower the risk of liver disease.
But when it comes to dietary changes, you should always talk to your doctor first. Changing your diet drastically can have major changes on your body, health, and energy levels. Thus, if you are not under the care of a physician, you could end up doing more harm than good.
Engage In Mentally Stimulating Activities
It’s important to remember that your health is not just your body. You also need to stay mentally stimulated, especially if you are retired and not actively involved in any kind of work. It is easy for retirees to become used to a simple daily routine that involves watching TV and little else. Not only is this bad for your circulatory system (as you’re probably not moving around), but it is also bad for your brain.
As people age, their brains age with them. This means that you will need to work harder to keep your mind limber with age. Reading, puzzles, games, and similar activities can ensure that your mind stays in good condition for as long as possible. This is especially important if Alzheimer’s Disorder runs in your family. Implementing mental tasks into your daily routine could put off the condition for years or even prevent its onset entirely.
Keep A Positive Attitude
Lastly, it is extremely important to keep a positive attitude. Many people begin to become lonely or depressed as they age. This is because many of their friends may have passed on and they may struggle to socialize with people their own age. Additionally, some people over the age of 65 may not have a family to rely on for emotional or even financial support.
So, try to stay positive. See every day on this Earth as a gift. If you give in to depression, your mind and body will suffer with you. It will become harder to see the benefits of taking care of your health. Instead, focus on getting the most out of your golden years and enjoying the retirement you deserve!