If you are a woman that has seen the seasons of life come and go, you already know that your body and mind are not the same as they used to be. Age brings a lot of great changes, but it’s also replete with obstacles that can make it difficult to enjoy your golden years. There are ways, thankfully, to counter the effects of age. The general wisdom of watching your diet and paying attention to your activity level holds as true today as it did 25 years ago. In addition to tips on these two areas, keep reading for ways to stay young no matter how many birthdays have passed.
Fitness is fabulous
Exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your bones and body. Considering that seniors who exercise are about 25 percent less likely to experience downtime because of an injury or disability than those who don’t, it pays to prioritize physical activity.
Exercise does not have to happen at the gym, either. Activities such as swimming, walking, and doing yoga are excellent options, and can keep your joints flexible while reducing your risk of osteoporosis. If you’d rather spend your time outdoors, golfing is another activity that comes with the added benefits of being a social sport, which Medical Guardian asserts can stave off loneliness and improve your mental health. It is a little more intense than the lower-impact activities mentioned before, so make sure you have the right clubs. For example, some drivers are adjustable, and a custom-fit driver will help prevent an unnatural swing, which may cause injury.
Supplement your sustenance
When you get older, your metabolism and digestion start to slow down. If you’re not maintaining a regular routine of physical activity, this can cause you to gain weight and feel sluggish and bloated. You’ll need to pay careful attention to the food you eat, and you should consider adding a calcium supplement or multivitamin to your health routine to ensure you get enough nutrients each day. Women’s World recently rated many of the most popular women’s multivitamins, but talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements.
Motivate your mind
Eating well and getting physical activity can keep your body strong, but you also have to flex your mental muscles. Simple activities, such as playing board games, joining a book club, or volunteering to read to children in your neighborhood, can keep your mind sharp and engaged. While there is no guaranteeing that this will prevent cognitive decline later down the road, exercising is a good step toward delaying dementia.
Discussions with your doctor
Part of taking control of your life, and improving the quality of such, means that you will need to get up close and personal with your doctor at least once per year. The US Office on Women’s Health recommends that you talk to your doctor about vaccines, tobacco use, depression, and testing to rule out potential health problems, such as breast cancer, high blood pressure, and even STDs. If you’re concerned about being able to afford healthcare, keep in mind that Medicare has an open enrollment period each year, and you can enroll in a supplemental plan to help cover issues that may arise.
You may have thought you were in your prime in your 20s, but really, now is the best time of your life. Remember that you are never too old to do everything you want to do, but you do have to prioritize your health to make it possible.
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Jason Lewis is passionate about helping seniors stay healthy and injury-free. He created StrongWell to share his tips on senior fitness.