Health hacks for seniors, Seniors health should be maintained properly because the older we get, the more we are prone to physical, mental, emotional and other health problems. Thus, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is a must for all of us, including the elderly or seniors. And, having a poor lifestyle can lead to fatigue, illnesses, stress and self-esteem issues.
Here are some health hacks for seniors to keep a healthy mind and body for seniors health.
1. Maintain a healthy diet and drink plenty of water every day
Drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water daily can help increase your concentration and prevent excessive eating. Be conscious on the food that you are consuming and avoid eating salty or sugary foods such as chips, cookies, fried foods and processed foods. Eat more greens, veggies and fruits. To keep yourself hydrated, bring a tumbler or bottle with you so you don’t forget to drink your water. If you are not a fan of drinking water alone, you can make your own natural juice like lemonade or fruit infused water.
A healthy aging “hack” used by senior living communities involves preparing and serving more nutrient-dense food to boost the daily nutrient intake of residents. Nutrient-rich diets support healthy aging in the following ways:
- Enhances immune function: As we age, our immune systems weaken, making us more susceptible to infection and disease. Nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, and E, and minerals like zinc and magnesium are essential for maintaining a robust immune system and provide protection against illnesses.
- Increases energy levels: Nutrient-dense foods act as fuel for the body, providing consistent energy throughout the day. Seniors who incorporate a variety of nutrients will experience improved energy levels, better concentration, improved heart health, and increased productivity.
- Promotes longevity: A diet rich in nutrients can help combat age-related decline in physical and cognitive function. Antioxidants found in certain fruits and vegetables protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals, lowering the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
- Supports bone health: Calcium and vitamin D are critical for maintaining bone density and preventing fractures. Seniors need dairy products, fortified cereals, green leafy vegetables, and fish in their diet to meet daily nutritional requirements.
- Improves digestive health: Adequate fiber intake is crucial for seniors to maintain optimal digestive function. Fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables in your diet can help support a healthy gut microbiome.
2. Get enough sleep:
Having enough sleep is important for people of all ages — it will keep your energy levels up, strengthen your immune system and improve your cognitive functions and mood. However, due to aging, the elderly or seniors may tend to have a harder time to fall asleep so, take some time to relax before bedtime — try to listen to relaxing or classical music, sip a caffeine free tea such as chamomile or lavender tea or do breathing exercises. Meditating on the Word of God before bedtime is also a good idea for seniors health.
3. Keep yourself busy and find a new hobby
It is important to have a hobby during your senior years or retirement. Having a hobby has many benefits — it reduces the risk of having dementia, depression and other health issues. Knitting, gardening, painting, coloring, reading Bible and Bible journaling are the most common hobbies for seniors health nowadays. Doing exercise regularly can also help you to maintain a healthy body and mind. Join in a workout class for seniors health in your community and meet other people with the same interest — interacting with others is good for the brain and it improves communication and social skills.
Spending time with the people you love will also have a positive effect on seniors health. According to some studies, feeling valued, loved and important builds self-esteem, which is necessary for a fulfilling life. So, spend time with your family and friends as long as you can. Create a strong and deep bond with your grandchildren by reading them stories, taking them to art class or by cooking their favorite dish.
4. Purpose for self fulfillment
Today’s older adults live another 20 years (on average) compared to 1960! But genetics, diet, health, and lifestyle are not the only factors that contribute to healthy aging and longevity. Research suggests that having a strong sense of purpose in life plays a significant role, too.
For many, raising children and building a fulfilling career gave life meaning in the years leading up to retirement. As you age, replacing that sense of purpose is vital to both your physical and emotional well-being, and there’s research to support it!
As a healthy aging hack, living a purpose-driven life enhances health in various ways:
- Positive attitude: Older adults who feel they have purpose tend to approach life with a more positive attitude. This optimistic mindset reduces stress, increases resilience, and enhances overall life satisfaction.
- Social engagement: A sense of purpose often leads to increased social interaction, giving older adults a sense of belonging within a community of like-minded individuals.
- Motivation: Having a clear purpose to get out of bed each day provides the motivation to take care of oneself, leading to better health habits and choices that support longevity.
- Sense of fulfillment: Having a purpose allows older adults to feel a sense of fulfillment, accomplishment, and satisfaction. It gives their actions meaning and nurtures a sense of personal identity, even in the later stages of life.
Senior living helps older adults unlock the power of purpose in life. It encourages older adults to explore hobbies, pursue new interests, and learn new skills through life enrichment programming. Programs provide a range of daily activities and events to encourage personal growth and deepen one’s sense of purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can we improve the health of the elderly?
The older one gets it becomes more and more important that you take a more active approach when it comes to health. Staying active, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep is a great way to improve your overall health.
What are the 10 recommendations to make to an older person to maintain their body as healthy as possible?
You can read up on our full health and wellness guide for seniors above but to refresh your memory here are the 10 recommendations to live a healthier life are as follows:
1.Exercise Regularly
2.Take the Proper Supplements
3.Stick to a Balanced Diet
4.Visit the Doctor Regularly
5.Maintain Good Hygiene
6.Get Enough Sleep
7.Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Help
8.Keep in Touch with Friends
9.Prioritize Your Mental Health
10.Manage Your Stress
