MAINTAINING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle as you age improves your chances of long-term independent living and helps you enjoy an active and fulfilled life.
In general, the elements of a healthy lifestyle are as follows:
- Proper nutrition and diet
- Regular exercise
- Proper management of your medical conditions
- Maintaining / improving social connections
Proper Nutrition and Diet
It’s often said that ‘food is medicine’, and a proper diet can help you manage your health and give you the energy you need to maintain an active lifestyle. A diet which includes more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and low-fat dairy products has been shown through many studies to support a healthier and longer life. Fatty meats, butter, sugar, salt and processed foods should be minimized.
Here are some additional resources that may help with your understanding of this topics:
- Harvard Medical School: This link will take you to an overview on nutrition and aging including dental health.
- S. National Library of Medicine: Guidelines on nutrition as you age.
- World Health Organization: Diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases.
- Today’s Geriatric Medicine: Diet suggestions for certain chronic diseases.
Regular Exercise
It’s never too late to start or improve an exercise program. Goals for any program include making improvements in your endurance (length of time you can do an activity), strength and flexibility.
A good goal is to spend at least 30 minutes each day exercising, even if it’s just a walk and even if you break it up into smaller segments. Exercise should be done so you can feel an increase in heart rate – making you feel a little breathless.
Always consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
Here are some additional resources that may help with your understanding of this topics:
- Mayo Clinic: Tips for staying healthy at any age.
- S Department of Health and Human Services: Exercise tips as you age.
- AARP: Yoga and aging.