Turning 60 looks nothing like it did before. Long gone are the days of granny-poof hairdos and granddad’s high-waisted trousers. Sixty is now the new 40 with people not only taking better care of themselves, but also living longer than ever before. If you’re not sure what to do, then you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll be covering how to stay healthy in your sixties and beyond.
Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
A well balanced diet can help nourish your body better than any medicine over the counter. A healthy mix of grains, vegetables, fruits, and meat provides your body with the proper vitamins and nutrients it needs to ward off illnesses. However, switching diets on a whim isn’t always easy. Some foods may not mesh with you as you are older, and your body has undergone changes. Before anything, make sure to consult your physician who will set you up with a reputable nutritionist. They can sort out which foods you can safely incorporate into your diet.
Make Sleep a Priority
Proper sleep hygiene is something everyone needs, but due to how fickle health can be for older people, it’s especially important for them. Without getting an adequate amount of sleep, many issues can arise. You can have lower energy levels, reduced cognitive function, and depression. It also makes you more prone to heart disease, kidney disease, hypertension, obesity, and strokes. The average amount of sleep that people need is around seven to nine hours every night. With the right amount sleep, you’ll feel more energized, keep your immune system healthy, reduce stress and lower the risk of a serious medical problem. To get better sleep, there are a few things you can do:
- Turn off all electronics an hour or two before bed
- Don’t eat big meals before bed
- Refrain from drinking alcohol or caffeinated drinks
- Make sure your room is dark enough
- Do some low intensity exercises
There are all sorts of different things you can do to fall asleep easier. Though you might be tempted to take an over-the-counter medication, it’s best that you hold off on that and try the above methods. Second, you’ll also want to confirm with your doctor first. Taking medication without a doctor’s opinion is very ill-advised.
Take Preventive Measures
Even if you’ve never broken a bone or been seriously ill, you still need to plan for old age. If you plan on remaining in your current home, you need to think about ways to make it safer to age in place. If you live in a two-story home, useful home elevators are worth considering. A home elevator can make transiting between floors easier and reduces the risk of falling downstairs. Installing an elevator can also boost your home’s resale value if you do eventually choose to sell it.
Stay Active in the Community
Health isn’t all about eating right, getting exercise, and going to bed on time. You also need to keep your mental and emotional well-being in mind as well. Being involved in your community is a great way to keep yourself active while maintaining your relationships.