Ways To Have Healthy Ageing

People find it hard to cope with change throughout their lives, but it becomes especially difficult as the years go by. Once you are past the 50 milestone, the sheer magnitude of changes that your body and life undergoes is enough to throw anybody off track.

A lot of changes and transitions start occurring, including children moving out or away, your career changing or ending, the loss of parents, friends or loved ones, declining health and fitness and even the loss of independence. But all these changes are a natural part of life and is something everybody has to learn to deal with. If you try to deal with these changes in a positive way, you will be able to ensure healthy ageing.

The essence of healthy ageing is not only stay fit and free of diseases as you age, but also to continuously adapt and reinvent yourself to accommodate the various changes that you undergo or experience. Healthy ageing is about being resilient and finding your inner pool of strength. Here are some ways of healthy ageing that will help you get control of your life.

Feeding Habits

As you age, you should try to tamper the binge eating. The simplest rule to follow is to eat half as much, twice as often. Also make sure you take extra time to chew the food well.

Small Meals

Have frequent mini meals instead of big feasts that leave you bloated and stuffed like a thanksgiving turkey. Small meals have proven to improve and increase nutrient absorption, lessen heartburn and help in weight control.

Exercise

You do not have to hit the gym, you can get enough exercise from gardening, playing tennis or going for a brisk walk with your friends.

Healthy Diet

Add at least five portions of fruits and vegetables to your daily meal. As you age, it is healthier to cut junk food out of your diet completely.

Salt Intake

Reduce salt as it increases the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. Reduce the consumption of processed meats, snacks and biscuits. Read the labels of all the products.

Regulate Alcohol Consumption

Make sure that your alcohol intake is regulated. If possible, avoid alcohol altogether, as it insures you living longer and healthier.

Quit Smoking

You are never too old to quit this dangerous habit. Your risk of contracting lung diseases is only increased by smoking, so try to regulate your smoking or quit the habit completely.

Social Activities

Utilise all your new-found free time to engage in social activities. Create a support group in your community for the senior citizens and try to organise activities to keep yourself occupied and productive.

Volunteer

You can use some of your spare time to volunteer at a productive organization to make the world a better place. If you are unable to participate physically, at least contribute by making donations.

Positive Attitude

It has been proven by research that older people who display a positive attitude towards ageing, and who work with the changes it brings, instead of against it, tend to have better health and live longer than those who see only the negatives.

Quality Sleep

Proper sleep reduces the risk of depression, heart disease and fights stress.

Develop New Interests

Try to explore new interest. Do something that you have always wanted to, like collect stamps or gardening. Try out some new activities in your local area.

Old Hobbies

Developing your favourite hobbies is an essential part of healthy ageing. You will be able to spend more time doing what you have always loved.

Regular Check Ups

Make sure you get regular check ups. Tell your doctor about any hereditary diseases that you might have, like diabetes, thyroid malfunctions or heart disease.

Protect Vision

Make sure that you get regular eye check ups. Do not strain your eyes and do everything possible to preserve your eye sight.

Avoid Sun

Although spending time outside is healthy, restrict sun exposure. As we grow older, we become more susceptible to illnesses caused by the heat.

Pension Plan

Make sure you have an adequate pension plan to fund your activities after retirement.

Family Time

Take special care to spend all the time with your family that you were unable to do because of work in the past.