Long life isn’t always a blessing; for some because old age can take a terrible toll on mental and physical health. If not for proper care, life can take a turn for the worse; however, you need not give up hope. 

You might not feel as healthy as you used to during your peak years, but this surely doesn’t mean a downhill slope is inevitable.

It is possible to control – or at least slow down any changes to enjoy life after retirement and make the most of your time with grandchildren while adapting to changing priorities.

That said, if you’ve crossed the halfway mark, it’s time to incorporate changes in your lifestyle. These changes will help prolong your life, make you happier and more focused. 

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1. Quit smoking

Additionally, it’s important to prioritize your overall health by staying updated with regular medical check-ups. If you reside in Rego Park, NY, consider scheduling a PCR test Rego Park, NY to ensure your well-being and to stay informed about any potential health risks. Remember, taking proactive measures can significantly contribute to a healthier future.

Did you know the body starts repairing itself as soon as you leave smoking? A study by the Cleveland Clinic shows that when you quit smoking, it becomes easier to breathe, you get rid of the ‘smoker’s cough, and your taste and smell improve. 

Quitting this habit can be challenging, as the process can cause some nasty withdrawal symptoms; it is what it is. 

If you have difficulties quitting, we suggest getting in touch with Restorations Health Care for professional intervention. 

2. Get screened and vaccinated

With age comes the problem of a weakened immune system. After years of fighting off diseases, your immune system can’t be tip-top. Hence, you must review your immunizations and get screened for certain conditions.

Talk to your healthcare provider; they might recommend getting vaccinated for flu and shingles. You might also need a tetanus booster if you haven’t had one for ten years.

Moreover, get screened for blood pressure, heart disease, cholesterol, diabetes, and certain cancers.

3. Sleep well

As weird as it might sound, it is as important for you to get enough sleep as it is for your grandchildren. Aging can contribute to many health problems, and a lack of sleep makes it even more likely. 

Sleep Foundation claims 40-70% of elderly adults suffer from chronic sleep disturbance; adults need at least 7 hours of sleep each night.

It is easy for adults to lose track of sleep during their busy routines, which is one of the many reasons they have mood swings when they’re older. 

This is because the circadian rhythm gets disturbed with age, and the body produces less melatonin, the sleep hormone. Moreover, pain in joints and muscles makes sleeping harder for some adults. 

Fix your sleep routine with the following tips: 

• Try to exercise a little before bedtime 
• Maintain a regular sleep schedule 
• Quit drugs like alcohol, caffeine, or tobacco that interfere with sleep 
• Minimize distractions at bedtime

4. Maintain a healthy diet

Only a balanced diet can help set the stage for physically healthy aging. A poor diet, on the other hand, can set the stage for many complications, including diabetes, heart problems, and high blood pressure. You need a diet rich in nutrients and low in saturated fats.

Ensure you take in enough whole grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. Another very crucial component needed in your diet is calcium. Strengthening the bones depends on sufficient calcium intake; if not, the risk for osteoporosis is high.

According to NIB, you should consume at least 1,000 mg of calcium a day, and you can do this by including milk and milk products in your diet. Also, remember to cut down on saturated fat intake; minimize ice cream, butter, full-fat cheese, and certain cuts of meat.

5. Stay active

A sedentary lifestyle is the worst possible choice for your body in old age. Yes, your energy is not as high as it was in your 30s, but becoming a couch potato is not a good idea. Many elderly adults confine themselves to their rooms with their television, and that’s it.

Such a lifestyle can wreak havoc on your physical well-being; if not for activity, many inevitable declines can occur earlier than necessary. Research suggests that those above age 65 need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise a week.

Physical activity will help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and joint and muscle complications, improve mental health, minimize the risk of falls, and even help cognitive function.

6. Include vitamin supplements in your diet

Getting the right amount of vitamins is all the more important as you age, and it is not always possible to meet these needs with a healthy diet alone. So your healthcare provider might recommend some vitamin supplements.

Commonly used supplements for the elderly include multivitamins, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and calcium. Vitamin B12 is needed for healthy aging, blood cells, and the development of the nervous system. 

Vitamin D and calcium are necessary for healthy teeth, muscles, and bones. Vitamin B6 helps in the formation of red blood cells.

7. Socialize!

Last but not least, enjoy a healthy social life. It is normal to feel like your social roles have changed and that after retirement, you do not get to socialize as you used to. But, your willpower can help you enjoy a healthy social life even in old age.

Spend time with friends and family, join a social community, participate in local activities, use social media, and keep connected with your children.

Conclusion

Aging can be a tremendous challenge, but it can be easier to cope with changes if you make the right lifestyle choices. To stay healthy even in old age, keep up with vaccinations and screenings, quit smoking, get enough sleep, eat healthy, stay active, and socialize. 

The inevitable changes that come with aging sure are tough, but these tips will help make the process much easier. 

We hope you learned something from this article; if you think we missed anything, let us know in the comments below.