Everyone has the right to lead a healthy and long life wherever they are. But the environment they live in is what determines a person’s health and well-being. It influences the individual’s behavior and lifestyle choices. The quality of the healthcare available in a country, air pollution, and violence play a large role in a person’s ability to live healthily.
What Is Healthy Ageing? Things To Remember!
This does not mean that one should be free of diseases. A vast majority of the elderly will have one or the other health problem. But if monitored and controlled rights, they seldom define a person’s well-being.
According to World Health Organization, healthy aging is the creation, development, and maintenance of functional ability among the elderly that will enable them to live well. Such an environment enables everyone to be what they are and do what they value in life.
The concept of healthy living if fully realized will help the elderly do the following:
- Fulfill their basic requirements
- To educate oneself, to grow and take decisions
- Be independent
- Manage relationships
- To give back to the society
There may be certain factors beyond the control of people living in specific regions. But doing the following will help you live healthy as long as you can make decisions for yourself:
- Watch what goes into your mouth
The advice may appear cliché. But following a healthy meal plan is a must for you to stay energetic and healthy for life. Eliminate saturated fats from your diet. Have lots of fruits and vegetables. Including whole grains, lean meat, and dairy products in small quantities and oily fish too will help a lot. See to it that you stay hydrated all the time. Remember, water is a must for you to stay fresh. Minimize alcohol consumption. If that is a must, try to stick to the recommended daily amount.
- Work out regularly
Have an exercise regimen. Staying active wards off obesity. And you stay safe from the complications like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke. It will also improve your image of yourself. You will sleep well and will stay strong.
The government recommends that you exercise 150 minutes a week. Monitor your health
Be mindful of your health all the time. Do your regular check-ups with your doctor. Don’t ignore your dentist or ophthalmologist. Doing this helps you notice if anything goes wrong before it grows worse.
One needs to have checkups at regular intervals to keep track of:
- Possibility of cancers
- Levels of cholesterol
- Blood sugar level
- Blood pressure
- The possibility of developing osteoporosis
- Have a walk every day
Try to walk half an hour a day. If it is too high for you, have shorter walks at regular intervals. Try to walk briskly, so as to feel slightly breathless by the time you end your walk. Doing this comes with numerous health benefits. Bodyweight management, rejuvenation, strong bones and muscles, higher energy levels, and better sleep are just a few to mention among them.
- Care for your skin
Skin, as you know, is the largest organ in the body. Care for it and it will keep you safe from the elements of nature. You will also maintain your sensation. Skin also takes care of your body temperature. Protect it with sunscreen when going out. Be gentle towards it; avoid harsh anti-aging products. Drink plenty of water. And do not ever forget your regular skin cancer screening.
- Spend time to socialize
Loneliness shortens your lifespan. You may be someone living alone or a person with a large circle of friends. Whatever it is, set aside some time to connect with others. Loneliness, as per studies, increases the levels of stress hormones in the body. This causes inflammation and other health issues. There are also studies that suggest that lonely people are at higher risk of the ailments like dementia.
Catch up with friends at regular intervals. Volunteer for your favorite charitable trust or just be of service to someone in need. See to it that you stay connected with others all the time.
Finally, cultivate a new hobby. Being passionate about something gives meaning to life and helps you enjoy life to the fullest.
You may also read: What Are The Causes Of Crepey Skin And Its Prevention Methods