One of the most common resolutions each new year is to get healthy. However, this resolution implies that an individual will work hard to make healthy changes this year, but then discontinue them as time goes on and various benchmarks of health are reached. For those that want to stay active and mentally alert long past retirement, this should be a lifelong goal. These five suggestions from BrightStar, leaders in
senior home care, will help healthy aging become a reality.
- Visit the doctor(s) regularly: Have routine blood work done, including a full cholesterol screening, at your annual physical to help detect and prevent age-related illnesses and conditions.
- Stop smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: These are the two most common vices people have, and quitting results in better sleep and more energy. Stopping smoking also reduces the risk of heart disease and COPD, and excessive alcohol consumption can destroy the liver.
- Make healthy food choices: A diet with whole grains, colorful fruits and vegetables, protein, and healthy fats helps to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of heart disease and type two diabetes.
- Challenge the mind by learning something new as frequently as possible: Read a book, enroll in a class at the community college, play a new game, or work a puzzle. For those looking for physical activity as well, there are museums to visit and local and state parks with trails to walk and explore.
- Change the conversation on aging: Old age jokes perpetuate stereotypes and fuel negative feelings. Maintaining a positive attitude can help individuals live longer and enjoy the journey more. Using realistic language makes the conversation with loved ones about changing needs easier.
Healthy aging shouldn’t be based on a resolution, but on a lifelong goal to maintain an active life for as many years as possible. For those who are seeing strong impacts of aging, all is not lost. There are many options for
senior home care, ranging from adult and elderly home companion visits to engage loved ones in mentally stimulating activities to personal care like ambulation and dressing and grooming to promote positive self-image during doctor and museum visits. If this is something you or a loved one would like to recommit to, contact BrightStar Care at 1-866-618-7827 to discuss the multiple options for
senior home care offered in the Orlando area.
One of the most common resolutions each new year is to get healthy. However, this resolution implies that an individual will work hard to make healthy changes this year, but then discontinue them as time goes on and various benchmarks of health are reached. For those that want to stay active and mentally alert long past retirement, this should be a lifelong goal. These five suggestions from BrightStar, leaders in senior home care, will help healthy aging become a reality.