8/22 Sunday Featured Author: Jennifer Scott

A Quick Guide to Maintaining a Healthy Senior Lifestyle

By: Jennifer Scott

Because longevity tends to run in families, many people assume lifespan is based purely upon genetics. However, recent studies have shown that living a long, healthy life depends upon a number of factors. In addition to genetics, your environment, lifestyle, and healthy habits also play a large role. 

Although there’s no guarantee how long any of us will live, there are many actions you can take to stay healthy and boost your quality of life during your golden years. 

Home Modifications

Trips, falls, slips, and other accidents are a common cause of injury. Unfortunately, our chances of experiencing a fall increase as we age. According to Aging.com, every 11 seconds, a senior requires emergency care resulting from a fall.

Although not all accidents are preventable, there are several things you can do to protect yourself. For starters, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) advises increasing the lighting in your home and installing grab bars in bathrooms, such as in the shower or tub or near the toilet. Additionally, any staircases should have a secure rail on each side. The home should also be decluttered and regularly cleaned in order to remove tripping hazards and promote better overall health, and as a bonus, taking these actions promotes a more positive living environment.

Smart home modifications can be another budget-friendly safety precaution for seniors. For instance, Urdesign recommends installing a smart doorbell. In addition to helping the hearing impaired sense when someone is at the door, smart doorbells include the extra security of cameras, along with smartphone apps that let homeowners check on their houses at any time, even when they’re not home. 

Assisted Living

Although most of us prefer to age in place, taking proper care of ourselves can become difficult as we get older. If you're finding it harder to cook, clean, bathe, travel, or remember to take your medications, you still have a few options. Rather than struggling to care for yourself or moving into a nursing home, another alternative is to move into an assisted living facility. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks while granting you the independence of being able to live in your own private apartment-style unit. Many seniors enjoy the sense of community, freedom, and peace of mind they experience in assisted living.

Before moving into a community, start by researching the assisted living facilities in your area. With help from online search tools and facility guides, search for a local facility that fits your needs and has the specific amenities you’re looking for.

Stay Healthy to Live Longer
When it comes to aging well, Stanford University’s Center on Longevity reports that five factors may add more than a decade to one’s lifespan. Unsurprisingly, those five factors are the same ones our doctors typically mention during annual checkups: diet, exercise, not smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy BMI.

Because our nutrition and exercise needs change as we age, it’s crucial to find age-appropriate activities and to prepare recipes that focus on senior nutrition. For instance, as your digestive system changes and your metabolism naturally slows down, your body will benefit from balanced meals that include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, plenty of protein, and heart-healthy fats like avocados and nuts.

When it comes to exercise, consider low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or Zumba a few times per week. Chair yoga is another great option for seniors who are looking to improve balance, manage pain, and improve their mood. According to Aaptiv, chair yoga is safe for seniors and those with limited mobility. Before trying any new exercise routine, be sure to check with your doctor about your unique needs.

Although there’s no guaranteed way to boost your lifespan, healthy habits can improve your health and wellbeing. By starting with small, daily changes, you can work wonders when it comes to your physical and mental health. If you want to get the most out of your golden years, improving your quality of life is a great place to start.

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