What do we know about helpful Tips for Healthy Aging?

“The greying of the world” is a realistic description of the population in many parts of the world. With the developments in science and technology in the 20th century and the introduction of antibiotics, vaccinations, modern surgical techniques and other medical advancements, the elderly population is living a longer life. As a person ages, he/she experiences a decline in strength and an associated loss of independence. This article addresses the interventions that older adults can undertake and ways to practice them for an easy and functional life.

Tips To Maintain A Good Physical Health:

Physical activity: While talking about healthy aging, physical activity is the cornerstone! Doing regular physical activities not only helps you live longer but also live better. Living better means more joyous years without pain or disability. Simple lifestyle changes like using stairs, going for a walk, taking stretch breaks, and practicing yoga can make a difference.

Although exercise has many benefits, maintaining a healthy weight is one of those. Many comorbidities are results of obesity and excess weight. Regular exercises keep a check on a healthy weight and help in preventing diseases like type 2 diabetes, blood pressure, etc.

As a person ages, their muscle function declines. Exercises help you keep the muscles and bones stronger. It also helps in maintaining balance and prevents falls.

Eating healthy: Smart food choices can help protect you from various health problems as you age. The standard dietary guidelines suggest an eating pattern that contains a wholesome amount of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins.

Getting good sleep: Sleep helps in keeping a person alert and improving their mood. If a person does not get good sleep, they may feel irritated, depressed, or become forgetful. Study shows that those who have good sleep have good problem-solving ability and good concentration.

Quit smoking/alcohol: Smoking, alcohol consumption, or consumption of similar substances have an adverse effect on health. These effects increase the risk of cancer and heart attack, and also affects many other parts of the body including the brain. Quitting or limiting consumption of these substances lowers the risk of developing many diseases, improves blood circulation, and improves the sense of smell and taste.

Having regular check-ups: Sometimes we ignore some basic symptoms which may have a consequence on health.  Sometimes specific diseases like cancer doesn’t even show symptoms in the early stages. Having regular check-ups and consulting with your doctor timely can prevent these diseases or reduce the risk of developing them further.

Tips To Maintain Good Mental Health
Mental health is vital to your entire well-being and quality of life. It has an impact on how you think, feel, act, make decisions, and interact with others. Healthy ageing involves handling social isolation, loneliness, stress, depression, and mood through medical and self-care.
Keeping in touch with others might help you improve your mood and overall well-being- whether in-person or over the phone/internet. Setting aside time each day to interact with people will help you stay connected. Engaging in new, skill-driven activities of interest can help too. Taking up group therapy also has a positive impact on the overall well-being.

Healthy ageing necessitates the upkeep of your physical, mental, and cognitive health. Small lifestyle modifications in your regular routine can help you live longer and healthier lives. Staying active, eating and sleeping well, and visiting the doctor on a regular basis are all ways to improve your physical health. Interact with family and friends, strive to stay cheerful, and engage in activities that you enjoy to maintain your mental health.