Aging is a natural process and with it comes physiological changes, resulting in changes in nutritional requirements. Psychosocial issues can also affect the physical and mental health of the elderly. It may be possible to live healthily to a ripe old age if one follows a balanced diet, an exercise routine and regular screening tests for timely detection and prevention of certain hereditary diseases by following these fitness tips for seniors.
According to the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, physical decline in the aged can be linked to depression and anxiety. The aging population is inevitably concerned about financial security, disability issues, and their independence and may also be undergoing emotional trauma related to loss of dear ones, especially a spouse or family member or a friend.
As one ages, the sense of smell and taste diminish, metabolism slows down the body’s immunity decreases leading to frequent infections, and a high risk of succumbing to more serious medical conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and stroke. These are just some of the possible diseases that can take over an elderly person.
People who serve as either part-time or full time caregivers looking after their elderly parent or grandparents know how important certain lifestyle changes and nutrition habits are to keep them healthy.
Feed your body, mind and soul
It’s never too late to change your dietary habits as you can always mend your old ways and enhance the way you operate and feel. Good nutrition not only increases your lifespan but also makes you stronger boosting your immunity to a level where you can ward of potential illness-causing toxins and germs, prevents unhealthy weight gain or other age-related joint pains. Furthermore, it not only makes you physically fit for your age but also sharpens your mind improving your level of mental alertness with age. In addition to following these fitness tips for seniors you are more likely to feel fresh and rejuvenated from within giving you an overall sense of well-being and a sky-high self-esteem.
Physical exercise
Get yourself moving even if all you feel like doing is being on the bed and spending your day relaxing. Even though physical exercise may seem strenuous on the face of it, it is actually one of the best ways to relax your muscles and gain the core strength and flexibility to be able to boost your liveliness and vivacity. Just like sleep is an important ingredient of a sound mind, similarly an exercising body helps you to stay on-guard and not be entirely dependent on someone.
You can always consult your physician and also get an analysis done as to what kind of physical activities you should be tuning into to suit your physical health and not harm yourself in turn.
Try not to stress a lot
The fact that old age brings with it high levels of stress, cannot be denied but you can always think of ways to cope with stress and include positivity in your environment by surrounding yourself with loved ones and also by getting yourself involved in activities that fill you with renewed levels of energy such as following a hobby. The fact cannot be stressed enough that your internal health is of utmost importance. Being anxious or in a depressed state of mind can lead to a physical decline in seniors.
Some very common ways to de-stress is to be grateful for life’s blessings and appreciate the little moments of life. A content heart is a healthy heart. Do not bottle up your feelings and express yourself whenever you get the chance or join a community where you can possibly get something like laughing therapy. Strengthen your spiritual link and do not lose hope from life.
