Healthy Life
Nowadays it’s a fact that elderly people live longer. Advances in medicine, improved eating habits, daily physical activity and healthier lifestyles are all factors that increase this longevity. Since we care and want you to be able to enjoy the benefits of having good health, we want to talk to you about three important areas that will help you to improve your quality of life.
Nutrition
The relationship between nutrition and health is unquestionable; therefore, it is important for you to maintain a balanced diet that will help you prevent health conditions that might arise in the future.
- Follow a balanced diet that contains elements from all major food groups: Carbohydrates: 60% sugars, pastas, bread, flour. Proteins: 15- 20% meats, milk, eggs, soy. Fats: 20-25% canola, grape or corn oil.
- Increase your daily water intake. Use your imagination and acquire the fluids you need through shakes, teas, and fruit juices. That way you will prevent dehydration, which can be very common, especially at this stage in your life.
- Increase your intake of fiber with foods such as vegetables in order to promote bowel movement.
- Increase your vitamin and mineral intake with Vitamin B and calcium. The tendency for decalcification and Vitamin B deficit are very common during old age.
- Reduce your salt and sugar intake to a minimum. It is important to consult with your doctor what foods you can eat so that you don’t aggravate already existing health conditions.
Active Lifestyle
For elderly people, the secret to living a healthy and enjoyable life is exercise. A regular exercise routine that includes walking, doing water aerobics, and using a stationary bicycle, among other activities, will bring many benefits for your health.Doing exercise not only improves your quality of life, it helps you prevent certain ailments that might arise during old age. Here are some of the many benefits that exercise can provide:
- Helps maintain flexible joints
- Decreases the risk of developing diabetes
- Decreases the risk of heart attack
- Helps in maintaining moderate blood pressure levels
- Helps the endocrine system
- Improves mood levels
- Improves sleep
- Strengthens muscles, articulations and bones
- Increases life expectancy
It is important that you talk to your doctor before you starting any type of exercise routine.
Mental Health
A healthy state of mind is essential to enjoying tranquility and peace at this stage of your life. One option to help ensure good mental health is keeping your mind busy with activities that enrich your day-to-day. Such activities include:
- Joining community groups, walking groups, and social clubs in order to make new friends and acquaintances
- Visiting recreational centers for the elderly
- Being an active member of your church
- Nurturing healthy pastimes such as knitting, gardening, or baking
- Reading during your free time
Last Updated 10/06/2011
