It’s natural as you age that you may lose a step or two. You might not be able to run as fast or climb as many stairs without feeling fatigued or sore. But if you don’t take action to keep yourself healthy, you may find your body breaking down in old age. It’s time to start now to stay in good shape.
Maintain an Active Lifestyle
First and foremost, you need to keep exercising, or, if you’re too sedentary, start a regular exercise routine now. You can join a gym, work with a personal trainer, or take an exercise class. If you don’t have time for a gym, there are thousands of exercise videos online that can guide you through a workout that benefits all parts of your body.
Regular exercise keeps your muscles strong and helps you maintain your balance to prevent falls. It also improves your cardiovascular health and lowers blood pressure. And, you may not realize it, but it’s also good for your brain.
Adopt a Healthier Diet
People fall into bad eating habits gradually and may not realize it until they start having problems. Western diets high in animal products can have negative health effects, especially as you age. Long term, your bad diet can lead to heart problems, inflammation, and even cancer.
Take some time to evaluate your diet by keeping a food log. Track everything you eat, when you eat, and how much you consumed. Chances are, you’ll find your daily diet is packed with carbs and unhealthy fats. Try switching to a diet based on whole grains and lean proteins.
Keep Up Your Social Life
Your mental health affects your body. As people grow older, they sometimes lose their social networks as friends move away or become homebodies. This can lead to loneliness and depression. Joining a new social group, especially one that keeps you physically active, can keep your body in shape as you age. Try an exercise class in your community, join a bird-watching group, or learn to play pickleball. You’ll have fun, and your body will benefit.
You can keep your body healthy as the years pass if you take a holistic approach. Good diet, regular exercise, and attention to mental health are all key components of a healthy lifestyle. Become aware and take some time for self-care.
Check out this article on how to protect your senses as you get older!
