While it’s easy to assume that old age isn’t much fun, it doesn’t have to be bad either. While your body will begin to deteriorate over time, you can still make sure you stay in good health with the following guide to living a healthy lifestyle in old age. This article covers the basics like eating right and exercising regularly. Still, it also provides more advanced tips for older people looking to enjoy life in the twilight years of their lives. It’s never too late to start living healthier!
Be Aware of Hormonal Factors
Hormones are crucial to understanding how menopause affects women’s health. The levels of estrogen and progesterone change during menopause, resulting in other changes in different parts of women’s bodies. Estrogen is associated with making bones stronger and keeping them flexible, which can prevent osteoporosis. Both estrogen and progesterone affect other cells in different parts of women’s bodies, including cardiovascular tissue (blood vessels). These effects are related to hot flashes that some women experience during menopause; they result from changes caused by reduced amounts of hormones. It is essential for women who experience hot flashes to understand these hormonal factors, as it can help them deal with symptoms like night sweats more effectively.
Balance Your Blood Sugar
When you’re young, your blood sugar is relatively stable. But as you age, your blood sugar naturally begins to rise and fall more frequently. When it swings too much, it can lead to a condition called insulin resistance—wherein cells become resistant to insulin and thus less efficient at taking in glucose from blood—which has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s disease. To counterbalance these changes, start eating small meals throughout the day—and try not to let them exceed 350 calories each—to keep your blood sugar levels steady. The easiest way to do that? Make sure each meal has both protein and complex carbs (like whole grains or starchy vegetables) in it.
It’s Likely You’re Overcaffeinated
Caffeine addiction is a real thing, and if you’re an older adult, it’s time to start thinking about giving up that morning cup of coffee. After age 65, your ability to metabolize caffeine starts to slow down, so taking in too much can cause trouble sleeping and various forms of depression, among other things. It’s also been linked to cardiovascular disease and bone fractures. If you love coffee so much that you can’t give it up entirely, start by cutting back significantly—perhaps only drinking one cup a day instead of two or three—and see how that works for you. You’ll be glad to be rid of those afternoon crashes and groggy mornings once you wean yourself off caffeine addiction.
Boost Your Energy with Whole Food – Not Junk
Your body needs energy all day, but your stomach can only hold so much at a time. When that little box of raisins just won’t cut it, choose snacks that provide fuel over frills. As always, look for products with fewer ingredients and higher quality whole foods like nuts and fruit to give you lasting energy. It’s also important to eat regularly and not skip meals—especially breakfast! You should be eating between three and five times a day to keep blood sugar levels balanced and your metabolism strong. Your body will thank you for it!
