Growing old is an unavoidable aspect of life. When you were a child or a teenager, you were probably looking forward to growing up as that would mean freedom from parental control and be able to do more fun things such as going to a nightclub or taking overseas vacations on your own. However, when one starts approaching their twilight years, aging could be a scary prospect. Many people are worried about losing their mobility and by extension, their independence whereas others are terrified of contracting age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s and as a result, unable to remember or recognize their loved ones. While these fears are understandable, there are many things you can do now to reduce the chances of these undesirable consequences happening. Aging gracefully is not as difficult as it seems, read on to find out more about how you can do so.
Balanced Diet
Having a balanced diet is of paramount importance to maintaining your overall health and ward off the negative effects of aging. Without proper nutrition, you will be more prone to getting chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.
Eating fruits and vegetables enables your body to receive antioxidants and minerals which keep your immune system in tip-top condition, while protein is essential to maintaining your muscle mass. Proper nutrition not only keeps you in good physical condition but also mentally sharp as well.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is another important factor in aging gracefully. Healthcare professionals have strongly recommended that everyone gets eight hours of sleep per night for optimal health. It is when we are asleep that our body repairs damages to our cells, keeping our organs in functioning condition and building our muscles. Sleep also adjusts your cortisol level, keeping you refreshed and ready to go the next day.
Regular Exercise
Research has shown that regular exercise leads to slower aging at the cellular level. Additionally, you will also feel energized and nimble after a heavy exercise session. Not only will your physical health improve, but you will also feel better mentally, improving your overall well-being.
To benefit from regular exercise, you do not have to lift weights that are twice your body weight or run a marathon. Just going for a brisk walk can do wonders for your health! Twenty minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day is all you need to keep yourself fit. To ensure that you maintain a regular exercise routine, choose an exercise that you enjoy, be it swimming, running, or yoga so that you will be motivated to stick to it for the long haul.
At Discovery Village At Twin Creeks, our Dimensions Health & Wellness program is designed with our residents’ well-being in mind, and we offer a variety of exercise classes for them to attend.
