If you focus on birthdays, we are all getting older. But, many of us who may be “getting up there” in age find ways to stay young at heart–fit, mentally active, and purposeful. Here are five ways to feel at your best:
- Be active: Walk, run, jump rope. Get your heart rate up. Countless studies show the value of aerobic exercise for your gut, your memory, your immune system, your cardiovascular health, your strength, your stress level, your mood, your cholesterol levels. It may be the best medicine for your body and brain. Also, do balancing exercises and use weights to strengthen your muscles. That is key to good health, including bone health, lowering risk of stroke and even spousal health
- Eat well and keep a healthy weight: Sense of smell and taste can change as you age; it’s still important to eat healthy foods. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, lean meats and fish. Avoid, fats, pasta and sugared drinks. And if you need help losing weight or eating better, talk to your doctor; in some cases, Medicare covers weight-loss counseling and nutrition counseling.
- Get the sleep you need. Here are seven tips for getting a good night’s sleep.
- Keep in touch with family and friends you enjoy. And make one of them your health care buddy, someone to go with you to the doctor, take notes and be a second set of eyes and ears.
- Perhaps, take up bowling or another new sport: Watch this video from the Atlantic on how one older adult has stayed young and met his life partner bowling.
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