How to Stay Healthy and Happy As We Age

How to Stay Healthy and Happy As We Age

The good news is that getting older doesn’t have to be as bad as people think.good for old people In fact, it can be a really enjoyable time. But there are many things that need to be taken into consideration, such as staying physically active and free from debilitating illness, healthy eating habits, preventing falls and maintaining a good physical appearance.

Eating well is vital for everyone, but especially important as we age.good for old people As we get older our dietary requirements change, which means it’s even more important to be eating a wide variety of nutritious foods. A nutrient-rich diet can help slow down the decline of muscle mass and balance, reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes, and maintain healthy skin.

Elderly people can often struggle to get up and moving and so it’s important to encourage them to exercise regularly in a way they enjoy.good for old people One of the best options is chair yoga which helps improve muscle strength, balance and flexibility. It’s also low impact and can be done in the comfort of your own home, or a local community centre or library.

Taking part in a fun, social activity is another great way to keep seniors active and engaged.good for old people Whether it’s a group trip out to see the grandchildren, a coffee and catch-up with old friends or a group class such as painting or drawing, these activities are a great way to stimulate their brains while having some fun!

As we age, it’s important to keep up bowel function by drinking plenty of water and eating fibre rich foods.good for old people A fibre-rich diet can help prevent constipation, which can be particularly problematic for older adults. Good sources of fibre include wholegrain bread and cereals, fresh fruit and vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, beans and lentils.

It’s also important for elderly people to make sure they are getting enough calcium, which can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.good for old people Good sources of calcium include dairy products, such as milk and cheese, or leafy green vegetables. It’s recommended that a person’s daily intake of calcium should be around 500mg per day, or 600mg if they are at higher risk of osteoporosis.

Fish is also a rich source of Omega-3, which can help with heart health. It’s important to avoid large predatory fish, which may be high in mercury, and instead opt for smaller fish such as salmon and trout or a plant-based alternative like walnuts.

Another superfood, yogurt is a versatile food that can be eaten on its own or topped with granola and berries. A cup of plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt has 17 grams of protein and provides 20% of the recommended amount of calcium. It’s also a source of probiotics, which can help support gut health.