Living your life or just counting the years? What we really want is to live longer well. Many factors influence how we age. We cannot control our genes, but we can control our choices. Fortunately, research reveals it is never too late to make changes that can help you live a longer, healthier life.
Here are ten tips for aging well from the American Geriatrics Society’s Foundation for Health in Aging:
Eat a rainbow: As we age we need fewer calories. Eat fruits and vegetables with a wide range of colors for more varied nutrients. Include 2 servings of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids a week.
Avoid falls: Walking 30 minutes, three times a week, can help you stay physically fit, strengthen your bones and lower your fall risk. Exercises like bicycling, dancing, jogging and water aerobics also help.
Smaller Toasts: Drink less alcohol - 1 drink for men and ½ drink for ladies. A drink is 1 oz. hard liquor, 6 oz. wine or 12 oz. beer.
Sleep: Sleep 7-8 hours a night. If you’re still sleepy during the day, you may have sleep apnea which, untreated, can increase your risk of developing heart disease.
Train Your Brain: Playing computer games, puzzles, socialization and learning new things can help keep your brain sharp.
Enjoy Safe Sex: Studies show that older adults are having more sex. Unfortunately more are being diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases. Use protection every time.
Medications Check: Keep an updated list of all your medications, dosages and frequencies. You may have many medications prescribed by different doctors. Ask your pharmacist to review them to be sure they don’t interact in harmful ways.
Recognize Depression: 1 in 5 older adults suffer from depression. Learn the symptoms and seek treatment from your healthcare provider.
Get Your Shots: Protect yourself from illnesses that kill thousands of older adults. Take the shots for flu, pneumonia, tetanus/diphtheria and shingles.
Be Your Own Advocate: Find the right doctor. Take a list of your questions and medicines with you. State the real reason for the visit immediately. Then follow their instructions.
