Tips for Seniors to Maintain Good Health

Get your water bottle ready and tie your sneakers, as National Senior Health and Fitness Day is just around the corner! On the last Wednesday of May each year, over 100,000 senior adults come together across the country with a shared objective of promoting awareness about the health of senior citizens and maintaining their fitness.

The Benefits of Physical Activity

While exercise can benefit people of all ages, older adults, in particular, stand to gain a lot from staying active. Low-impact routines like walking, yoga, and swimming can significantly enhance the quality of life. The benefits include:

• Maintaining joint health and muscle mass
• Reduced anxiety
• Improved immune system
• Reduced risk of colon cancer and diabetes
• Reduced pain and joint swelling due to arthritis
• Helps in the prevention of chronic disease

With our goal to continue to support the families in the communities we serve, Physicians Premier, your local emergency room in Corpus Christi, has put together a list of tips and activities to encourage seniors to enjoy optimal health.

Schedule a Screening

Take a proactive approach towards your healthcare. Scheduling regular health screenings provides an opportunity to discuss any new symptoms, or changes in lifestyle that may impact your health, and create an effective healthcare plan for the future.

Step Outside

Going outside offers many health benefits. First, it encourages physical activity, reducing sedentary screen time spent on TV, computer, or smartphone. Taking a stroll in the park or walking around the neighborhood can keep your body active. Second, spending time in nature can uplift your mood, making you feel more relaxed and happier.

Another significant advantage of being outdoors is the availability of Vitamin D. Adequate Vitamin D intake improves mental health, helps maintain strong bones, supports a healthy heart, boosts immunity, and regulates blood sugar levels.

Let’s Dance!

Dancing is an enjoyable form of exercise that can surely bring a smile to your face! You can take a class at your local community center or dance to your favorite music in the comfort of your living room. Dancing has many benefits, like promoting strong bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis, improving muscle tone and strength, enhancing agility and coordination, and enhancing the health of your heart and lungs. Whether you prefer dancing solo or with a partner, let the music inspire you to move your body.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Maintaining a healthy diet is a fundamental aspect of a healthy lifestyle. To boost your immune system, include fruits, lean meats, and vegetables in your meals. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants that protect your cells from damage, while lean meat provides essential protein for building muscle mass. If you’re a vegetarian or looking for alternative protein sources, consider incorporating oats, almonds, lentils, Greek yogurt, or broccoli into your diet.

For seniors, it’s essential to be mindful of not only what you eat but also what you avoid. Limiting the intake of unhealthy fatty and sugary foods such as pastries, cookies, and cakes is important to maintain a healthy diet. Such foods can cause inflammation in the body and weaken the immune system. Additionally, it’s advisable to limit alcohol consumption. If you’re unsure about how much alcohol is safe for you, consult your doctor.

Get adequate sleep

Getting enough sleep is vital for maintaining good health as it helps to reduce stress and allows the body to repair itself. Sufficient sleep can boost your immune system, making it easier for your body to fight off infections. It also improves concentration and memory. For optimal health, adults should aim to get between seven and a half to nine hours of sleep each night.

Healthy Habits = Healthy Lives

While it’s not possible to prevent all illnesses, being proactive about your health and staying active can give you an advantage as you age. Developing healthy habits, such as the ones mentioned here, can result in stronger muscles, bones, and hearts, as well as a stronger immune system all year round. So, whether you choose to stay active with friends, engage in community activities, or exercise at home, it’s important to get up and get moving.

Remember to prioritize safety at all times. This involves taking breaks when necessary, following gym protocols, and using all the safety equipment available to you. By keeping safety in mind, you can enjoy the benefits of physical activity while reducing the risk of injury.

Of course, if anything unexpected happens, Physicians Premier, your local Corpus Christi emergency room, is open 24/7 and all our facilities are just a short drive away.

Sources:

“The Life-Changing Benefits of Exercise After 60,” National Council on Aging, https://ncoa.org/article/the-life-changing-benefits-of-exercise-after-60
“Spending time outdoors is good for you, from the Harvard Health Letter,” Harvard Health Publishing, https://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/spending-time-outdoors-is-good-for-you
“Ageing Well: 5 Essential Health Tips for the Elderly,” Health Hub, https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/868/healthy-active-ageing