As you become a senior, your health will become a primary concern and it is important that you take steps to look after yourself in these years. If you are able to maintain good physical and mental health, it will allow you to stay independent for longer and enjoy these important years of your life.
There are a few key steps to take when you become a senior which will hopefully allow you to stay fit and active for longer and stave off various health issues for a high quality of life. Read on to discover what these tips are:
Health Coverage
It’s important to have some form of health coverage as you become a senior, as you are more likely to need it. Medicaid can help with medical costs for those with low income and can help if you need nursing home care in your later years. If you are over the age of 65, you can head online to discover what plan is suitable for you depending on certain criteria. Make sure you do your research for the best outcome. You can find Medicaid income limits by state online at websites such as www.medicareplanfinder.com.
Visit Doctor With Any Concerns
First, it is important that you see a doctor if you have any concerns about your health. Acting early can make an enormous difference and allow you to catch health issues before they become a big problem. Additionally, attend any screenings that you have arranged and taken any medication as prescribed by your doctor.
Look After Mental Health
In addition to looking after your physical health, it is also vital that you look after your mental wellbeing and this can be done in a few different ways.
- Socializing
- Reducing stress
- Getting enough sleep
- Staying active
- Reading, writing
- Trying new hobbies
- Brain training (crosswords, sudoku, word searches, )
Stay Active
Perhaps the most obvious tip for looking after your health as you age is to stay active. This can become harder as you age, but even a daily walk can do wonders for your health.
Healthy Diet
The digestive system can slow down as you age so your diet should be filled with high-fiber fruits, whole grains and vegetables while cutting down on unhealthy foods. Additionally, staying hydrated is important for keeping your organs working properly and for staying energized.
Teeth, Vision & Hearing
It is also important to get regular dental checkups (and to brush twice daily, floss once daily and rinse with mouthwash), eye checkups and hearing checkups as these are all areas that can cause problems as you age.
Limit Alcohol Intake & Quit Smoking
This is always good advice but particularly for seniors. Too much alcohol consumption is not good for both physical and mental wellbeing while the dangers of smoking are common knowledge and quitting can reduce the chance of cancers, strokes and heart failure.
When you become a senior, you need to make your health a priority so that you can stay active, happy and independent for longer. Health can deteriorate as you age and this is a natural part of life, but by following the above advice it should help you to maintain a good level of health so that you are able to enjoy these years.
This article (Health Tips for Seniors) is copyrighted by Awareness Junkie, 2019. You may not copy, reproduce or publish any content therein without written permission. Feel free to share this article on social networks and via email. If you have questions, please contact us here.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Moreover, views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Awareness Junkie or its staff.
