Many seniors look forward to retiring and getting a chance to relax and recharge after working most of their lives. But going from an active lifestyle to a sedimentary one is not good for people’s health and wellbeing. Staying active after retirement is the key to enjoying a good quality life.
Physical Activity
Physical activity comes with a host of benefits for seniors including staying mobile and independent for as long as possible, reported the Independent. It can also help you stay healthier.
“Being active is the single most effective way of staving off some of the most common illnesses that affect us in our later years, ranging from cancer to heart problems to dementia,” Lucy Macdonald, physiotherapist at the Octopus Clinic, told the Independent.
“Exercise benefits all of the systems and organs of the body. For example, our immune system, by improving our ability to fight off viruses and bacterial infections, and musculoskeletal system, as it reduces our risk of falls and therefore traumatic injuries like hip fractures.”
There really is no right way to exercise but as people age, they have joint pain, stiffness and arthritic conditions so low-impact workouts are recommended. This includes yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, and swimming. Walking is also a great form and exercise and getting out in nature is also good for physical and mental wellbeing.
Socializing
Loneliness is a big problem for seniors who were used to socializing at work. This can lead to poor health and depression.
“Regular socializing and engaging in activities that stimulate the mind are crucial for emotional wellbeing and can help prevent feelings of isolation and depression,” said Dr Robin Chatterjee, a consultant in musculoskeletal, sport and exercise medicine.
One way to socialize and do something meaningful is to volunteer, according to WebMD. Ther’s a myriad of things for seniors to do including volunteering at a library or hospital, tutoring school children, or helping at an animal shelter. Fostering or adopting a pet is also good for people’s health and wellbeing.
Eat Healthy
Many health conditions are linked to nutritional deficits. That’s why it is important for seniors to eat a well-balanced diet of proteins, healthy fats, and carbs. A good option is to eat the Mediterranean diet that contains fatty fish, olive oil, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
It is also important to cut down on processed foods because they contain a large amount of salt which can raise people’s blood pressure and raise the risk of heart disease.
Stimulate Your Brain
Just like the body needs exercise, so does the brain. It is important for seniors to get a mental workout too. The best ways to do this is to do puzzles, take a course, learn a new language, or start a new copy.
Using your creative side by painting, drawing, or playing a musical instrument, can also contribute to brain health and stave off memory loss and cognitive decline.
