As you age, your body and mind naturally undergo changes. From a decrease in energy to loss of concentration, these changes can be daunting. But there are many ways you can keep healthy as you age. Whether this is taking up exercise or starting a new hobby, here are four ways you can keep physically and mentally healthy as you age:
Exercise
Exercising regularly, whether this means going to the gym every day or simply taking walks around your nearest park, can help you keep healthy in the long run. Exercise or simply increasing movement in your day to day life has many benefits.
This can include weight loss, increased muscle, energy, reduce risks of certain diseases and helps maintain testosterone levels.
Testosterone levels tend to decrease as you age which can cause a loss in motivation, muscle mass, and energy. One way of regulating this other than exercise is through visiting a testosterone replacement therapy clinic which can help maintain testosterone levels at their optimum.
Maintaining testosterone levels mean you will have more energy to do the things you love and the activities you wish to take part in.
Diet
Combined with exercise, a healthy diet will do wonders to your body as you age. Eating certain foods such as fish increases healthy levels of omega-3 vitamins. These helps lower the risk of many diseases including heart disease and dementia and helps people live longer.
Eating more nuts and seeds, on the other hand, can help you lose weight as well as contains nutrients such as magnesium and vitamin E that most people don’t get enough of. For example, almonds contain vitamin E, antioxidants, fiber and magnesium and can help metabolic health.
Social Interaction
Having a reunion once in a while can be a great way to catch up with old friends and reminisce the good old times. A strong support system can help maintain healthy mental health. Having people you can talk to without fear of judgment and in a safe environment can help ease the stresses of every day life.
Hobbies
Ever wanted to take up something like painting or learning to play an instrument but never had the time? Taking up a new hobby can be a great way to keep healthy as you age. Not only will this keep your brain going, increasing focus and concentration, but depending on what you start, it can also keep you physically healthy.
Tennis and golf can be great sports to take up for those over 50 where you can get the exercise, social event and fresh air without fear of injury. Painting and dancing, on the other hand, are popular hobbies to help with mental alertness.
These usually have groups or events that help people learn a new skill or hobby and can be great places to meet people and make new friends.
These are only a few ways to keep physically and mentally healthy as you age. Whatever you may choose to start doing, no matter how small it may be, it can help improve your health in the long run. You might even meet new friends and form new skills along the way!
Maggie Hammond is a retired nurse and freelance writer, exploring and writing in the U.S. in retirement. An advocate for public health and nursing qualifications, she feels passionate about raising awareness of the current strain on public health organisations.
