When you start to get old, of course, you just keep busy with a healthy lifestyle, so that you stay fit as long as possible and can enjoy life to the fullest. In the first place, of course, life is a lot more fun. Moreover, as an elderly person nowadays you continue to live at home for longer and that is why it is important to remain as mobile, energetic and therefore independent as possible. Many people could use a helping hand with that. With these ten tips in the field of nutrition, exercise, and other aspects of a healthy lifestyle, you can take good care of yourself and stay fit and happy.

Tip 1: Eat healthy food

A fit body starts with eating healthy food. That means eating a lot of fruit and vegetables, occasionally some fish and a little less meat. This not only prevents obesity but also ensures that you get all the vitamins and minerals that the body needs more than ever at a later age. For example, a good breakfast is very important. This is possible with bread, porridge, or muesli, but just what you like best. The most important thing is that you lay a good foundation so that you will be full of energy for the rest of the day and less likely to reach for unhealthy snacks. Also, make sure you always have fresh fruit at home.

Tip 2: Drink enough during the day

Just like eating healthy and regular food, it is also important to get enough fluids every day. At an older age, you often have a reduced feeling of thirst and therefore you can quickly drink too little. It is then wise to take extra fluids at fixed times of the day without waiting for the feeling of thirst. This is possible, for example, by taking a standard glass of juice in addition to a cup of tea at breakfast and by preparing not only milk but also a glass of water at lunch. Drinking something with dinner is also a good way to maintain fluid balance in the body.

Tip 3: Keep moving enough

Sufficient exercise and sports are also one of the best ways for the elderly to stay fit. You don’t have to suddenly go to the gym to work up a sweat, because according to the Healthy Exercise Standard, half an hour a day of moderate exercise is enough to stay fit or you can also run on a treadmill to keep yourself fit. That means, for example, brisk walking for half an hour at a speed of between 5 and 6 kilometers per hour, but of course, you can also go cycling for a while. If you notice that your heart rate is going up and you need to breathe faster, that’s good.

Tip 4: Get a pet

A pet keeps you happy and healthy, especially if you can cuddle extensively with the animal every now and then. A dog or a cat is of course very suitable for this, but a rabbit or a guinea pig also gives you new energy every day. When you get a dog, there is also no better motivation to go out regularly, get some fresh air and get the necessary exercise right away. It is wise to provide a safety net if you are not able to take care of the animal yourself. Friends, neighbors or relatives are usually willing to do this.

Tip 5: Train the brain

A healthy body also includes a healthy brain. It is therefore wise to continue to train them regularly. This keeps you sharp and alert so that you can continue to enjoy life and everyday events to the fullest. You can train your brain, for example, with a fun quiz on television, by solving the puzzle in the newspaper or by buying puzzle books yourself. Reading a book also stimulates the brain to stay active. And finally, there is absolutely nothing against learning a new language or taking an interesting course at a later age.

Tip 6: Improve the body balance

Falling is a major problem among the elderly, partly because people are living at home longer and longer. That is why it is important to always keep practicing your balance by moving around a lot. During sports, such as walking or cycling, you automatically train all your balance. However, intensive exercise is not for everyone, especially if you already have some ailments. However, you can also do special balancing exercises that are not very strenuous but with which you train your balance very well. Of course, you can also go to dancing lessons, because there you learn to optimally maintain your balance. A good balance gives self-confidence and ensures fewer falls. This way you stay healthy and mobile for as long as possible.

Tip 7: Maintain social contacts (or find new ones)

Social contacts are very important for a person, so it is good to continue to maintain them, even in old age. At a certain point, however, more and more of those contacts disappear and it seems difficult to find new people. However, more and more elderly people have since discovered it as a relaxing way to get to know new people. On special contact sites for the elderly, you can find old acquaintances, make new social contacts, make friends or even find a new relationship. That will make you happier and healthier. Find people around you that make you happy, because laughing also keeps you young!

Tip 8: Stop smoking

Everyone knows by now that smoking is not good for you, yet many people still smoke. You often hear the elderly say that it makes little sense for them to stop. However, that is not less true, because even at an older age it still has many health benefits to quit smoking. Not only is it better for your lungs, but it also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease when you stop smoking, even if you are already a year older. Quitting can be very difficult, especially if you’ve smoked all your life, but with the right tools and support, anyone can do it.

Tip 9: Get enough sleep

A good night’s sleep is the best start to a new day. Not only is it very healthy to get the hours of sleep you need, but it will also give you the energy to keep you going throughout the day. You remain cheerful, have the energy to move a lot and you can throw yourself fully into your hobby or visit friends or family. All these things ensure that you stay fit and have a positive attitude in life. Many elderly people assume that poor sleep is part of getting older, but often something can be done about it. So don’t wait too long with sleeping problems before going to the doctor, because good sleep is essential for a fit body.

Tip 10: Take up a new hobby

A hobby is fun to do and gives you new energy every day. This can be a relaxing indoor activity, such as reading a book, doing a jigsaw puzzle, or doing crafts. But of course, you can also go outside for walking, cycling, photographing or, for example, spotting birds. Everyone has a favorite activity that gives life extra color and that makes you happy to get up every day to be able to spend time on it. If you are tired of your old hobby, there are always new activities to discover. Alone or cozy with others! You can also opt for a hobby like shopping online with coupons that makes you happy and relax. 

Author

Selena is a blogger and a guest contributor for a well-known brand that includes MESHEBLE & INTHEMARKET. In her leisure time, she plays tennis.

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