“Taking care of yourself” can mean different things to different people.
One of the biggest ways your lifestyle choices may change is through aging. Habits that once benefited your health can become obsolete as years go by—and vice versa.
If you’re looking to find a wellness routine that fits your current stage of life, read on for three healthy lifestyle tips for seniors!
#1 Take Care of Your Skin
Skincare for seniors isn’t just about anti-aging creams.
Fine lines are signs of a happy life, and there’s no reason to hide them! Instead, your skincare routine should be focused on health, hydration, and protection.
As skin ages, its moisture production slows down. Less moisture leaves skin drier, thinner, and more vulnerable to conditions like:
- Sun damage and skin cancer
- Dermatitis
- Skin infections
- Shingles
- Blisters, bruising, or cracks
Taking care of your body’s largest organ can improve your overall health. Some important techniques to implement into your skincare routine include:
- Wear SPF daily
- Avoid extremely hot showers
- Cleanse and moisturize with gentle products
- Stay hydrated
- Quit tobacco products
#2 Prioritize Preventative Health Care
Nobody likes going to the doctor—but keeping an eye on your health is crucial.
As a senior, it’s more important than ever to get proper medical care on a regular basis. Frequent checkups are vital to disease prevention and catching conditions early on will make a drastic difference in terms of recovery.
Some key aspects of preventative medical care for seniors include:
- Frequent cancer screenings – Skin exams, colonoscopies, and mammograms should be performed more often as you get older. Routine cancer screenings are needed to maintain your health and get adequate treatment.
- Yearly vaccinations – Over time, the body’s immune response begins to slow down. This means that common illnesses—like the flu—can hit you harder than they used to. Staying up to date on your vaccinations will prevent unnecessary strain on your immune system and have you feeling better.
- Cardiovascular checkups – Cholesterol, blood sugar, and heart rate should all be checked more frequently with age. One in every four deaths in the United States is caused by a heart condition, and many of them are preventable with proper knowledge and care. Your heart works hard to keep your body running, return the favor with frequent cardiovascular checkups!
- Don’t ignore shaking – Many seniors suffer from head and hand tremors. While some causes of these tremors can be harmless, shaking can also be a sign of more serious conditions. If you’re struggling with involuntary tremors, contact a doctor about treatment, such as: beta-blockers, BOTOX injections, or physical therapy.
#3 Focus on Mental Health
Mental health issues among older adults are (unfortunately) common.
Depression is known to affect people with chronic health conditions at higher rates, and approximately 13.5% of seniors who require home healthcare suffer from it.
Many people experience lifestyle changes as they get older. This is why it’s so important to focus on mental health as you age. Some helpful ways seniors can combat the blues include:
- Socializing – The older you get, the harder it can be to make friends. Take time out of your routine to schedule meals with friends, see your family, or even join a club to meet new people with similar interests.
- Do some brain work – Reading, puzzles, and other brain workouts have been shown to combat depression. If you’re feeling bored or unfulfilled, try giving your mind a little exercise for a few minutes each day.
- Pick up a hobby – It’s never too late to pick up a new hobby. If there’s anything you’ve wanted to learn—but you were too busy before—now is the perfect time to focus on new interests and skills!
Make This Your Healthiest Chapter So Far
Your life is like a book—the more pages you turn, the better it gets.
Grab this new chapter by the reigns and take time to focus on your health. With these handy tips and tricks, you’ll be feeling better than you have in years. Just remember to keep up the hard work, even when your body and mind are in tip-top shape!
