As we near the latter stages of our life, our bodies and minds change substantially. We may feel like we have less energy, be more prone to illness, and it may even alter our mindset too. The good news is that there are many things we can do to slow things down a little.
If you are looking for ways to help you feel fit, healthy, and happy as you get older and move into your senior years, then read on. We’ve put together 8 top tips to help get you started.
1. Read A Book
As well as being enjoyable, reading is a great way to keep your mind active and your brain engaged. It’s also a fabulous way to relax and unwind, so if you haven’t read a book in a while, visit your local library or have a look online for books that take your fancy.
If reading isn’t your thing, another popular option is audiobooks. You can listen to them anytime you like, so it’s a versatile and enjoyable way to enjoy a book with little effort.
2. Do You Have Hearing Issues?
Various changes can take place to our ears as we get older. Degeneration of the inner ear can make it more difficult for us to hear, and this, along with stiffening of the eardrum, can lead to central processing disorders and hearing loss.
It not only causes issues in terms of hearing but can also impact your confidence, self-esteem, and general quality of life, so if you fall into this category, do something about it before the problem worsens. The best hearing aids offer various options in terms of functionality and suit a wide range of budgets, so if it’s something you feel you could benefit from, it’s worth researching further or seeking professional advice.
3. Exercise Every Day
One of the best ways to get (or stay) fit as you get older is to exercise once a day. It doesn’t have to be anything particularly strenuous but will make you feel a lot better and should give you an energy boost too!
Walking is a great option, or if you fancy something a little more strenuous, why not try Pilates, yoga, or swimming? They are all great for your joints, heart, and overall wellbeing and can be very relaxing too.
4. Lose Weight
Being overweight is not beneficial for anyone’s health, and it can become an even big issue in later life. Carrying around excess weight can put a strain on your heart, can cause a lack of energy, and in some cases may even lead to depression. To lose weight, you need to be in a calorie deficit, which means you need to burn more calories than you consume. One of the easiest ways to do this is to make simple changes to your daily diet.
For example, instead of adding calorie-dense, nutrient-lacking oil to a salad, use a delicious balsamic vinegar or a variety of herbs and spices instead. Rather than tucking into a bacon sandwich, have smashed avocado on toast with a side of fruit. By replacing unhealthy meals with healthier options, you should be able to remain satiated but reduce your calorie consumption.
5. Brain Training
As you get older, your brain starts to work a little slower than it perhaps used to, so it’s important to focus on brain health as well as body health. There are loads of brain training games and books available these days to help challenge your mind and help your memory and concentration.
Crosswords and sudoku are popular options, or you can find a host of ideas online that should help keep your mind active and your brain engaged.
6. Move House
This might seem like a bit of a radical option, but many older people are still living in two or three-story homes that are way too big for them to manage. As well as keeping them clean and tidy, stairs can become a major issue, so if you fit into this category, it might be time to consider moving to something a little smaller that is on one level.
Another option is hiring a cleaner and having a stairlift installed, but it can be costly, so it’s worth thinking about what you need from your home and then moving if you feel it is the right thing to do.
7. Find A New Hobby
When we retire, days may seem longer, and boredom can start to set in – which is not beneficial for your overall happiness, nor is it a healthy approach to life in general. A hobby will give you something to do when you are at a loose end and is a great way to learn new skills or develop new interests.
Find out if there are any local classes nearby or, if you like the idea of doing something at home, there are loads of choices. From knitting to playing the guitar, the options are endless – and you must always remember never to feel deterred just because of your age. If you want to achieve something, grab the chance with both hands and give it your best shot.
8. Get A Good Night’s Sleep
When we haven’t had enough sleep, we may feel irritable and lethargic, so it’s important to get a good night’s rest as often as we can. The health benefits are priceless, so if this is something you struggle with regularly, you may need to make a few changes to your usual routine.
A warm bath is a great way to unwind and feel a little sleepier, and a good book or listening to ASMR should help you drift into a peaceful night’s sleep. If your bedroom isn’t as dark as you would like, blackout blinds should help, as will a comfortable, supportive mattress and soft, inviting bedding. The better you sleep, the better you will feel, so do what you can to create a welcoming and peaceful environment before you try and doze off.
