Healthy Habits at Age 60 and Beyond

If you’re not feeling as good at age 60 and up, perhaps it is time re-evaluate your lifestyle. Start by developing some new healthy habits. Even the smallest improvement can boost your health and help extend your life. Here are some healthy habits to embrace at age 60 and beyond.

1. Exercise

Many chronic health problems are improved by even moderate amounts of exercise. So get out and get moving at least 30 minutes a day with a walk in the park, a round golf, gardening, or maybe tennis. Whatever you choose helps you work toward the same goal, which is raising energy levels and your long-term mobility. This helps improve the quality of your life by opening up more possibilities for other activities. Remember to see your doctor for evaluation to make sure you are healthy enough to exercise.

2. Eat More Fiber

This helps lower cholesterol, reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and helps your colon work better. If you are male and over 50, the optimum consumption is 30 grams of fiber per day. Try introducing the following into your diet: whole wheat and rye flours; grainy breads such as whole wheat, rye or pumpernickel; fresh fruits such as apples, berries and pears; dried fruits such as prunes, apricots and figs; vegetables such as broccoli, carrots and green peas; legumes such as chickpeas, baked beans and navy beans.

3. Get a Pneumonia Shot and a Flu Shot

Start getting flu shots every year. The influenza vaccine can also help to prevent pneumonia, which can develop as a complication of the flu. People who get the vaccine are protected against almost all of the bacteria that cause pneumococcal pneumonia and other pneumococcal diseases as well. The cost of the shot is covered by Medicare.

4. Get Regular Check-Ups

Talk with your doctor about common issues such as incontinence, coping with changes in your life, coping with losses, etc. Your doctor may be able to treat your issues with medication, hormone replacement or place you in contact with a health care professional who can help should your particular issue require a specialist.

5. Eye Exams

Be sure to include regular visits to the eye doctor for a vision test and screening for glaucoma and cataracts. Keep those peepers performing their best so you don’t miss out on all of life’s beauty and wonder.

6. Make Social Connections

Volunteer, go to a place of worship, or join a club. Whatever you do, do it with people. Community ties help improve mental functioning, and are good for your physical and mental health. At least once a week, sit down and make calls to friends, family, and neighbors. It is a good habit to always stay in touch and you have a special day to look forward to and so do your family, friends and neighbors.

7. Add Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids to your Diet

The American Heart Association recommends a serving of fish two times per week. Besides being a good source of protein and a food reasonably low in saturated fat, fish has omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.

8. Drink Tea

There is some evidence that tea may help in improving memory, and preventing cavities, cancer and heart disease. Decaffeinated tea is better.

9. Take Up a Hobby

Hobbies are relaxing, enjoyable activities. The joy we derive from hobbies may help people live longer and recover from illness better.

Do what you need to do to incorporate these healthy, life-improving habits into your life. Try to make them a part of your daily life and you’ll be healthier for it.