How to Ensure Health and Happiness During Your Golden Years

By Lydia Chan

Image courtesy of Pixabay

​Would you like to make the most of your golden years? As we age, feeling happy and healthy seems elusive, but there are many ways to engage in a healthy lifestyle. Here is practical advice for seniors who are looking for enriching wellness opportunities.

Fit and Fun

A healthy, balanced lifestyle includes a fitness regimen, regardless of how old you are. Routine exercise offers important health benefits for seniors, such as reduced blood pressure and stronger bones and muscles. Being physically active can keep you more flexible and lower your risk for a stroke or heart attack. There are lots of fun things you can do, such as line dancing, bicycling, or hiking. If you’re new to exercising or haven’t participated in a long time, check with your doctor before you begin, and always take your personal requirements into account. For instance, seniors who need to stay inside or prefer indoor exercising have numerous options, such as going to a shopping mall to walk, taking a gentle yoga class, or going swimming at a local gym. If you want to stay home, you can create your own home gym where you can do some stretching exercises or workout along with fitness videos.  

Food for Thought

In order to have good health, you need to incorporate a nutritious diet into your lifestyle. As we grow older, our needs change, so it’s important to take that into account. As US News explains, a senior’s diet should include more protein sources and fewer calories than when they were younger. Proteins don’t need to come entirely from meats, either; fish, chicken, and lean red meats are fine, but also include vegetable protein sources such as lentils and beans. Ensure you don’t neglect fruits and vegetables, and some experts note seniors need to consume plenty of dairy products to ensure their bone health. Also, make sure you drink plenty of water, as the sense of thirst has a tendency to decrease in older adults.

Taking all factors into account, soups can make wonderful meals for seniors, and Seniors Lifestyle Mag offers some hearty soup recipes. Looking for something adventuresome? Eating Well suggests an interesting variety of recipes oriented toward healthy aging, from an egg and broccoli slaw wrap to a vegetable lasagna you can make in your slow cooker.  

Keeping in Contact

Maintaining a lifestyle that includes doing things with other people can seem tough, especially if you have concerns about driving or finances. However, some studies indicate keeping in touch with friends and family members can greatly improve the quality of life for older adults. Seniors who are socially active often experience better physical health, as well as less stress, depression, and anxiety. Many communities offer opportunities for seniors to connect at senior centers, events, or workshops, and there is often discounted or free transportation available.

Another suggestion is to become involved with volunteering. Volunteering can provide numerous health benefits, such as keeping you more active and engaged with your community and helping you feel valued, energetic, and hopeful. Seniors who volunteer also experience less stress during challenging life transitions, such as job loss, the death of a spouse, or retirement. Think about things you are passionate about and what you would find fulfilling. Helping children, rescued animals, other seniors, or the environment are just a few suggestions. For information on local services that help with arranging transportation, meals, or other concerns, you can reach out to your Area Agency on Aging. 

Make the most of your golden years with a health-oriented lifestyle. Get some exercise, eat nutritious meals, and connect with others. You can enjoy a great quality of life at any age.