9 Essential Health Tips for Seniors
1) Quit smoking
- Tobacco is associated with the development and progress of numerous diseases and a decline in physical function. For example, smoking has been linked to causing cancer, strokes and heart failure. It is never too late to quit! No matter your age, quitting smoking can greatly improve your quality and length of life!
2) Keep active
- By engaging in regular physical activity, we are able to maintain and improve our overall strength, balance, and flexibility as we continue to age. In addition, being active keeps your heart healthy by promoting cardiovascular health!
3) Eat well
- Poor eating habits can be associated with illnesses such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. By ensuring adequate and proper nutrition we can prevent and control some of these associated diseases.
4) Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise and a healthy diet can aid us in maintaining a healthy weight as we age. By maintaining a healthy weight we can decrease our risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
5) Prevent falls
- A fall can result in a significant loss of independence and mobility as we age. Help yourself in avoiding falls by removing any loose carpets or rugs, keeping hallways and stairs clear of debris, wearing shoes and installing night lights in the hallways and bathrooms to ensure your visibility.
6) Stay up to date on immunizations and other health screens
- After the age of 50, both men and women should be checking in with their doctors on completing preventative tests such as mammograms and prostate exams.
7) Prevent skin cancer
- As we age, our skin becomes thinner and less elastic, therefore it can take longer to heal from cuts and bruises. In addition, we need to be extra cautious of our skin in the sunlight! Be sure to protect it with sunscreen and shade!
8) Get regular dental, vision and hearing tests
- As we age, our vision and hearing can begin to decline. By having regular check-ups and testing done we can ensure we have the proper hearing aids and glasses that will keep us safe. Maintaining your dental health is also important, regular check-ups and daily brushing and flossing can ensure we keep our teeth for longer and avoid the need for dentures.
9) Manage stress
- Stress can cause significant distress in our bodies. Through the use of exercise and meditation, we can learn to cope with the daily stressors in our life.