Aging. It’s part of life. But decline doesn’t have to be.
Listening to your body’s needs can improve your overall health. When you take care of yourself, continue to be socially engaged, get out and get active, and develop healthy eating habits decline becomes more of an option.
Take Care Of Yourself
Make sure you schedule regular visits with your primary care physician. Bring a list of questions and concerns as well as a list of all current medication to each appointment. Be open with your doctor about each of your health concerns. Doing this will empower you to take control over your health.
Also be sure to visit a hearing specialist if you are over the age of 60. Setting a baseline of your hearing can help a specialist develop a proactive plan to ensure the best possible outcome for your hearing health. Untreated hearing loss can lead to an increased risk in falls and the development of dementia.
Dementia risks increase by 200% with mild hearing loss. Individuals who have severe hearing loss have an increased risk of developing dementia by 500 percent! If you have been prescribed a hearing device–wear it consistently! This can keep your brain from going into cognitive overload (a condition in which your brain is overworking itself to try to hear and interpret sounds).
Social Engagement
Making new friends and cultivating current relationships is a great way to keep your mind sharp. Adults with hearing loss have a tendency to shy away from social situations due to embarrassment. They become discouraged when having to ask others to repeat themselves. Some are flustered in noisy situations. Solitude often leads to depression. Remaining socially active helps keep the mind sharp as it boosts your mental and emotional well-being.
Get Out & Get Active
Physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your body and mind as you age. Research has shown time and time again that physical exercise improves blood pressure, resting heart rate and decreases body fat. It also decreases your risk for depression and isolation as you age.
It’s also recommended that you find a workout buddy. Whether it’s attending a yoga or exercise class or even just finding a walking buddy, having someone else to help motivate and encourage you to move your body will help you exercise consistently.
You Are What You Eat
Eating right makes all the difference. Developing healthy eating habits at a young age can improve your overall health and decreases risks for developing many lifelong illnesses. But it’s never too late to start eating healthy! Eating fruits, vegetables, grains and protein can increase your vitality and leave you feeling more energetic.
There’s no getting around it. We all age. But aging DOES NOT mean decline. Follow our healthy living tips to age gracefully and live a full and vibrant life!
