Habits for Healthy Aging

 
Woman doing yoga in the park Making a new healthy habit can be challenging- however, with determination and support, you can make a positive change. The following are some tips to help you make 2022 the best year yet!

Start small. 

Make small achievable daily goals to make a health change. For example, instead of making a large weight loss goal, start by making small daily goals, such as eating more fiber or drinking more water. 

Share your goals with a friend.
 
Having the support of a friend can make all the difference in helping encourage you to maintain your goals. Caregivers are wonderful support for seniors because they can provide emotional and physical support to help seniors meet their goals. 

Be positive. 

Seniors playing video games Be positive about the changes you are making in your health! Use positive self-talk to emphasize the positive actions you took that day. Avoid negative self-talk when you do not meet your goals. 

Participate in cognitive health activities.

Mental health is an important aspect of health that is easy to overlook. Keep your mind fit by keeping your mental life engaged and stimulated! Learn and explore new experiences and ideas such as taking a language class, joining a book club, or playing brain games and trivia on the computer.

Exercise or start a new physical activity.

Exercise can be a fun and engaging way to stay fit and enjoy social time with others. Low impact exercise such as yoga, tai chi, or walking clubs are great for seniors - not only to increase physical health but to meet people and widen their social circles.     
     
Seniors in the park
Make your home safer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in three adults over the age of sixty-five have a fall, resulting in hospitalization each year. Many of these falls are preventable, especially if home safety tips are implemented. 

Schedule regular checkups.

As we age, there is an increased risk of illness and other complications such as high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and other medical conditions. Making sure that you schedule a regular annual checkup is essential to help in early detection and prevention.