Join BRMS in Supporting Healthy Aging!
Growing older is something everyone experiences. As you age, your body undergoes a variety of changes that can affect your overall health and well-being, often dramatically impacting your quality of life. That being said, there are plenty of easy steps you can take to ensure you age as happy and healthy as possible! From staying active to getting the right sleep, you can improve your future health and ensure you feel your best as you grow older.
Join BRMS as we work to support healthier lifestyles and aging through helpful tips and insights!
- An estimated 27% of U.S. adults have multiple chronic conditions.*
- Generally, a person who is 65 years old can expect to live another 19 or so years.**
- Older adults visit the hospital for fall-related injuries 5 times more than other causes.*
- Only 23% of adults over the age of 65 met the recommended physical activity guidelines in 2019.*
- Around 1 in 4 older adults experience behavioral health problems such as anxiety or depression.*
Go for Foods Rich in Protein
Foods rich in nutrients are your best friend when it comes to staying healthy. A good way to get started is to stock up on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. On top of that, protein helps you maintain muscle mass as you age, so be sure to include healthy proteins like eggs, chicken, nuts, and yogurt in your diet. It’s also a good idea to cut down on alcohol while you’re at it, since excessive consumption can lead to health problems.
Keep Moving
Staying active is important at any age, but it’s even more important as you get older. Getting the proper amount of exercise can keep your body in top shape and improve your mental health, contributing to an enhanced quality of life and longer lifespan. Consistent physical activity such as aerobic exercise, strength training, and flexibility exercises can help improve cognitive function, prevent chronic diseases, and ensure other health benefits.
Stick to a Sleep Schedule
A good night’s sleep can support immune health, memory, and mood regulation, making it a vital part of staying healthy as you grow older. In contrast, poor sleep can increase your risk for chronic conditions and wear down your energy levels, affecting your overall well-being negatively. Aging can shift sleep patterns naturally and make it more difficult to fall asleep, so things like maintaining a regular sleep schedule, optimizing your bedroom environment, and avoiding daytime naps can all help to improve your quality of rest.
Maintain Your Mental Health
Older adults are at an increased risk for mental health concerns due to factors like cognitive decline and illness. Recognizing these issues as they develop and taking quick action is vital to staying healthy. Our mental well-being can cause other health problems to grow worse, making it even more important to support your emotional health. Social engagement can reduce feelings of isolation and boost your mood, resilience, and even your life span, so regularly spending time with those you care about can go a very long way.
Schedule Your Checkups
One of the most important steps to improving your quality of life and supporting an extended lifespan is to schedule regular appointments with your doctor. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for changes or significant health indicators, and additionally, catch any potential issues early on to allow for the best possible treatment and outcomes.
Growing older is a natural part of life. You can still live your life to the fullest no matter what your age is, take the steps to improve your health and well-being now, resulting in better outcomes later. Join BRMS as we work to support healthy aging and happy futures!
