Have you ever woken up one day and realized it feels a little more difficult to spring out of bed? Perhaps you noticed you don’t have the same endless energy you did ten years ago? As we age, the activities we once enjoyed may come with more difficulties and precautions.
You should be more aware of the foods you consume, the products slathered onto your skin, and the hours spent out in the sun with little sun protection. While your genes might help you age gracefully (or not), there are still ways to improve your health with every passing year. Here are some tips to stay healthy while entering your retirement years.
Diet for a healthy heart
The saying that “you are what you eat” may have more truth in it than you imagine. Consuming foods high in fat, sugar, and cholesterol can contribute to poor health, such as heart disease and strokes.
Some symptoms you should be aware of in case of a heart attack or stroke can be chest pain, shortness of breath, difficulty with speech, and drooping on one side of your face. If you suspect one may be happening, you or a loved one should call 911 for medical assistance. It is always a good idea to recognize the signs so you can get help fast.
One way to help lower your chances is to keep a clean diet. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like nuts and fish are good ways to get in lean protein. Dark, leafy greens paired with lycopene-filled tomatoes are another option for a salad. However, stay away from thick, fatty salad dressings.
Avocados have been growing in popularity thanks to their versatile use in sweet and savory recipes. This fruit has healthy fats, potassium, and energy filled B vitamins. Pureed, this green fruit can be made into a sweet, chocolate pudding or a flavor-packed guacamole. The fiber found in whole grains and vegetables keeps your digestive tract in check and your weight.
Skin care
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and protecting it is important to your overall health. Natural products from companies such as Visagenics can help remove toxins and harmful chemicals due to makeup and air pollutants.
As you get older, you may be prone to skin conditions such as skin growths, liver spots, and dryness caused by stasis dermatitis. Using soaps and moisturizers that are natural and soothing can help. In conjunction with a good diet, drinking plenty of water and quitting habits like smoking can also promote better skin health.
When out in the sun, make sure you’re protected with sunscreen and light layers like a thin, long-sleeved shirt and a hat. Finding shelter from the hot sun in the shade can also stop premature wrinkles and lower your risk of melanoma.
Essential oils
Essential oils have been used for cooking, medicinal purposes, and aromatherapy all over the world. You can find them today in products like lotions and salves to help rid you of dozens of ailments.
Lavender, for example, can be calming and aid in reducing stress. When you get older, you may find your prescribed medications increasing. Oils are a great alternative to many over-the-counter drugs. Mint and eucalyptus can help combat fatigue and migraines, and they aren’t as hard on your stomach as traditional medications like ibuprofen or aspirin.
Oils can be used in a diffuser and some can be safely administered directly onto your skin. The juice and oil of lemons have been used for centuries as a natural antiseptic and used in cleaning supplies.
A good regime of diet, exercise, and healthy habits can help extend your life. Residing at an assisted living community in New Jersey, for example, has a variety of things to do which can improve your everyday living. These facilities offer activities such as cooking, dancing, and social events. Being a part of a social group can help lower your risk of dementia, depression, and can even increase cognitive skills.
