By Rebecca Maxwell
Old age is inevitable. All of us will discover one day that our bodies no longer move like they used to, and our health problems seem to increase. The new good news is that there are things we can do to live longer and take care of ourselves now, no matter what age we are. Incorporating healthy habits into our lifestyle can make the aging process easier and maybe even prolong life.
Women, in particular, have certain health concerns as they get older. Osteoporosis affects many women so it is important to get enough calcium through food or supplements each day. The Recommended Daily Allowance of calcium for women age 19-50 is 1,000 milligrams per day while the recommendations for those over 50 are 1,200 milligrams. Women can also integrate other healthy habits for strong bones like strength training, avoiding caffeinated beverages, and quitting smoking.
Eat the Rainbow
It is important for everyone to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables because those who do so have consistent low rates of chronic diseases. The popular adage is to eat the rainbow, meaning that you should incorporate lots of different colors or varieties of fruits and vegetables into your diets. Colorful fruits and vegetables contain critical nutrients and antioxidants that can combat the aging process.
Floss Daily
Oral health is a critical part of taking care of oneself. Good daily habits like brushing your teeth and flossing go a long way in preventing not only dental problems but many diseases. Flossing is especially useful for reducing bacteria in your mouth because too much bacteria can cause inflammation, enter your blood stream, and increase your risk of heart disease.
Get Your Omega-3s
Omega-3s are fatty acids found in different foods including dark greens, nuts, and fish. There are two types that are essential for optimal health and those are EPA and DHA. Omega-3s provide all kinds of benefits including lowering cholesterol, reducing joint pain and inflammation, improving depression, and protecting against Alzheimer’s and dementia. Omega-3s are found in fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines as well as Brussels sprouts, kale, spinach, flaxseed, soybean, and walnuts. People who do not like to eat fish should consider taking a fish oil supplement.
Move
It is a well-known fact that getting regular exercise can prolong life and make the aging process easier. On the other hand, exercise is harder as we get older, and it may also be harder to find time to be physically active as circumstances change and other pursuits compete for our time. Do your best to make exercise a priority in your family and find activities that you enjoy.
Get Regular Checkups
One of the best methods for living longer is to get regular checkups at the doctor’s office. Preventative care can detect health issues before they become problematic and your physician can assist you in implementing lifestyle changes to address those.
Of course, it takes time and effort to implement some of these changes into your daily routine. However, if they help you and your loved ones to live longer and improve the quality of life, it will be well worth it.
