Aging Well

WebMD.com has an online article for all seniors titled “Secrets of Aging Well”. The overall theme of the article is, no matter what your current health is or circumstances are, these secrets are of value you. We have within us, more control over our physical and emotional health than we think. 

SECRET #1: EXERCISE

Exercise is recommended by most doctors for nearly all heath conditions

• Only treatment that reduces the risk of age-related health issues
• Improves quality of life
• Increases life span
• 5 days a week for 30 minutes

SECRET #2: NO YOYO DIETING

• Doctors call this continuous losing weight and regaining wait “weight cycling
• Linked to depression
• Increases risk of heart and vein disease
• Increased risk of developing Type-2 diabetes
• Choose mindful eating

Plan meals and snacks

Drink plenty of water, even when not thirsty

Enjoy favorite foods, limited portions, infrequently

Limit alcohol intake

SECFRET #3: CHOOSE FOODS FROM A MEDITERRANEAN DIET

• Limits saturated fats and dairy
• Focuses on unprocessed, plant-based foods
• Healthy fats, fatty fish and Olive Oil

SECRET #4: STAY SHARP

• Engage your brain
• Believe you are in control
• Save energy for bigger tasks
• Quit smoking

Smoking damages blood vessels resulting a higher risk of dementia

SECRET #5: GET SOME SUNSHINE

• Low Vitamin D levels are linked to

MS

Osteoporosis

Type 2 diabetes

Heart and blood vessel disease

Depression

• If getting sunshine is limited talk with your doctor about a Vitamin D supplement

SECRET #6: CONNECT WITH OTHERS

• Loneliness can lead to

Higher risk of dementia

Depression

Other conditions

• Join a book club
• Volunteer
• Rekindle old relationships

For a more in depth look at the “Secrets of Aging Well”, go to www.webmd/healthy-aging/secrets-aging-well.