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.