According to a study, one in three elderly in the United States are diagnosed with depression or anxiety, and more than 12 million suffer from diabetes. This is an alarming trend that’s possibly caused by mental stress during their early years. As such, it’s highly crucial that you take care of your health, both mentally and physically, in order to be happy and improve their overall well-being. Listed below are some healthy habits for you to pick up.
Exercise Daily
There’s no need for reminding that exercising is important. Aside from having a balanced diet, working out regularly is the key to living a healthy lifestyle. Losing weight, preventing diseases, and boosting mental health are just some of the benefits of exercising daily. Light to moderate exercises such as walking, swimming, or taking a fitness class are enough for you to hit the required physical activities daily.
Practice Road Safety
If you do not have good hand-eye coordination or are no longer able to see well, then it’s in your best interests to not drive. In today’s modern world, we have ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft to go anywhere. At GreenTree At Westwood, our residents enjoy complimentary transportation services that can bring them anywhere at any time. Rest assured you can run errands and get to their destination safely at all times.
Eat Healthily
A healthy habit you should definitely pick up is by consuming more healthy food choices. A balanced diet should consist of vegetables, fruits, dairy, protein, and grains. If it’s possible, try to avoid red meats, processed foods, and saturated fats as they can lead to health conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Instead, opt for foods that are rich in fibers, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, which increase energy levels.
Keep Busy
Keeping the brain sharp and focused is one of the ways to slow down mental decline and prevent the onset of memory-related illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. If you are in your retirement years, why not take up a few hobbies? In our independent living community, residents under our Celebrations Activities and Events get to enjoy many exciting games and programs, such as scenic drives around town and scrabble.
Meditate
Meditation is one of the most effective ways to combat and prevent depression. Practicing meditation daily has been proven to put our minds into a state of calm and rest, instantly making us feel more grounded. Other benefits of meditation include lengthening attention span, minimizing memory loss, enhancing self-awareness, and of course, promoting emotional well-being. Residents at GreenTree At Westwood are encouraged to meditate through activities like chair yoga and taking nature walks.
Having Enough Sleep
Getting sufficient rest is not only important for the elderly but everyone as well. For older adults, they should be getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep per night. Sleep allows both our body and mind to recharge and prepare for the next day. It is also one of the methods to fend off illnesses and achieve a better quality of life in general.
