When you’re young and in the prime of your life, you take your health for granted. You never realize how lucky you are to be able to play sports without pain, eat whatever you like, and look your absolute best.
But as you get older, your body and mind start to deteriorate. Middle age encroaches, and you begin to feel the effects of your years. Your joints ache, your memory fades, and you can no longer do all the things you once managed with ease. Getting older is an unavoidable part of life, but the speed at which you age is significantly influenced by your lifestyle.
If you lead a healthy life, eating well, and looking after your body, you are more likely to delay the visible effects of aging. However, if you are constantly eating junk food and rarely engaging in physical activity, you are likely to age a lot quicker. Looking after your health is important in all stages of your life, but it becomes increasingly essential the older you get.
To help you take charge of your health and make the most of your body well into your golden years, follow these four useful tips.
Watch Your Diet
Your diet plays a tremendous part in the overall health of your body. Doctors always recommend a nutritionally-balanced diet devoid of too many fats and sugars, and if you’ve neglected this advice until now, it’s not too late to start. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids are great for the skin and reducing the risk of various illnesses. Add more fruit and vegetables to your meals, and try to steer clear of caffeine and alcohol as much as possible.
Protect Your Back
Bones and joints deteriorate with age, and one of the most common complaints amongst older people is back pain. Back pain is almost always aggravated by lifestyle habits, such as poor posture, excessive strain, or lack of exercise. Even if you haven’t yet started to experience any musculoskeletal issues, it would be a good idea to take preventative action as soon as possible. Keep active by walking, running, swimming, or cycling, and fit in some core-strengthening exercises around your cardio to help support your back. Avoid strenuous work and carrying heavy loads, and make sure you adopt good posture and correct lifting technique.
Keep Your Mind Active
It’s not just the body that is affected by old age. Your mind can also be affected, and it’s common for older people to experience impaired memory, concentration, and cognitive abilities. But your mind is like a muscle that requires constant exercise to keep it strong. Stay mentally healthy with crossword puzzles, jigsaws, and strategic games like chess.
Visit the Doctor
There is no better way to keep track o your health than by visiting a medical professional. Your doctor can give you a comprehensive checkup and let you know if there are any warning signs to be aware of. For more specific health concerns related to aging, you may wish to consider a doctor specializing in geriatric medicine, such as Dr. Hooshang Poor.
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