After working hard and spending years saving up for retirement, seniors often find themselves with more free time on their hands than ever before. That’s why your golden years are the perfect time to pick up new healthy habits so that you can truly make the most of
your retirement.
Being healthy isn’t just about taking care of your physical body; it’s also about prioritizing your mental health and having an active social life. Here’s how seniors can do all of this and more
in retirement.
Know Your Medicare Benefits
As a senior, your healthcare needs, such as post-op care, are covered by Medicare. In addition to your Original Medicare coverage, you can also purchase supplementary coverage. With all that is available, you’ll find various senior health care services are typically covered
by insurance.
The Medicare system can be a bit complicated, so don’t be shy about asking questions when you’re confused about your coverage or want to know if a particular service is part of your plan. Knowing exactly what’s covered and what you have to pay for out of pocket can help you make smart financial decisions and be proactive about taking care of yourself.
Optimize Oral Health
They say eyes are the windows to the soul, but you might be surprised to learn your mouth could be considered a window to your overall health. It seems many of the issues that plague us in our senior years — diabetes, heart disease, dementia, and stroke, to name a few — are commonly reflected in oral health. In fact, The Healthy points out they can often be seen in your mouth before other symptoms are revealed.
It’s not unusual for people to feel badly about their teeth, especially as they grow older. Maybe years of sipping coffee have stained your teeth, or you’ve suffered with a misalignment. There are solutions these days, though, and many are affordable and convenient. For example, there are a number of methods for whitening your teeth by simply changing to a whitening toothpaste when you tackle your daily regimen.
Similarly, there are in-home solutions for aligning your teeth. Misaligned teeth may be making it more difficult than you realize to properly clean your teeth, which can lead to plaque buildup and dangerous decay. Fortunately, minor misalignment can be corrected at home with a treatment like byte and zero trips to a dentist or orthodontist.
Stay Stress Free
According to the World Health Organization, depression is one of the most common mental health conditions among seniors. While retirement can be relaxing, seniors still deal with various sources of stress. Learning to manage stress is a crucial aspect of staying healthy in retirement.
Seniors might find that meditating on a daily basis can help you maintain a more positive attitude throughout the day. Seniors can also benefit from slow, gentle yoga, but it’s important not to push yourself too hard while stretching, as this can lead to injury. Spending more time with friends can also help you prevent stress.
Keep Moving
Sure, maybe you can’t move quite as quickly as you used to, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop exercising altogether. Seniors can adjust to low-impact fitness routines that provide a good workout without putting too much stress on their bodies. Swimming, cycling, and aerobics are all enjoyable options. Even some light weight lifting can be beneficial, or put on some music and kick up
your heels!
Seniors are generally cautioned to avoid running. Certain exercise moves should also be avoided, like sit-ups, full lunges, and deep squats.
Eat Healthy
What’s on the menu for seniors? Lean protein, especially plant-based protein like nuts, legumes, and whole grains, are great for your overall health. Healthy fats, leafy greens, and fruits packed with antioxidants will also boost your energy. Be wary of packaged, processed foods that contain lots of sodium and added sugar.
Hearty chili with mild spices, whole-wheat pasta with vegetables, and oatmeal with fruit and nut butter are all tasty recipes with plenty of healthy ingredients for seniors. Seniors could also benefit from taking vitamin D and B12. However, it’s important to talk with your doctor before taking any new supplements.
When it comes to your health, changing your habits can feel overwhelming at first, but you have the chance to make positive changes and achieve a sense of vitality. No matter your age, true health is all about committing to simple, long-term lifestyle changes.
Aroga Home Care Services is dedicated to supporting seniors and their families. Whether you need hands-on care, light housekeeping, companionship, or any number of other supportive services, reach out for help by calling (704) 319-5500.
Content Credits: Jennifer Scott of SpiritFinder