They say 60 is the new 30. Okay, maybe that’s not true, but they should say it. Age really is nothing but a number, and if you take steps to keep yourself spry and spirited, your number won’t stop you from living life to the fullest. Here are a few ways to keep your healthy lifestyle going regardless of age.
Reach for the bottle (of water). Water is life. That pretty much sums up the importance of staying hydrated. If you don’t like plain old tap water, Harvard Health Publishing asserts that you can sneak in some of your daily intakes by eating water-rich foods. These include green vegetables and watermelon. You can also add fruit to your water for guilt-free flavor.
Enjoy the sunshine responsibly. If you’re the outdoor type, you should be stocked up on sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50. Sunscreen, along with wearing a hat, sunglasses, and skin-covering clothing, can help you avoid skin cancer. If that’s not enough, the best sunscreens can even help you stave off wrinkles and that leathery skin we all fear.
Take care of the skin you’re in. Drinking water will go a long way toward keeping your skin young and healthy, but it’s not enough. If you normally wear makeup, switch to high-quality products that won’t dry your skin out or clog your pores. A hydrating body lotion and facial moisturizer will keep skin supple.
Early to bed… There is a common misconception that older adults don’t need as much sleep as everyone else. According to the National Sleep Foundation, that’s a dangerous myth. Beyond childhood, adults need seven to nine hours of restful sleep each night. If you find that you have issues falling or staying asleep, ask your doctor if it could be your medication keeping you awake. Not getting enough sleep is linked to all sorts of health conditions, including depression and heart disease. As well, sleep deprivation can trigger weight gain and tank your cognitive abilities.
Enjoy family time. Seniors are at a greater risk of loneliness than their children and grandchildren. Make a point to spend time with friends and family, and you’ll enjoy a healthier, longer life.
Start your day with balance. Breakfast is the fuel that gives you your go. A great morning meal includes something out of most food groups: protein for muscle mass, carbohydrates for energy, dairy for bone health, and fruits/vegetables for that all-important fiber that helps you…go. Here are more than 60 busy-day breakfast ideas that will keep you full and ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.
Grab a paintbrush. United Methodist Homes, a 140-year-old senior care provider, reports that hobbies support the mind and allow for physical activity. It doesn’t matter what you do. Whether you paint a masterpiece, play Bridge once a week, or sow seeds in a small backyard garden, your hobby should be something you enjoy and that brings you pleasure. You don’t have to be good at it, either.
Clear the clutter. If you want to be truly happy in your home and life, you have to clear the clutter, both literally and figuratively. At home, get rid of anything that doesn’t enhance your quality of life. Those old dress pants from the 1980s…Gone. Boxes of yard sale leftovers that collect dust in the attic…Gone. More than the physical clutter, you need to eliminate emotional baggage that keeps you down. Make amends with people who have hurt you. Share your biggest secrets. Do whatever it takes to give you a clear conscious, and you’ll find that you have more room to grow and the freedom to enjoy your best years.
Above all else, use common sense. If it doesn’t make you feel your best, don’t do it. You don’t have to give in to age. Make age give in to you by jumping ahead of the monster that is time.