According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2030 one in six people will be 60 years or older worldwide, and the world’s population in this age category will have grown from 1 billion in 2020 to 1.4 billion.
Whether you are already in this age group or are just planning, the following tips can help you to age your best and possibly even gracefully.
4 essential healthy living tips for seniors and aging adults
1. Stay in contact with family and friends.
Staying connected to loved ones can feel a challenge for various reasons if you get older:
- Life is getting busier.
- People in your life move.
- Physical limitations make it more difficult to travel.
But social interaction is essential to stay healthy after 60-not only for your emotional well-being, but also for your physical health.
Research suggests that loneliness and social isolation can increase the risk of serious problems, including:
- Heart disease
- Heart attack
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Even premature death
An overview of 16 studies confirmed these risks, indicating that loneliness could even increase your chances of coronary heart conditions by 29% and a stroke by no less than 32%. That is similar to the effects of serious anxiety and work stress.
So instead of dropping social interactions, make them a priority. Technology makes it easier than ever to keep in touch via video calls and messages. Instead, however, plan in person personnel.
Research shows that personal interactions cause the release of endorphins, and offers mood reinforcement advantages that virtual communication simply cannot replicate.
2. Consider a diet in Mediterranean style.
What you eat plays an important role in your health status at any age, but as you get older, it becomes even more important. That is why many experts recommend that olding adults accept a diet in Mediterranean style.
The Mediterranean diet is based on traditional eating patterns in Greece and Italy; It is one of the most best -studied diets for a long service life and overall well -being. The limited processed foods, sugar and red meat in favor of entire foods such as:
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Cereal
- Legumes
- Crazy
- Olive oil
- Fish
Many of these foods are rich in polyphenol-natural connections with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests that polyphenols can help protect cells against damage and possibly even delaying biological aging.
One study showed that following a polyphenol -rich Mediterranean diet for 18 months reduced the biological age of the participants with the same quantity, essentially the aging of the body delayed by 1.5 years.
Research suggests that the Mediterranean diet can also reduce the risk of depression and even reduce your chances of cognitive decline by 11-30%.
3. Keep moving your body.
Aging can cause health problems, such as heart disease, osteoporosis and arthritis that can limit your mobility. That is why staying active is crucial importance to help prevent and manage these conditions while you support your overall well-being.
Numerous studies confirm that regular exercise not only reduces your risk of developing chronic conditions, but also:
- Boost mental health
- Helps prevent cognitive decline
- Rejuvenates muscle fibers, slow or even reversing drawing of cellular aging
- Improves strength and mobility, so that you may be able to maintain your independence as you get older
And you don’t have to do intense training to pick these benefits. The key is consistency. Make it a habit to regularly participate in activities such as:
- Hiking
- Run
- Misuse
- Swimming
4. Practice your mind.
Cognitive health is just as important as your physical well-being as you get older. So make sure you keep your brain active.
Studies show that participating in mental exercises such as puzzles and games can be considerably:
- Slow cognitive decline, reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
- Even extend your lifespan
Training your brain can also support your emotional health. Research indicates that puzzle games lower cortisol levels linked to stress-by involving the brain in solving problems and logical reasoning in a relaxed, pressure-free way.
There are a number of apps with brain training with cognitive exercises that are aimed at testing memory, focus and problem solution. However, keeping your mind active does not have to be complicated.
If you prefer not to download and learn a new app, consider trying:
- Crossword puzzles
- Sudoku (on number -based puzzles)
- Strategy and board games (chess, scrabble)
- Learning a new skill (picking up a new hobby, such as playing an instrument or painting)
Staying healthy after 60 is easy with the right approach
You cannot control every aspect of your health as you get older. However, you do have power over many important factors, such as your social connections, your diet and the ways in which you involve your body and mind.
By including these tips in your daily routine, you take proactive, impactful steps in the direction of a healthier, more satisfying future.
References:
Loneliness, social isolation and cardiovascular health – PMC.
Mediterranean diet score, dietary patterns and the risk of sudden heart death in the study – PubMed
The Mediterranean diet: from an environmental food culture to an emerging medical recipe PMC
Cognitive benefits of computer games for older adults – PMC
Lifestyle, behavior and cognitive training intervention research | National Institute on Aging
Cognitive stimulation to improve cognitive functioning in people with dementia – PMC.
Cognitive training shows permanent force | National Institute on Aging.