As we age, it can become more challenging to stay healthy. However it can be easier than you think. From navigating health care coverage to maintaining a nutritious diet, there are many steps you can take toward healthier living, today. Here are five ways seniors can master healthy living without a ton of effort.
5 Healthy Living Tips for Seniors
Know Your Limits—And Seek Help as Necessary
Many seniors prefer to age in place in their own homes. But if you find that it’s difficult to handle daily tasks alone, such as personal care and grooming, it might be time to seek help. If you’re no longer safe or comfortable living on your own, looking into assisted living options might prove a healthy solution.
It can be overwhelming to sort through the many facilities out there. For example, A Place for Mom partners with 30 facilities in Orange alone. Look to online search tools and guides can help you get started, and note the folks at A Place for Mom can help you sort your choices and arrange visits at no charge.
Make Sure You Have Adequate Health Care Coverage
Staying healthy means keeping in touch with your doctor, taking necessary prescriptions, and having your concerns heard. So, the first step toward staying healthy is ensuring adequate health care coverage.
Fortunately, Medicare makes it easy for older adults to get the care they need. Each state has its own specifications, but Medicare is a government health insurance program for adults ages 65 and older. People of all ages with end-stage renal disease or disability are also eligible for coverage.
Medicare doesn’t cover everything, but there are options through Part C and D that can help with expenses that would otherwise be out-of-pocket. Research what’s available to you, sort through your personal medical needs, and make sure you have the coverage you require.
Keep Active, But Do So Safely
Many older adults are at risk for falls, which can make seniors cautious about exercising. But exercise is beneficial throughout your life, including in your golden years. Moderate exercise can help build bone strength, reduce your fall risk, and enhance your balance. The National Council on Aging offers many evidence-based fall prevention programs via the web—most of which include exercise.
Aim to Enjoy Healthy, Well-Balanced Meals
Eating a healthy diet is often the first step toward maintaining wellness. After all, the food you eat becomes energy for your body, so it’s vital that you eat a balance of nutrients. However, for older adults, you may have special nutritional needs beyond typical recommended daily values.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics explains that seniors require a diet with higher amounts of calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, fiber, and potassium as they age. Low saturated and trans fat intake is also helpful for reducing the risk of heart disease.
Try Out Varied Recipes with Simple Steps
Cooking can be enjoyable for many people. But it can also be stressful and time-consuming. With quick and healthy meals, you can achieve better nutrition without spending more time in the kitchen. Consider some quick and healthy meals like:
- Preparing oatmeal in a crockpot for a filling meal that makes itself
- Cooking hard-boiled eggs for a quick and easy entrée
- A variety of omelet choices like a southwest style with avocado and salsa
- Keeping parboiled potatoes on hand for faster meal prep
- Warming beans and rice in a crockpot for an everyday staple
If the combination of meal preparation, shopping for ingredients, and spending time at the stove is too much, there are alternatives. Top10.com notes many services offer meal delivery for people of all ages, and there are heat-and-eat options as well as do-it-yourself kits that include all the ingredients you need. And consider requesting a senior discount—never hurts to ask!
Staying healthy well into your golden years may seem daunting, but small changes can make a big difference. Use these healthy living tips for seniors to address your health habits, and you can enjoy notable improvements in your well-being. You can live a longer and happier life with these simple tips.
