Regardless of how old you are, taking care of your body is important. However, the older that you get, the more susceptible you may be to disease and injury. If you’re over the age of 70, something is seemingly innocent as a cold could knock you out.
If you already have a chronic condition, your cold could be amplified and lead to a serious problem. That’s why it’s critical that you know the best tips for staying healthy and reduce your chances of getting ill. Here are some of the best tips for staying healthy over 70 and beyond.
Stay Active
One of the best things you can do for your body is to get it moving. A sedentary lifestyle won’t just lead to weight gain and obesity related diseases, but it can significantly affect your energy levels. The more you move, the more you’ll train your body to stay active, and the less you’ll encounter problems like back pain.
Even if you’ve never been athletic before, it’s never too late to start. When you retire, you may find it’s a wonderful opportunity to take on a new physical activity like dancing, or even swimming. Get creative with different ways you can move your body and make it a hobby you enjoy.
Get Check Ups
One of the best defenses is visiting the doctor regularly. By stopping problems before they even start, you can reduce your chances of them becoming a serious problem. Regular doctor checkups are recommended over the age of 70 at least once a year, and ideally every six months. A doctor will be able to guide you on any problems that seem to be coming up, and what you can do to make improvements.
Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands is important regardless of your age. However, as you get older you become even more susceptible to illness, as your immune system is more compromised than it used to be.
The simple act of washing your hands can make a significant difference on how affected you are by germ season. Get into the habit of washing your hands every time you get home, and if ever you don’t have access to hot water and soap, carry around a small container of antibacterial gel. While there’s nothing better than water, this will help kill germs on the go.
Get Plenty of Sleep
As we get older, the more irregular our sleeping patterns become. While we may have once been able to sleep ten hours straight in our younger years, falling asleep and staying asleep over a certain age can be a challenge.
Unfortunately, sleep is critical for our bodies to stay healthy. We need sleep to function at our best. The good news is that by following a sleep routine, and avoiding too much screen time before bed, you can promote healthy and consistent sleep, thereby allowing your body to regenerate itself every night.