Some health problems in later life are unavoidable. But there are many that are easy to avoid, and doing something to protect yourself now may mean keeping your body healthy in the longer term. Having fewer health problems in your later years is an obvious benefit, and it could even help you to keep your independence through better mobility.
Living a long and happy life is something that almost everyone aspires to, but many people don’t realise that they have to make the changes to their lifestyle now to result in great health when they age. Here, we take a look at some of the most significant changes you can make to ward of the avoidable illnesses of old age.
Quit smoking
The primary reason behind many life ending diseases, smoking only causes harm. The sooner you quit smoking the better, but make sure you do it in a healthy way and seek help from a medical professional. Smoking also rots away at teeth and gums leading to what some might feel are small dental issues, but could cause larger problems later on.
Eat healthy
Eating a healthy diet offers so many benefits to the mind and body and can keep many diseases away. When you start eating a healthy, organic and natural diet you will feel the benefits almost instantly. You will have more energy to work out and keep active, and you’ll sleep better, which reduces the risks of getting stressed, which may lead to over eating.
Naturally when you start to eat a healthier diet you will lose weight and with that you will be less likely to get heart disease, have a stroke, get high blood pressure and type two diabetes. All of which have more than one bad impact on your health. Having a lighter frame will also dramatically reduce your risks of getting arthritis as there will be far less pressure on your joints, and will also mean that you find it easier to be more active.
When you eat natural organic foods, you are cutting out all the nasty chemicals that were used to grow the food. Or the nasty additives in processed food that is used as an artificial flavor. Without these nasties in your body your immune system will be much stronger so you can fight off any infections or illness.
Exercise
Staying active has many of the same disease zapping qualities of eating healthy. Getting up and moving for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week is enough to fight off cardio vascular disease and it will also help you lose weight.
The fitter and more active you are, the less likely that you will get ill. Being active will add years to your life whilst allowing you to keep your independence for much longer.
Get regular check ups
Early diagnosis of illness or disease is better than ignoring it and letting it progress. If you feel as though you may be getting ill or are even just worried about an illness or disease that your family has a strong history of then you should take a trip to your doctor. They will be able to do tests to check for anything that may be wrong, allowing you to take preventative action early against specific risks. Doctors can detect warning signs of some diseases, such as cardiac problems, meaning you can discover if your heart is healthy, seek advice and treatment so that you can either prepare for it or even stop you from developing problems.
Being considerate about your health now can have far reaching effects that last well into later life, and there’s never been a better time to start than right now.
