Physiological changes clearly happen with age that slowly decrease your ability to continue to live your life as you did in your younger years. However, there are many things that you can do as you begin to age that will help improve both your health and your longevity, reducing your risk for physical and mental disabilities that may come along with age. Studies show that there is a strong link between genetics and longevity, but it is important to remember that the biggest factor in your health is directly in your hands. Here are three keys to maintaining proper health throughout your aging years.
Get Quality Sleep
Giving your body the rest it needs is a critical part of healthy aging. Sleep plays an important role in your overall health, both mental and physical. The body needs sleep to heal and repair your cells and vital organs including your heart and blood vessels.
One way to ensure proper sleep is to create a sleeping environment that is comfortable and supportive of your body structure. For example, sleeping in a Perfect Sleep Chair will help reduce the occurrence of common pains that come along with age.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, chronic sleep deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of heart and kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke. Creating proper sleep hygiene will help increase your chances of longevity.
Stay Active
Not only is it important to stay physically active, but staying mentally active will help lengthen your life as well. Research has shown that memory loss can be improved by up to 50% by practicing mental exercises. The brain acts like muscle, which means if you don’t use it on a regular basis, it will atrophy. Give your brain regular workouts to reduce the chances of its decline in function. Some brain exercises include:
- doing crossword puzzles
- learning a new language
- playing Scrabble
- having a hands-on hobby
Decrease Stress
Stress has a large negative impact on your health and quality of life even when you are young, but its effects increase with age. In fact, studies show that anxiety and depression have strong links to the physical decline of seniors. Some common stressful concerns in aging adults include financial woes or concerns about chronic disease.
You are also more likely to experience emotional trauma with age that is associated with loss. This may be connected to the loss of loved ones or the loss of one’s independence and health. Many seniors are faced with the reality of loneliness, which can lead to a decrease in one’s investment in life. Try to decrease stress by practicing calming activities, such as yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, and socializing with other people.
While some factors are out of your control, you can have a great impact on your healthy aging. Follow these three tips to stay physically and mentally healthy well into your golden years.
