When it comes to aging, you may encounter certain issues such as wondering: Why do our bodies age and how old do we get? But getting older isn’t just about how many years you’ve lived.
Our bodies are complex organisms with myriad features and functions. It is normal for cells and tissues to become damaged or damaged over time. These changes are not a problem in our young years.
Our bodies have enough reserves to easily repair many of them or compensate for them. However, the ability to deal with this damage declines with age. So it builds up and leads to signs of aging.
In this article, let’s take a look at what to expect when we’re getting older:
1. Watch what you eat and drink
It sounds obvious, but a balanced diet is essential for health, energy, and disease prevention. The ideal diet is low in saturated fat and high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fatty fish, small amounts of low-fat dairy and lean meats. Remember to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Tea, coffee, and fruit juices can also help you stay hydrated, but avoid sugary sodas.
If you do drink alcohol, avoid it at least two days a week to give your liver time to recover from the toxic effects of alcohol and do not exceed the recommended daily limit of alcohol intake.
2. Take care of your teeth
Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Dental floss removes food particles and plaque between teeth and helps prevent gum disease.
As it builds up, you may notice painful and bleeding gums, and gum disease can also be linked to diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Get regular checkups and, if you use dentures or bridges, have your dentist check to make sure they’re fitted properly.
3. Stay active
Daily exercise helps you stay strong and healthy. This lowers your risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and even cancer. And if that’s not enough, staying active can boost your self-esteem, improve your sleep, and give you more energy.
General guidelines recommend that seniors do about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week and some strength training twice per week.
If that sounds like a lot, you can start small and work your way up to those amounts as you get stronger.
4. Get a vitamin boost
Many people have vitamin D deficiency and do not know it. In fact, it is estimated that half of the adult population is affected. Vitamin D deficiency is also associated with cognitive impairment, bone problems, and cardiovascular disease.
Try sunbathing outdoors for at least 15-20 minutes a day to boost your vitamin D. It is also found in foods such as eggs and fatty fish. Or ask your doctor about vitamin D supplementation.
5. Watch your step
Take care of your feet by applying moisturizer to prevent dry skin and by keeping your toenails straight. Make sure you have shoes that fit and support your feet properly.
If you have pain, you may want to wear slippers, but more supportive sneakers may be a better option. See your doctor if your feet hurt, are very hot or cold, or if you have common problems such as corns, bunions, or ingrown toenails.
6. Regulate sleep
Many of us have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep as we age. This can leave you tired and grumpy.
Avoid insomnia by napping less during the day, setting a bedtime, and going to bed at the same time every night. Try warm drinks like chamomile tea or hot milk before bed.
7. Have regular check-ups
As people age, hearing and vision can be impaired, so it’s important to have regular check-ups. Hearing loss is common in older people, so see your doctor if you need to increase the volume of the TV or if you have difficulty adjusting to conversations.
If you are over 70 years old, you should see an ophthalmologist every year. This means you can correct vision changes and identify problems before they seriously affect your vision. If you are staying in a retirement community the tests might be scheduled for you.
Stay in touch
In closing, spending time with other people can prevent you from feeling lonely and anxious. If you find yourself unable to do things you used to be able to do, try exploring new hobbies and interests, or consider volunteering. Use Skype to make video calls with friends and family who don’t live nearby. Aging is inevitable so we might just as well make the best of it!