Healthy Ageing Tips for Adults

Ageing is a combination of physical changes in our bodies and the environmental factors we are exposed to.

Yet there are many factors that play a role in whether we age gracefully or faster than we are meant to age; they include smoking, sun exposure, genetics, poor sleep habits, poor diet, too much alcohol and caffeine intake, environmental pollutants and stress.

Ageing increases the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and dementia. The good news is that adopting and maintaining a few key behaviours can help older adults live longer, healthier lives.

As we age, the necessity to eat healthily becomes increasingly critical.  In order to live a healthy lifestyle, you must exercise and eat properly.

Make your health a priority, and take the necessary steps toward creating and maintaining healthy habits, and a healthy lifestyle. 

5 percent of Nigeria’s population of 206 million people are 60 years and above (World Bank)

The tips to maintain a healthy lifestyle for ageing adults are:

1. Get active

Physical activity is an immune system booster. The more you move, the more your body is able to fight inflammation and infections.

The activity you partake in doesn’t have to be strenuous. Low-impact exercises are effective, too.

You might consider biking, walking, swimming, or low-impact aerobics.  

2. Take supplements as necessary

Some supplements help support a healthy immune system. Before taking a supplement, always ask your doctor if it’s safe, especially if you’re taking a prescription medication. Some supplements they may recommend include calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B6, or vitamin B12.

3. Eat a healthy diet

Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean meats also give your immune system a boost and protect against harmful viruses and bacteria that cause illnesses. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect your cells from damage and keep your body healthy.

You should also limit your consumption of sugary and fatty foods, which can trigger inflammation in the body and lower your immune system.

4. Learn how to manage stress

Chronic stress increases your body’s production of the stress hormone cortisol. Too much cortisol can disrupt different functions in your body, including your immune system.

To reduce stress, increase physical activity, get plenty of sleep, set reasonable expectations for yourself, and explore relaxing, enjoyable activities.

5. Get plenty of rest

Not only can sleep reduce your stress level, but sleep is how your body repairs itself. For this reason, getting an adequate amount of sleep can result in a stronger immune system, making it easier for your body to fight off viruses.

6. Schedule annual physical checkups

Scheduling a yearly checkup can also keep you healthy. Always speak with your doctor if you have concerns.

7. Visit the dentist every six months 

The risk for cavities goes up with age. Many mouth infections can be linked to serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.  in addition to brushing and flossing daily, seniors should regularly see their local dentist to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

8. Stay connected with friends and family 

Friends and family are medicine that’s necessary for everyone in all age brackets.

This gives you an opportunity to be socially active and avoid loneliness, which may prove fatal in some cases. You should regularly visit your friends and family and spend quality time with them.

All these tips should help you age gracefully and healthily.

Healthline.com/Lydia Samson

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