Baby boomers (those over the age of 65) now account for about 13 percent of the population. This age group is growing faster than the population that’s under the age of 45. This makes it clear that the United States is made up of a rapidly aging population.
Today, aging is much different than what it was like for previous generations. Today, more people are living longer than at any other time in recorded history. By 2030, the number of baby boomers will exceed the 78 million mark.
While the senior population is growing, it’s also necessary for friends and family members to ensure their senior loved ones are healthy and remain healthy throughout their golden years.
Keep reading to learn a few health-related tips for seniors here.
Stop Smoking
This is a good health tip for people of all ages, but especially important for seniors. Smoking is one of the most dangerous activities a person can do.
It can cause cancer, heart failure, and a stroke. Other issues related to smoking include erectile dysfunction in many men because of atherosclerosis, as well as excessive wrinkling by attacking the person’s skin elasticity.
Some senior care options even provide programs to help residents stop smoking for good.
Remain Active
It’s important for seniors to do something to remain fit every single day. It’s a good idea to find, and that can help maintain flexibility, balance, and strength while promoting overall cardiovascular health.
Physical activity is going to help seniors maintain a healthy weight, sleep better, feel, and look better, avoid falls, reduce stress, and more.
Eat a Nutritional Diet
When combined with regular, physical activity, eating a nutritious diet, in the proper amounts, can help to keep a senior healthy. There are several illnesses, including osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease that are preventable or controllable by using exercise and dietary changes.
It’s also recommended that senior women take vitamin D and calcium supplements. These can help to prevent osteoporosis.
Stat at a Healthy Weight
Extra weight on a person is going to increase the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. It’s a good idea to use the Kaiser Permanente body mass index (BMI) calculator to find out what a healthy weight is.
It’s important for seniors to reach their target weight and stay at it by staying active and eating the right diet. A great step to get started is by replacing all sugary drinks with water; after all, water is sugar and calorie free.
Work to Prevent Falls
As a person ages, the likelihood they may fall increases significantly. A good way to prevent a fall and injury in seniors is by removing any loose throw rugs or carpeting.
Also, keep all walkways and paths completely free of clutter and electric cords, and utilize night lights in bathrooms and hallways.
Many people don’t even realize that not wearing shoes may lead to more accidents. As a result, it’s a good idea for seniors to wear supportive shoes at all times.
Gain a Healthy Mind and Body: Information for Seniors
When it comes to living a happy and healthy life, the tips and information here can prove extremely beneficial. Be sure to keep this information in mind to see how to keep any senior healthy.