Tips For Healthy Aging

The most important thing when it comes to healthy aging is not to wait until you are older before taking care of yourself. Simple habits, such as exercise and a healthy diet are decisive.

Healthy aging is possible if you take the right measures early. Old age is not necessarily synonymous with illness and discomfort. There is of course some deterioration, but it does not have to be very serious.

Life expectancy has increased worldwide. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that the number of people over the age of 60 in the world will nearly double between 2015 and 2050.

Today, many elderly people lead active and fulfilling lives. However, to achieve that, they had to age in a healthy way. That’s why we all need to adopt better habits that minimize the natural deterioration of our bodies and minds.

Healthy aging

Aging results from the accumulation of molecular and cellular damage. In addition, it leads to a decrease in physical and mental capacities, while causing an increased risk of disease. However, age is not always the factor that causes this.

Old age is also associated with various psychosocial changes. The most prominent of these is the end of working life and the gradual reduction of the social circle of peers. All of these changes are relative as people age healthily. But which factors influence healthy aging? Let’s find out.

The biological factor

Obviously, the biological factor influences aging, but let’s not generalize. For example, some 80-year-olds are healthier than some 30-year-olds. This is strongly influenced by genetics, but mainly by lifestyle.

It is common to experience loss of acuity in the senses, musculoskeletal problems and chronic diseases as people age. Depression and some forms of dementia are also more common.

Area

The environment also determines healthy aging and has an influence even before birth. It is actually closely associated with acquiring and maintaining appropriate lifestyle habits and has a significant impact on people’s mental health.

Environments can also facilitate or hinder the performance of daily activities, such as the use of public transport, for example.

Healthcare and healthy aging

Not everyone has equal access to health care. This deficiency thus accumulates throughout life and affects the quality of life later in life (Spanish link). At this stage, the availability of health services is a determining factor, but it is not always available.

The WHO advocates good health care systems in all countries and for all people. Efficient governance, infrastructure and trained personnel are needed to make this possible. You can imagine that all these factors together can significantly improve the quality of life of the elderly.

Stereotypes and Discrimination

A common misconception is that the elderly are dependent and unproductive and therefore a burden on society. It leads in many cases to discriminatory attitudes towards them. This in turn makes it even more difficult to age in a healthy way.

Government action

Government is also a factor that promotes or hinders healthy aging. Attention and timely response to the needs of older adults affects the quality of life at that age. The government should pay attention to this issue. In particular, it should offer help and solutions to disadvantaged and vulnerable elderly people.

Tips for healthy aging

When you are older you can also just play and act crazy

Several aspects are key to healthy aging and relate to habits and attitudes that promote quality of life. We will explain the most important factors below.

Physical activity is a must for healthy aging

Do moderate physical activity, such as walking, every day. Specialists recommend half an hour or the equivalent of 5,000 steps a day. There are apps available that can help you count these steps.

Movement keeps your muscles in shape and regulates body weight. Ideally, these routines should start at a young age and you should stick to them all the time.

A balanced diet

Nutrition is a determining factor for good health. The diet should be varied and balanced, with a high content of vegetables, legumes, fruits and whole grains.

The more natural and less processed the food is, the better.
In addition, try to reduce your intake of excess fats and sugars.

Less stress and more healthy habits

Stress is not good at any stage of life. Healthy aging therefore means knowing how to enjoy the present and be at peace with yourself.

Hobbies, reading, inspiring conversations, and meditation exercises are excellent alternatives for achieving balance.

It is important to give up or reduce harmful habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption.

Join us and fill your time

Just like in childhood, play is also important in old age. It’s not just about socializing and having fun, but also keeping your cognitive skills active. Do not try to isolate yourself, but participate in community life.

Visit friends and do activities together.
Also learn new things, go for walks and spend time on creative and productive pursuits.

Healthy aging is possible

This is something you can maximize if you prepare for it early by adopting a healthy lifestyle before reaching old age. The sooner you build healthy habits, the more quality of life you will have later.

Many people realize their most cherished dreams in old age. However, it is always possible to take a long and enriching journey, win an Olympic medal, write a book or graduate. As you get older, this does not mean a decline, but rather to reach other dimensions of life.