5 Overlooked Ways To Stay Healthy As You Age

Do you want to live a long healthy life? If so, you need to start taking care of yourself now. Although there is no magic formula for staying healthy as you age, there are plenty of simple things you can do to maintain your health and improve your quality of life.

Here are some tips for staying healthy as you age:

1. Eat plenty of nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are packed with nutrients that are essential for good health. They are a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Eating a handful or two of nuts or seeds each day can help you stay healthy as you age.

Nuts and seeds are a great snack for on-the-go. They can also be added to salads, cereals, yogurts, and baked goods. When buying nuts and seeds, look for products that are unsalted and free of added sugar.

If you have a nut allergy, there are still plenty of healthy snacks you can enjoy. Seeds such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds are all good options. You can also find many non-nutritious snacks that are safe for people with nut allergies, such as pretzels and popcorn.

Additional benefits of eating nuts and seeds:

• They can help improve your cholesterol levels.
• They can help reduce your risk of heart disease.
• They can help you maintain a healthy weight.
• They can help reduce inflammation.
• They can help improve your cognitive function.

So, make sure to include plenty of nuts and seeds in your diet!

2. Increase healthy gut bacteria

The health of your gut plays a big role in your overall health. Eating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi can help increase the number of healthy gut bacteria. This can improve your digestion, boost your immune system, and reduce inflammation.

Keeping your gut healthy has also been shown to reduce the risk of obesity, lower cholesterol levels, improve mental health and reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.

If you’re looking to further increase your intake of probiotics, consider incorporating these gut-friendly foods into your diet:

• Kefir – This fermented milk drink contains live and active cultures. It’s also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin B12.
• Tempeh – This fermented soybean product is high in protein and fiber. It’s also a good source of probiotics.
• Miso soup – This Japanese soup is made from fermented soybeans and rice. It’s a good source of probiotics, as well as iron, copper, and manganese.
• Pickles – Made from cucumbers that are soaked in vinegar or brine (water, salt, and spices). They’re a good source of probiotics and vitamins A and K.

The number of servings you need depends on a variety of factors, including your age, sex, and activity level. The general recommendation is to aim for at least 2-3 servings per day. However, if you’re looking to maximize your gut bacteria, you may want to aim for more.

3. Supplement with Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important for many reasons. It helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, two minerals essential for bone health. Vitamin D also boosts immunity by helping to fight off infection and disease.

Getting enough vitamin D is especially important as we age. Older adults are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become weak and brittle. Vitamin D can help prevent or slow the progression of osteoporosis by keeping bones strong.

While you can get some vitamin D from the sun, it’s not always possible to get enough this way, especially during the winter months. Supplementing with vitamin D3 (the form of vitamin D that’s best absorbed by the body) is an easy way to ensure you’re getting enough vitamin D.

There are many different brands and forms of vitamin D3 supplements available, so it’s important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist to find the right one for you.

4. Make sure you keep moving

As you age, it’s important to keep your body active. Regular exercise can help improve your bone density, reduce the risk of falls, and increase your lifespan. Even if you’re not able to go to the gym, there are plenty of ways to stay active at home. For example, taking a brisk walk around the block or doing some simple stretching exercises can make a big difference.

Staying active also helps to keep the joints and muscles healthy, while improving circulation and increasing flexibility. Regular physical activity is proven to help reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, and boost energy levels. Moving the body also releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Ultimately, regular movement is essential for overall health and well-being.

If you’re not sure how to get started, talk to your doctor or a certified fitness instructor. They can help you create a personalized exercise program that’s right for you. And don’t be afraid to start small – even just 10 minutes of exercise each day can make a difference.

So, get moving and enjoy the benefits of a healthier, happier life!

5. Consider daily meditation

Meditation has a host of benefits, including reducing stress and axiety, improving sleep, and increasing mindfulness. Taking some time out of your day to meditate can be a great way to stay healthy as you age.

There are many ways to meditate, so find a method that works for you. You can try sitting in silence with your eyes closed and focusing on your breath, or you may prefer to listen to a guided meditation. Experiment until you find a practice that helps you relax and feel more centered.

Here are some of the different types of meditation:

• Mindfulness meditation – This type of meditation comes from Buddhist teachings and involves paying attention to your thoughts and sensations in the present moment.
• Concentrative meditation – This type of meditation requires you to focus on a single object, such as a candle flame or a mantra.
• Movement meditation – This type of meditation involves gentle movement, such as Tai Chi or yoga.
• Loving-kindness meditation – This type of meditation involves sending thoughts of love and compassion to yourself and others.
• Sound meditation – This type of meditation involves focusing on relaxing sounds, such as ocean waves or rainfall.

Meditation is a simple, yet powerful tool you can use to stay positive and healthy as you age. Strive to meditate at least 3 times a week and ultimately once a day as you integrate meditation into your daily routine.

These are just a few of the many things you can do to stay healthy as you age. By following these tips, you can greatly improve your quality of life and enjoy a long, healthy life. Remember, a journey of 1,000 steps starts with a single step. So, start taking care of yourself today!

Last but certainly not least, consider getting a senior flex card. This card for can be used to pay for Medicare-covered expenses and even health care services not covered by Medicare, such as dental, vision and hearing care. To be eligible for the Medicare flex card, you must be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes this benefit.