It’s not too late to start the year off on the right track. There’s no steadfast rule that says you can only take back your health and set goals on January 1. It can happen any day, including today. While good health is important for everyone, seniors especially need to take control of their health in order to lead a longer, more fulfilling life. Here’s how to rein in your health this year so you can have many more years to come.
“Just what the doctor ordered”
One of the harsh truths about getting older is the need to see more doctors, but with a healthy lifestyle and preventive care, you should be able to keep some issues at bay. If you’re a senior age 65 or up, Medicare has you covered. Make sure you’re taking full advantage of Medicare insurance by accessing Part B for medical and outpatient mental health services and Part D for prescription drugs. There’s also the option to take out a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) from a private insurance company to supplement your health coverage. Plans vary by state, so check online to see what’s available to you.
“You are what you eat”
As your body ages, it’s important provide the right sustenance for good health and longevity. What you eat has an impact on how you feel and how your body functions. It can be difficult to develop good habits, stay on track, and find time for cooking healthy meals. A meal prep specialist like themealprepco.com can be the right answer to your clean eating needs. Why not take the guesswork out of what to eat and save time on food preparation?
“Just do it”
Nike’s slogan has the right idea on the brain. When it comes to getting your body moving, don’t think. Just do. Exercise is the yin to the yang of a balanced diet. Every little bit counts, even if it’s just a short walk. Try incorporating a safe exercise program to avoid causing injury. And don’t worry if you start out slow. With regular practice and training, you’ll get better over time. You’ll become healthier on the inside and outside, and you may even regain your youthful energy.
“Make love, not war”
Bitter resentment, regret, and unresolved conflicts can cause stress and anger in anyone. When you build it up over many years of family tension, neighbor disagreements, and workplace strife, it takes a toll on your mental health. When you’re imbalanced from a negative situation that you never resolved, you’re at war with your emotional self.
Rather than walking around for the rest of your life with underlying anger toward someone (or the world), resolve to bury the hatchet and put conflicts aside. Forgive others so you can be happy. Reconnect with friends that you fell out with, and mend broken familial relationships. Love yourself by walking away from relationships that don’t serve you right.
“Don’t worry, be happy”
Life is a series of stressful situations, but the way you choose to respond makes a difference in how you’ll feel. When life throws you lemons, do you curl up in a ball and cry? Do you get angry and throw them back? No. You make the best fresh squeezed, sugar-free lemonade that has ever touched your lips. It’s easier to panic or get upset than to let things roll off your back, but the only person who will be hurt by that reaction is you. Stress, high anxiety, and worry can actually contribute to the aging process, so it’s in your best interest as a senior to let things go and choose happiness.
Your retirement years should be your best years. The door has closed on your career, childrearing is over, and you now have all the free time to do things you love — whether it’s traveling, writing a memoir, or volunteering at a local nonprofit. It’s your life to live. In order to fully enjoy your golden years, get yourself into the best health possible, both mentally and physically.
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