People are living longer, so it's important to stay healthy and happy as you get older. We wanted to highlight a couple of things you can start doing today and make a habit of looking after your health to help you age healthily and live a long, happy life!
Look after your diet
One of the most important elements of staying healthy is looking after your diet. Choosing the right food will help your overall health, give you more energy, make you feel more positive, and can even help prevent illnesses.
A good diet includes plenty of fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, lean meat, oily fish, and low fat dairy - try and stay away from saturated fats and too many processed foods. Eat at least 5 fruit and vegetables a day, and ensure to drink plenty of water! We enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, but try and stay away from fizzy drinks as these contain high levels of sugar and can make you feel dehydrated.
Exercise
Daily exercise is great for your physical and mental health, and helps you stay healthy. Even 30 minutes of exercise a day can lower risk of heart disease, obesity diabetes, and some studies have even shown exercise may lower the risk of cancer. You will also notice a positive change in your sleep patterns and diet - your exercise routine will encourage you to eat healthier, and drink more water.
If you have limited mobility try chair exercises, and for lighter exercise try yoga, Tai Chi, or simply a walk around your neighbourhood!
Enjoy Vitamins
Start making a habit out of taking vitamins and supplements to help you stay healthy. One of the most common deficiencies is lack of vitamin D - this has been linked to cognitive impairments, cardiovascular disease and even bone problems.
You can get vitamin D supplements from most supermarkets and health stores, find them in foods such as oily fish or eggs, and getting outside on a sunny day will give you a boost!
Make Sleep A Priority
Getting enough sleep is super important, especially as we get older. If you have trouble getting to sleep, or staying asleep, try these tips:
Drink chamomile tea before bedtime
Turn off your phone and other electronics an hour before bed
Use a lavender pillow spray
Talk to you doctor about supplements to help you get to sleep
Lack of sleep does not only leave you tired and grumpy, it can lead to health problems as you get older.
Stop Smoking
We all know smoking is bad for your health - smoking is linked to a long list of health problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and bronchitis just to name a few.
It is never too late to stop smoking - if you quit, your lung capacity, energy levels, and your circulation will improve! Here are some tips from the NHS to help you kick the habit: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/10-self-help-tips-to-stop-smoking/
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