Healthy Living

These days, it's fun to embrace getting older. There's never been a better time for people to age because people are living longer and living healthily. If you're looking to stay healthy as you get older, the following tips can help. Kick Bad Habits Kicking bad habits and sticking with good ones might seem like common sense, but it can be hard to make good choices and stick with them. One of the best choices you can make is to quit smoking. It can be one of the hardest habits to kick, but it can do a lot to improve your health. Not only will you improve your lung function and capacity, but you'll also stay healthier because you won't be ingesting the harmful ingredients found in cigarettes. Make Good Habits and Stick With Them It's estimated that as many as 80% of older adults deal with at least one chronic condition, whether it's arthritis, a heart disorder, or osteoporosis. If you deal with conditions like these, you can help yourself by sticking to good habits. That includes getting plenty of sleep and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. It also means exercising and eating better, including incorporating more fruit and vegetables into your diet. Start Moving As you age, staying active is important for your health. It can boost your energy, help you maintain and improve your flexibility, and improve your mental function. If you're looking for something to do, the possibilities are endless. Try biking, gardening, swimming, or golf. Americans spend $600 million on golf balls every year, and though golf can be a costly sport if you're new to it, it can also be very rewarding. Games like golf and tennis are games that anyone at any age can play and they're fun ways to stay active. Visit Your Doctor As you've read, there are all sorts of health issues older people deal with. As such, it's important to make regular visits to your doctor. This will allow you to ask any questions you have and allow your doctor to address any serious health issues you may be dealing with. Keep Yourself Safe Getting old can be fantastic, but it's important to stay safe as you get old. There's a lot of risk of falling, for example, but you also want to stay safe driving and when exposed to extreme weather conditions. Giving up driving can be hard because many people see it as an extension of their independence. However, if you have trouble dealing with traffic or have trouble seeing the road, you need to make smart decisions about when or if you drive. In very hot or very cold weather, pay attention to your health, as extreme weather can exacerbate some health problems. Connect With People Just because you're aging doesn't mean your social circle has to shrink. In fact, you can give your health a boost by staying in contact with family and friends. These days, it's never been easier with social media and texting allowing people to stay in contact constantly. Stay Clean As you age, you can stay healthy by keeping yourself clean. If you're aging and still working, especially in an office setting, make sure to wipe your desk and wash your hands regularly. Studies have found that phones are one of the most contaminated items in an office, with more than 25,000 organisms per surface. While you may stay active and eat well, your immune system changes over time and you can avoid things like colds and the flu by keeping yourself and your surroundings clean. By establishing and maintaining good habits as you age, you'll be able to live happier and healthier as you enjoy your golden years.