Healthy Aging

As we grow older, so do the risks of compromising the quality of our health. However, we can lower our risk for various diseases if we plan ahead. What can we do?

Seven Ideas to Get You Started: Staying Healthy

1. Visit the doctor for regular checkups. With regular visits, the doctor can keep current on health history and develop strategies to reduce possible risks. If you are on medication, take it regularly to maintain good health.

2. Learn your history of chronic diseases. If you don’t know your family history of chronic diseases, talk to siblings, parents, first cousins and others who are a part of your bloodline. Share this information with the doctor and learn ways to reduce risks and keep these diseases at bay.

3. Keep physically active. Stretching, walking and working with light weights are a good way to keep the body in tune. The human body is made to move, and when you don’t, muscle strength is lost.

4. Healthy eating is crucial. A diet packed with fruits, vegetables and whole grains will give the body what it needs to stay healthy. Making sure you have calcium and vitamin D are important to keep bones healthy and strong. And don’t forget proteins. They are the building blocks for hair, nails, skin, muscle, and so much more.

Challenge Your Mind, Time With God, & Safety Habits

5. Challenge your mind. Read books, do crossword puzzles, or learn something new. Exercising your mind helps you keep your mind in good working order. Stay in touch with friends and get involved in your community. This helps to prevent feeling alone or getting depressed.

6.  Spend time with God.  Having a good conversation with God and turning over your burdens helps reduce stress. He never meant for you to carry the weight of the world. Read His words and find comfort in knowing that He is with you.

7. Develop safety habits. If things in your environment are a bit cluttered, straighten things out or give things away if you do not use them. This will help keep areas open to prevent falls. This will also help reduce the stress of not finding things when you need them.

Pamela Williams writes from Southern California.

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