Aging is a natural process. It is something that no one can bypass. It is as certain as life and death. The human body undergoes some detrimental changes as age progresses. What can really be controlled here is the kind of impact that aging has on the health of an individual. Eating good food and exercising regularly can help in slowing down the inevitable process and let you lead a happy and content life. Here are some insights into maintaining good senior health.
What are some common facts about health in seniors?
As a person grows old and becomes senior in age, all the organs in the body start deteriorating progressively. These changes are physiological and may not always be associated with some kind of disease. The psychological impact of aging tends to make a person feel depressed as they feel that their abilities are reducing.
However, it is important to understand that it is completely natural and is something that needs to be embraced. Therefore, you should work towards making the process as hassle-free as possible.
What changes occur in the body as we age?
Biologically speaking, there is not a single organ or body part which does not change when you age. It is because the cells and tissues degenerate at a faster rate than they can recover. If you look at the skin, hair, nails and other appendages, they tend to shrivel and reduce in size.
Even the internal organs do not function with the same intensity as they used to when you were younger. There is a reduction in brain capacity as well which is seen as a deterioration in brain capacity and cognitive individuals.
Common diseases and conditions seniors face as they age?
The number of diseases that are associated with old age is pretty significant and much more than younger individuals. In fact, most of the diseases related to the brain, nerves, and heart are seen more commonly in middle-aged and senior people.
Even the problems related to digestion and excretion are seen frequently in the elderly. However, it is not something rare, it is a common pattern that is seen in almost everyone.
8 steps to aging well
In case you have lost the prime years of life and have now entered the senior citizen category, here are a few steps that will help you age properly.
Stay physically active for a healthy body and mind
One common mistake that many people do on getting old is lessened physical work. It is true that the body will not have the energy and ability as before but completely stopping can cause more harm than good. Instead, set aside at least 30 mins a day for some physical activity. This will keep the mind sharp as well.
Get regular checkups
Early detection of any problem is always beneficial as the treatment plan will be less intensive. Therefore, even if you do not have any visible disease or problem, get a full body checkup every year.
Be aware of changes in brain health
The brain is one organ that undergoes a considerable amount of decline with age. Therefore, it needs more nurturing and cares than others. When the actual decrease happens, it is important to not get flustered by it and be considerate in accepting the changes.
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness helps you to become completely aware of your surroundings. It also lets you have a grip on your mental status. It is very helpful in increasing your concentration. Practicing it in old age can be helpful.
Eat and drink healthy
The kind of food and drink you consume plays an important role in your brain health. It becomes all the more important to eat and drink healthily in aged individuals. You can also take natural supplements as a part of the diet which can contribute to stable mental health.
Exercise the brain- Continue growing and learning
Exercise should not only be limited to physical activities. Brain activities like memory testing games, music lessons, solving puzzles have the potential to exercise your brain as well. This can result in the proper stimulation of the cortex area which will strengthen the associated memory power.
Stay socially active with friends and family and within your community
Social activities and mixing with like-minded people can make you happy and boost your immunity as well as mental health. It helps to deal with any unnecessary pressure as well. The wiring of your brain will remain active in this process. Therefore, meet friends and family frequently and look to have a good time with them.
Get a good night’s sleep
Sleeping is important for the brain to rejuvenate. Having a good sleep at night becomes all the more important at old age. It also helps to let go of all the unnecessary thoughts and worries.
Bottom line
It is important to understand that the brain changes that occur with aging are natural. What is more crucial is to deal with it and preserve mental health for as long as possible so that you can lead a fulfilling life, even at old age.
This guest post was written by Curtis Dean – Curtis Dean writes on behalf of Sage Music School where they base lessons on the science and research of the psychology of learning. Their effective teaching methods create confident and capable students who enjoy the happiness of making music.
