Aging occurs differently for everyone and is an inevitable part of life. However, you can do things to slow its progression. Caring for your body mentally and physically plays a vital role in your health and the way you age.
How to Age in a Healthy Way
1. Sleep More
A good night of rest affects your total health. Dr. Michael Twery, a sleep expert at the National Institutes of Health, notes, “Sleep affects almost every tissue in our bodies. It affects growth and stress hormones, our immune system, appetite, breathing, blood pressure, and cardiovascular health.” While medications, aches and pains, anxiety, and insomnia can make it difficult to get a good night of sleep, you should prioritize a healthy sleeping regimen and aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Avoiding naps and caffeine, limiting screen time, and developing a nighttime routine promote more productive rest. Sleep drastically contributes to healthy aging and can help improve your attitude and health.
2. Capitalize Preventive Care
Aging properly requires preventive care. In the same way that a vehicle needs routine oil changes to avoid an engine failure, your body needs regular health checkups to reduce health risks. A 2021 study found on the National Library of Medicine discovered general health checks were directly linked with early detection to chronic diseases, hypertension, high cholesterol and even cancer. The patients in the study who regularly received health checks also reported a higher quality of life. Completing routine bloodwork and regular health screens such as an annual mammogram or colonoscopy can help you to catch anything awry early—a vital way to maintain your health. Additionally, familiarity with your family history, getting your annual physical and keeping up with your vaccines and flu shot help you maximize your self-care.
3. Lower Your Stress Levels
Stress has countless negative impacts on your body, including anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, excessive weight gain or loss and high blood pressure. As you age, it is critical to put your body through as little stress as possible. Meditating, walking and talking frequently with loved ones can help reduce your stress levels.
4. Challenge Yourself
Routinely challenging yourself keeps your brain active and healthy. Challenging yourself mentally and physically offers many benefits and helps to maintain memory, improve concentration and overall brain function. Completing puzzles, playing board games, trying new things and exercising regularly all contribute to sharpening your mind.
5. Eat Whole Foods
Eating healthy foods goes beyond eating your daily dose of fruits and vegetables. While that’s important, it is critical to minimize sweets, sugary drinks and processed foods as well. A healthy diet consists of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, fish and whole grains. Drinking water instead of soda, skipping fast food and opting for local butchers and farmers markets for your meat and produce are simple yet very effective ways to eat healthier. Eating superfoods daily including blueberries, leafy greens, avocados and chickpeas can also greatly improve your health.
Healthy Aging with Hopscotch Primary Care
Aging doesn’t have to slow you down. By putting your health first and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can help lower your blood pressure, maximize your brain function and reduce the risk of serious diseases—all while aging in the healthiest way possible.
With a mission to transform lives in rural communities through accessible, advanced primary care, Hopscotch Primary Care works tirelessly to offer quality and accessible care, tips and tricks for healthy living, and the support you need to thrive. To learn more about Hopscotch or to schedule an appointment, complete our form today, and our team will contact you shortly.