It’s essential to stay healthy and take care of your body, whether you’re in your twenties or your mid-eighties. But as you get older, simple conditions that you could’ve slept off in your younger years become more dangerous. Something as trivial as the flu or the common cold can progress into something worse like pneumonia or bronchitis.
If you reside in an assisted-living facility, then you probably live with a chronic condition—all the more reason to make significant changes to your lifestyle that could improve your overall health. You need to start making choices that benefit your wellbeing, strengthen your immune system, and protect you against common ailments.
1. Engage in physical activity
Engaging in regular physical activity boosts your immune system and helps fight off episodes of lethargy. As long as you are active, your body will exert more effort to suppress inflammation and ward off infections.
Because of your age, you probably can’t do strenuous workouts like running or sports. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy effective physical activity. Low-impact exercises go a long way as well.
Some of the activities you can do include swimming, biking, walking, and light aerobic exercises. If you can, try to get around three hours’ worth of exercise time in a week. You can do this by working out for at least 30 minutes a day, with one day for rest. You can also supplement your aerobic exercises with some yoga and strength building.
2. Take multivitamins
You can’t expect to get all the vitamins and nutrients you need from your diet, and at your age, they’re more important than ever. You can cover the vitamin deficit in your diet by taking multivitamins or dietary supplements.
Some of the elements and vitamins you need include calcium, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6. Don’t forget to get the green light from your primary care provider first.
3. Wash your hands often
If you live close to other people, you need to protect yourself from any diseases they might carry. Always wash your hands to keep yourself clean. Some bacteria and viruses can live on surfaces for up to a day. If you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your face or mouth afterward, you could get seriously sick.
Don’t forget to use soap when washing your hands and do it for at thirty seconds. A catchy tune can help you keep time. You can also bring alcohol or sanitizer with you if running water isn’t available.
4. Maintain a balanced diet
Just because you’re retired doesn’t mean you get to eat anything you want. You need to maintain a balanced diet of lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, grains, and dairy products to ensure you get all the vitamins and minerals you need. A healthy diet boosts your immune system and improves your natural healing abilities.
Simple diseases become more dangerous as you get older. While you can’t protect yourself against all viruses and bacteria, a proactive attitude to your health can help you lead a better and more productive life.
