The Importance of Taking Care of Your Health as You Age

A recent article from Everyday Health Media states that once someone reaches 65 years of age, they can expect to live on average another 19.2 years.  While that sounds great, it still means that seniors need to carefully manage chronic health conditions and follow good health habits.  Jeanne Wei, MD, director of the Institute on Aging at the University of Arkansas Medical School, reports, “You need to be physically active and eat a healthy diet and also make healthy lifestyle choices, like quitting smoking and losing weight, to avoid senior health risks.”  The article also notes that if you see a geriatric doctor it can help you to be among the “76 percent of people over 65 who say their health is good or excellent.”

The Family.org published an article that reminds us it is never too late to start good health habits.  Even individuals who have never been physically active can benefit from exercising but please consult your doctor before you start.  Studies show that a moderate amount of exercise can make your bones and muscles stronger and help to prevent falls and broken bones down the road.  Furthermore, research indicates physical activity is also good for your brain.  What type of exercises should you do?  For seniors walking is an easy exercise and does not require any fancy equipment. 

Another suggestion in the article is to increase the fiber in your diet.  They recommend that men 50 years and older get 30 grams of fiber per day, and for women, 21 grams a day.  By increasing your fiber, it helps the colon to work better and reduce the risk of heart disease, type II diabetes and cancer as well as lower cholesterol.   

SYNERGY HomeCare’s wide range of in home care is designed to keep seniors living safely and comfortably in their own homes.  Our non-medical services are fully customizable and offer individuals solutions for living independently while getting the assistance they need.  Services include help with basic daily activities, meal preparation, transportation, light housekeeping, and grocery shopping right through to live-in care and more.      

**This is for informational purposes only.  Before you start any exercises, consult your health care provider**

SYNERGY HomeCare is one of the Greater Austin area’s most trusted agencies for non-medical home care.  We provide families with affordable, reliable and compassionate services that include everything from short term wellness visits to live-in care.  Please contact us to discuss the range of services we can provide for your loved one.  Our offices are conveniently located throughout Austin.    

Sources: everydayhealth.com/news/most-common-health-concerns-seniors/, familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/seniors/staying-healthy/good-health-habits-at-age-60-and-beyond.html