Take Steps Now to Age Healthily |

Each year, our birthdays are a way to celebrate ourselves and the gift of life. As we age, they are also the perfect reminder that we can take active steps to slow the progression of time.

Maintaining good health as you age involves a combination of lifestyle choices, habits, and preventive measures. It’s important to take an active role in caring for yourself, and today is a great day to start.

“Older adults have a unique set of issues and needs,” explained Lauri Oakes, Certified Nurse Practitioner, who sees patients at NHA’s Aurora Senior Health Clinic. “Having a practitioner who is aware of them is most helpful in maintaining the highest level of functioning.”

She and her staff are dedicated to helping their patients age as healthily as possible. And they make the patient an important part of the team.

Edith Asah, who also sees patients at Aurora Senior Health Clinic, echoes this sentiment. “At Aurora, a patient’s plan of care is developed with their input.”

Since you are an active member of your care in aging healthily, below are some tips to help you take part.

Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to maintain muscle strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Aim for a mix of aerobic exercises, strength training, and flexibility exercises. As always, consult with your primary care provider before starting a new routine to make sure you take part in one that is best for your current health level.

Balanced Diet: Food really is the basic building block. Eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit intake of processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated is one of the simplest things you can do to improve your health. Dehydration can exacerbate various health issues, including fatigue and cognitive decline.

Get Sufficient Sleep: Did you know that a third of US adults report that they usually get less than the recommended amount of sleep. Not getting enough sleep is linked with many chronic diseases and conditions—such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and depression—that threaten our nation’s health. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Good sleep is essential for overall health, cognitive function, and mood regulation.

Manage Stress: Practice stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or hobbies that you enjoy. Chronic stress can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health.

Maintain Social Connections: Stay socially engaged by spending time with friends, family, or participating in community activities. Social connections are vital for mental well-being and can help reduce the risk of depression and cognitive decline.

Stay Mentally Active: Keep your brain stimulated by engaging in mentally challenging activities such as puzzles, reading, learning new skills, or playing musical instruments. This can help maintain cognitive function and prevent age-related decline. Learn new things, whether it’s a hobby, a language, or a skill. Mental stimulation helps keep your brain sharp and can ward off cognitive decline.

Regular Health Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your health, screen for any potential issues, and address concerns early. Contact NHA today to make your appointment: 419-214-5700

Limit Alcohol and Avoid Smoking: Limit alcohol intake as excessive drinking can increase the risk of various health problems. Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, as smoking is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases.

Protect Your Skin: Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid excessive sun exposure to reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging.

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Aim to maintain a healthy weight through a combination of diet and exercise. Excess weight can increase the risk of various health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and joint problems.

By incorporating these tips into your lifestyle, you can improve your overall health and well-being as you age. It’s never too late to start adopting healthy habits that can positively impact your longevity and quality of life.

How to Stay Motivated to Age Healthily

Staying motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle, especially as you age, can sometimes be challenging. Here are some strategies to help you stay motivated:

Set Realistic Goals: Break down your health goals into smaller, achievable steps. Setting realistic and measurable goals helps you track your progress and stay motivated as you see yourself making improvements.

Find Your Why: Identify the reasons behind wanting to live a healthy lifestyle. Whether it’s to improve your overall well-being, be there for your family, or pursue your passions, having a clear purpose can help you stay focused and motivated.

Create a Routine: Establish a daily or weekly routine that incorporates healthy habits such as exercise, meal planning, and self-care activities. Consistency is key to forming long-lasting habits.

Celebrate Achievements: Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Recognizing your progress and rewarding yourself for achieving milestones can boost your motivation and reinforce positive behaviors.

Find Enjoyable Activities: Choose physical activities and healthy foods that you enjoy. If you find joy in what you’re doing, you’re more likely to stay motivated to continue.

Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that setbacks are a normal part of the journey. Instead of dwelling on mistakes, focus on what you can learn from them and how you can move forward.

Remember that motivation can fluctuate, and it’s normal to experience ups and downs along the way. By incorporating these strategies into your routine and staying focused on your goals, you can cultivate lasting motivation to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

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