Did you know that back in 1963, the US was home to only about 17 million adults aged 65 and older? Fast forward to 2019, and their population has grown by three times to reach 54 million.
Increased awareness of special elder living needs is one reason for that growth. Meeting these needs, in turn, helps improve the quality of life among seniors.
To that end, we created this brief guide listing some of the best tips to enjoy your golden days. Read on to discover what you can do to defy some of the unwanted effects of aging.
1. Keep Those Nutrients Coming
Malnourishment affects as many as one in two older Americans.
Nutritional deficiencies can pave the way for low weight or obesity. Other common complications include low energy levels, muscle apathy, and chronic wounds.
For that reason, elderly adults need to have meals rich in the nutrients they may be lacking. Senior breakfast, lunch, and dinner should have enough carbohydrates, protein, fruits, and veggies. It’s fine to sneak in a snack or two between meals, so long as they don’t have added sugars or unhealthy oils.
2. Put More Pep Into Your Step
Muscle mass can start to decrease as early as the age of 20. By the time a person hits 80, they usually have lost 40% of their muscle mass. All that lost muscle results in lower energy levels, fatigue, and lethargy.
That’s another reason to feast on the best meals for seniors, as they can help rebuild lost muscle. Their nutrient-rich structures also contribute to higher energy levels.
High energy levels, in turn, help improve the quality of life in seniors by allowing them to be more active. For starters, exercise is an age-defying strategy that can help reduce fall risks. It also lowers the odds of developing hypertension and ease symptoms of joint issues.
3. Keep Those Brain Cells Active
The brain, like all other organs, also loses some of its efficiency as we age. Memory is one of the functions most commonly affected by aging.
Some level of forgetfulness is normal, such as a few instances of “misplacing” your keys. However, they become a problem once they start to affect your daily living activities.
The good news is that you can slow down brain aging by keeping your mind active and stimulated. You can do this by playing cognitive activities, such as arts and crafts, puzzles, and trivia games. Sudoku, Scrabble, and chess are also fun, brain-engaging games.
4. Stay Connected
In the US, almost 14 million older adults live alone. Some of them experience loneliness, partly due to their social isolation. This raises their risk for mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Thanks to telecommunications technology, though, it’s now easier for seniors to stay connected. Ringing up family members and friends can prove to be life-saving. Physical visits, outings, and community participation can also help them become less isolated.
Enjoy Life With These Healthy Elder Living Strategies
As you can see, elder living doesn’t have to equate to a life of pain, suffering, or forgetfulness. Older folks may be more prone to health woes, but you can keep them at bay with healthy meals and exercise. Don’t forget to stay in touch with your loved ones and incorporate play and games into your daily routine.
Interested in more health, living, and family-related resources? Then please head over to our other categories for more educational guides like this!
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