There’s a reason the 60s are sometimes called the “golden years.” From time spent with loved ones to exciting new adventures, your 60s can be a great opportunity to live your life to the fullest.
Of course, that’s only the case if you’re choosing the right habits! Because our bodies change as we age, it’s important to support our growth in a few consistent ways.
Fortunately, healthy living is well within reach, as long as you know what to look out for. Check out the lifestyle tips below to make the most of the coming years.
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Reconsider Your Diet
As you age, it’s more important than ever to get the essential nutrients your body needs to function. Because proper immune, bone, and heart health starts with your diet, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the right foods onto your plate!
Key nutrients to focus on include protein, fiber, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins and minerals like potassium, calcium, and B12.
In general, the best way to get more of these nutrients is to get more whole foods into every meal, including healthy grains, fats, fruits, and vegetables. Choosing whole foods over processed foods with additives can help you avoid certain chronic conditions, including those triggered by inflammation.
Get Plenty of Exercise
It may feel tempting to reduce the amount of exercise you’re doing as you age, especially if you’re dealing with pain or chronic conditions. However, avoid the urge!
Research shows that regular exercise can reduce the risk of conditions like heart disease and stroke. On the other end of the spectrum, doing little or no physical activity can put you at greater risk for unwanted health conditions.
Low-impact cardio activities like walking, biking, and swimming can be great choices for anyone over sixty. Don’t forget strength training as well: the CDC recommends doing muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week for all major muscle groups. If you’re struggling to find the right fit for your needs, talk to your doctor about the best exercise regimen for your body.
Protect Your Bones and Heart
Your bones and your heart can weaken as you age, putting you at risk for conditions like broken bones and higher blood pressure, respectively. To take care of these essential parts of your body, you’ll need to pay special attention to a few key habits.
Bone Health
The good news is that physical activity is great for your bone health, as it decreases your risk of falls and fractures. Activities that help you enhance your balance and flexibility are a good idea as well.
You’ll also want to get plenty of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health. In addition, avoid undereating, even if you feel your appetite starting to drop as you get older, as this can make it harder to get the nutrients you need to keep your bones healthy.
Heart Health
Again, getting plenty of exercise is great for your heart, especially cardio workouts. In addition, keeping a healthy weight can help. You may also want to reach out to your doctor about any medications or vitamin supplements you may need to support your heart health, which can be more difficult to do on your own as you grow older.
Check In With Your Doctors
One of the best things you can do to maintain optimal health is to check in with your doctor on a regular basis. By tracking your health status and treatment plan, you can be proactive about screenings and stay informed about changes to your body.
Your medical team can also help you find the right prescriptions and medicine online to support your overall health. This is especially helpful if you find yourself needing to balance your hormones, whose levels tend to change in older adults.
Stay Sharp
Don’t forget to take care of your brain! In the overall picture of health and wellness, we often forget that our brain function is an important part of our overall health.
Our brains love new challenges and problems, changes to our daily routines, new hobbies and workouts, and other novel activities. By getting out of your comfort zone and switching things up, you can keep your brain nimble and active for years to come.
Be Social
When we plan for retirement, we often think about it in the financial sense.
However, it’s just as important to plan for social activities as we age. Research shows that loneliness and isolation can pose considerable health risks for aging adults. In fact, severe isolation can even lead to conditions like heart disease, a weakened immune system, and depression.
This is why it’s crucial to make plans to maintain your social life even as you grow older. This can be as easy as joining a local club or group, visiting family and friends on a regular basis, volunteering your talents, or traveling somewhere new. Even expanding your social circle through social media can help you stay connected in today’s digital world!
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle in Your 60s and Beyond
Getting older involves significant changes to your mental and physical health, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to support all of your essential functions! By being proactive—and by communicating with your doctor about your needs, physical changes, and habits—you can maintain a healthy lifestyle for years to come. Be sure to follow the tips above for a healthier, happier life!
Want more tips to help you make the most of your health and fitness, both now and in the future? For additional insights, be sure to check out the other guides on our site.
