Aging, the biological process of growing old, is inevitable and irreversible. Cellular degeneration over time causes aging. It is a process which varies for each individual and is ongoing. Some of the common effects of aging we all witness are decreased motor skills, impaired senses, slower reaction time, painful & stiff muscles and joints, weakened body functions & systems.
A very logical premise says the way you have led your childhood and adulthood will have a direct bearing on the quality of life in the old age. Healthy practices in the early years will have a positive impact in the declining years.
As defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), ‘Health is a state of physical, emotional and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’. This holds true for aging as well. A four-faceted approach to aging includes lifestyle, genetics, environment, and attitude. While genetics and environment as determinants of aging are beyond one’s control, lifestyle and attitude can certainly be modified favorably.
As an aging adult, you need to live a healthy lifestyle. Quite comprehensive in its essence, healthy aging is the end result of a healthy lifestyle, which in turn is the summation of certain practices. A healthy lifestyle will promote graceful aging as well as prevent or minimize symptoms of age-associated conditions such as dementia, osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular concerns.
While the basic nutrition needs remain pretty much the same throughout life, a requirement of any specific nutrient may increase or decrease with age. As we age, body’s calorie needs a drop. This makes it essential to pack one’s diet with nutrient dense food such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other plant-based food.
Maintain a healthy weight and go easy on saturated fats. A daily dose of calcium is a must. It could be through low-fat dairy products, calcium-fortified non-dairy milk, orange juice, fish and dark green leafy vegetables. Don’t forget about Vitamin D, a pre-requisite to calcium absorption. You may consider a Vitamin D supplement because the skin’s ability to synthesize it from sunlight reduces with age.
An overall nutritional supplement in the form of a health drink can give you your daily dose of energy. The Nestle Boost Plus Complete Nutritional Drink is high calorie and nutritionally rich and can be consumed as a snack or with a meal. It also has several prebiotics which promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut essential to maintain digestive health.
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| Nestle Boost Plus Complete Nutritional Drink |
Needless to say, regular exercise is the key to physical and mental well-being. It not only prevents diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis but also burns calories and gives energy. Those who exercise religiously find it stress relieving and enable them to sleep better. To reap the maximum benefit out of it, choose an exercise which you know you will enjoy doing and follow a daily regimen. Find out ways to make it a fun activity. Form a community group or partner with a like-minded friend.
You could use the Studio Resistance Tube. It provides a full-body workout and improves flexibility. It has cushioned foam handles and is perfect for home, office and travel use.
To exercise on a regular basis, the elderly can use the Drive Folding Exercise Peddler with Digital Display. Its five-function display indicates exercise time, revolution count, revolutions per minute and calories burnt. It is ideal for an arm and leg muscle exercising and improves flexibility and endurance in the body. The most advantageous feature is it can be used in a lying down or sitting position, thereby ruling out any risks of fall. Its non-slip pedals make it even safer to use.
Those suffering from hand arthritis can use the Aeromat Squeeze Ball, to exercise their hands and fingers. It is available in three (3) different firmness levels and two (2) different shapes.
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| Aeromat Squeeze Ball | Drive Folding Exercise Peddler with Digital Display | BodySport Studio Series Resistance Tubes |
While the duration of sleep varies from person to person, it is a good quality sleep which will bring in a revitalized body at the start of the day. A sound sleep keeps the entire body under check. It is a natural stress-buster. Good sleepers are often found to have a strong immune system as well. Their judgment abilities, problem-solving skills, and creative work at their best.
Certain medical conditions and medication can cause disturbed sleep. A diet high in caffeine and alcohol is also sleep-deterring. A heavy meal just before bed-time is bound to trouble you in the night.
You can best assess and identify your triggers and try avoiding them. Bringing in a certain lifestyle and behavioral changes can surely help. Avoid caffeine, high-sugar food items, and a heavy meal just before bedtime. Stressful situations and brain-stimulating activities should also be avoided. Creating a conducive sleep environment and sticking to a fixed sleep regimen, will surely help. A dark, quiet, clean and cool bedroom environment is always welcoming. You could even try certain breathing and muscle relaxation techniques. Rest your head for an uninterrupted good night’ sleep with the Smartsilk Asthma and Allergy Hypoallergenic Comforter Duvet. It gives a barrier against allergens, dust mites, and pet dander, and thus a cleaner sleeping environment. Its breathable material naturally adjusts to the body temperature, keeping the neck and head at the perfect temperature. Its moisture-wicking properties naturally expel all moisture into the air.
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| Smartsilk Asthma and Allergy Friendly Hypoallergenic Comforter Duvet |
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| Levo G2 Book Holder Floor Stand |
It is important to give your brain a daily workout. It could be in any form that suits you or interests you. Read anything of your interest, solve a puzzle or do a crossword. You could even learn another language. Keep your mind active and constructively engaged. Certain aids are available to help with arched neck and fatigued hands. The Levo G2 Book Holder Floor Stand offers six unique movements to place a book in the most comfortable and ergonomic reading position. You can take your comfortable position in your favorite recliner and use the book holder.
Social interaction is also a great way to keep one’s mind happy and healthy. Use social media to connect with old friends. Take up a new hobby. Avoid stressful situations. Stay happy.
So, while we age and face the inevitable effects of it, let us decide to age gracefully and in a healthy manner. Keep a positive attitude and focus on the good things in life. Reap the rewards of having entered the golden years of your life. Live in the moment and hold on to these glorious years!!
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