As you age, it’s important to buy long term care protection either via a stand-alone policy or a hybrid LTC/life plan. But buying LTC coverage should not serve as a substitute for pursuing good health. Rather than be confined to a nursing home, you’d want to still be strong and operation by the time you’re 90. This page highlights some tips to help you stay on top of your health.
Healthy eating
Healthy eating begins with you. As you age, your body will need more nutrients and fewer calories. This effectively means that you should prioritize nutrient-dense foods that are rich in minerals, vitamins, and other substances that the body needs.
Eat these nutrient-rich foods
- Fruits and vegetables (there are many different types and colors to choose from).
- Whole grains such as oatmeal, brown rice, and whole wheat bread.
- Fat-free or low-fat cheese and milk. You could also consume rice or soy milk fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
- Seafood, eggs, poultry and lean meats.
- Nuts, beans, and seeds.
Consume less of the following foods
The following foods offer few nutrients and more calories. You should consume less of them:
- Sugar-sweetened beverages and sugary desserts.
- Foods that contain butter or other solid fats at room temperatures.
- White rice, white bread, and refined-grains pasta.
Physical Activity
Regardless your age, physical activity is a health-booster. If you’ve never really been that activity, it’s time to get started. You’ll want to begin with light exercises and then gradually improve your strength, endurance, flexibility and balance.
Choose an activity that you so much enjoy then create small goals that you can easily accomplish. Gradually, increase the time that you’re engaged in the activity. This way, you’ll make it a habit before you know. Just don’t fold back and give up after a few days of hard work.
Maintain healthy weight
Changes in your body makeup are common with age. You might notice that your muscles are getting lose, which all the same might make you frail. It’s important that you take steps to maintain a healthy weight. Start by consuming foods that are nutrient-dense, and eat less calorie-rich foodstuffs. Also, make an effort to stay activity by exercising regularly.
Be good to yourself
Due to financial difficulties, health issues, loss of loved ones and many other problems, it’s easy to feel low and stressed as you age. Sometimes, you might not feel like going anywhere or doing anything. If you find yourself in this situation, taking good care of yourself may be the best thing you could do for your health.
Start by getting some good sleep every day, stay in touch friend friends, engage in social activities, and surround yourself with people you enjoy.
