Have you ever met someone and assumed they were 10-20 years younger than their actual age due to their great energy and wit? Sure, there are the “chosen” ones that are blessed with graceful aging genes. But there are also people who decide to make daily lifestyle changes which help to make them healthier and happier, as well. In the past couple of decades, we have come a long way regarding staying in shape. Here are some ways that we can all help ourselves.
Eating Right.
Everyone knows that eating junk food is bad. A healthy immune system will keep our weight in check, along with eliminating unwanted toxins from our body. To keep your body healthy, distance yourself from artificial sweeteners and foods. Chemical preservatives and salt can be avoided by simplifying your diet. According to Dr. William and Martha Sears, foods for ideal health are seafood, dairy, spinach, nuts, olive oil, broccoli, oatmeal, flaxseed meal, avocados, pomegranate juice, tomatoes, tofu, yogurt, red onions, garlic, beans and lentils. People who live long and healthy usually give credit to eating fruits and vegetables. As well as replacing red meat with fish. The omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood can also help keep the body running more efficiently.
The traditional three meals a day is no longer considered the standard in terms of eating healthy. When we eat larger amounts of food with fewer meals, our body does not absorb all of the foods nutrients. Instead, it stores the food in fat cells. The same amount of food spread out over six meals instead of the usual three will achieve a higher absorption rate. Obviously, this is important in maintaining a healthy weight.
Exercise.
Getting in shape does not always mean being able to bench press twice your weight. Just getting up and moving everyday can be enough to keep the blood flowing. The more often your blood circulates through the body, the more time it has to filter toxins. Blood also disperses natural medicines your body creates to keep everything working properly. Exercising your brain is another important aspect of staying in shape. An article from Huffington Post articulates that regularly practicing recall games, such as word puzzles, will help keep the neurons stimulated in your brain. Dementia, from Alzheimer’s disease, is defined as the decreased activity between neurons. Using them more often can help prevent dementia. Routine can also limit your brain stimulation. Driving different routes to places, or something as simple as trying new foods, can help keep your brain active.
Stress Free Living.
Stressors are not healthy on the body, physically or mentally. Whether it is a job, person, or situation, try to limit exposure to anything that stresses you out. Think more on the solution than the problem itself. If it cannot be changed there is no reason to worry about it. A quick fix to anxiety is humor. Being social and hanging around people who make you laugh does a lot more good than you may realize; like meditation, it clears your mind. The largest variable for having a happy and stress-free life is just having fun.
In the end…Healthy Aging is up to you. Watching what you eat is important. The saying, “you are what you eat” is very true. Give your body the nutrients it needs to keep a healthy immune system. Try to eat smaller portions spread out throughout the day for maximum absorption. When in doubt, get up and do something. Sitting or lounging does not do the body any good. Walking or even dancing can be fun.
This encourages the blood flow to increase, which will disperse anti-oxidants and relieve the body of toxins. Do not forget to make small changes in your daily activities to keep the mind from getting complacent. If you want to feel young, act young. Do what you can to have fun with these guidelines and you won’t be disappointed with the results.
Visiting Angels homecare family can assist you, or a loved one, in making healthy lifestyle choices. They commit to helping the elderly feel as young on the outside as they do on the inside! Contact them at (239) 561-7600 or visit their website at www.visitingangels.com.