Article written by Hazel Bridges
The COVID-19 pandemic has sent the world into a tailspin and forced everyone to take a long, hard look at their health. As a senior, we can use this as an opportunity to optimize our wellness. Now that we’re further into 2021, let’s have a look at some important health and wellness aspects that seniors should start focusing on right now.
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Healthy Foods And Vitamins To Feel Our Best
As we get older, our bodies don’t absorb minerals and vitamins the way they used to. If you are experiencing symptoms like fatigue, weakness, depression, or brain fog, this might be due to a nutrient deficiency.
Having the right levels of vitamins and minerals in your body will help you feel more energized, as well as boost your immune system. Vitamins could help reduce the risk of cancer and improve memory and brain function.
Here are some of the vitamins and minerals vital to your overall health and the foods in which you can find them:
- Vitamin B-1 and Vitamin B-3: eggs, legumes, nuts, seeds, meat
○ B-1 and B-3 help turn food into energy. - Vitamin B-12: shellfish, meat, eggs, milk products
○ B12 is particularly essential for older adults due to its role in brain function, memory, muscle, and nerve health. - Vitamin D: fish liver oils, fatty fish, and egg yolks
○ Our bodies naturally produce Vitamin D when we expose our skin to sunlight. - Iron: red meat, organ meat, beans, seeds, leafy greens
- Magnesium: whole grains, nuts, dark chocolate, fruits like blueberries, dark green leafy vegetables
- Calcium: fish, dairy products, dark green vegetables
Our diet is crucial to achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you give your body the right nutrients, you’ll encounter fewer health issues down the road, so you’re able to spend more time doing what matters to you (like spending time with family or pursuing hobbies). The more you learn about your individual needs, the better you’ll be able to take care of yourself.
The most important thing about what you eat is that you make long-lasting lifestyle changes and incorporate healthier, nutrient-rich foods into your life. Real change and improvement, both physical and mental, will come with consistency.
Staying Active
Our bodies and minds benefit from movement. By maintaining a certain level of fitness, you’ll be less likely to fall and hurt yourself. Even if it’s just for a few minutes a day, it’s better than nothing. A walk to the park, around the block, or even to the grocery store can go a long way.
If you are unable to go outside or meet with friends, there are great indoor alternatives to break a sweat. Home workouts can still offer tremendous results without you having to set foot outside your house. However, if you need a little more motivation, you can turn to technology for a boost.
Technology offers many advantages when it comes to health. A few technological perks include:
- YouTube videos to find exercises that work for you.
- Video call dates with friends and family to exercise together.
- Apps to help you keep track of exercise, food, and vitamins.
- Alarms to remind you to take vitamins or exercise.
- Games like Wii Fit and others can help you exercise and make it fun.
Takeaway
Taking care of yourself is critical for a long and healthy life. You can’t be your best self for yourself or others if you don’t treat your body with due consideration. You can successfully transition into a healthier lifestyle by learning what works for you and what doesn’t. Look at this opportunity as a fun new challenge to rediscover your capabilities. Remember: Don’t be too hard on yourself! We’re all in this together.