As you grow old, your body shape starts to feel the negative effects of the years gone by. There are many ways to feel the signs of aging in your body, from weakened immunity to low energy levels.
However, when you follow a few simple practices, you can maintain your well-being in your golden years. This helps you live a long and happy life while also helping you steer clear of avoidable health problems.
Looking to stay strong and active as you grow older? Learn practical, expert-backed tips on how to maintain good physical shape as you age through exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle habits.
Here are some tips to support you through this life journey, and how to maintain good physical health today.
In summary: How to Maintain Good Physical Shape as You Age.
- Engage in regular aerobic exercise
- Incorporate strength training (2+ times/week)
- Focus on flexibility and balance
- Prioritize high-quality nutrition
- Get 7–9 hours of quality sleep
- Stay hydrated daily
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
- Stay mentally and socially active
- Manage chronic conditions proactively
- Maintain a healthy weight
Get Adequate Sleep
One of the best ways to take care of your health is also one of the simplest: you just need to get adequate sleep every day. For adults, at least 7 hours of sleep each night can work wonders by relaxing the muscles, regulating hormones, and lowering daily stress.
Getting quality sleep allows your body to rejuvenate and refresh itself every single day. At the same time, it helps your immune system to stay strong. You can get the amount of sleep you need by looking into tips and tricks to improve your sleep quality.
Look Into Health Supplements
Taking health supplements is another way to improve your well-being as you age. Exploring options such as a multivitamin or NAD supplement can often work wonders in giving your body the proper nutrients it needs. Getting the proper nutrients your body needs ensures that you can stay strong in the face of aging.
Since such supplements are safe, you can get them over the counter or online. But if you have any underlying health conditions, you should consult with your doctor about them beforehand to ensure that you can be fully confident in the consumption of these nutrients.
Consume a Balanced Diet
When working on your long-term health, you must focus on your diet. Instead of eating fatty, sugary, and processed foods in large quantities, ensure that you are consuming healthy, nutrient-rich foods and as natural as possible. This gives your body the strength it needs while preventing many diseases.
If cooking your meals is problematic, contact a meal delivery service. With plenty of healthy meal options, you can find a meal plan that works for your needs, ensuring you can consume healthy food without stretching yourself thin.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
Besides essential nutrients, your body also needs proper hydration to stay healthy. Drinking water whenever you are thirsty helps you lubricate your joints, maintain your blood pressure, and strengthen your heart health, among many other benefits of hydration. Additionally, it is also helpful for your skin and looks in the long run.
Following this practice is relatively easy. You can drink healthy water with a water purifier at home while reducing calories from sugary drinks. If you have problems drinking water outside your home, you can also invest in a glass water bottle.
Perform Regular Exercise
Exercising is an activity to maintain your youthful aesthetic. But it’s also beneficial to keep your aging self in good health. When you exercise, you can strengthen your bones and muscles.
Exercising also has other advantages. For instance, running for your mental health can help you feel happier, more accomplished, and fulfilled with yourself. As you age, this self-esteem can help you maintain a well-balanced state of mind with all the changes you experience with your body.
Take Care of Your Mental Health
Aging opens doors to physical issues and makes way for mental challenges. This includes the experiences of losing loved ones, falling out with friends, and coping with retirement changes. This can take a toll on you and manifest in physical issues as you age.
Remember, make it a point to take care of your mental health by contacting an online therapist service or an in-person professional. This allows you to discuss your concerns with an expert and helps you with managing the effects of aging on yourself.
These suggestions are easy to follow but go a long way toward helping you remain in good shape. This allows you to embrace your senior years as the gift that they are instead of the gauntlet that they seem at first glance.
Sources:
WHO – Obesity and Overweight
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweightNHS – Healthy Weight Tools and Advice
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/