Fifty-seven years ago, the very first American Heart Month began. Since then, February marks the time when we focus our lenses on everything heart health. Keeping our body in good health during our later years is a relevance that never goes away. Instead, it increases with every passing year. There’s no time like now to get your health back on track. Here are 5 ways you can stay healthy as you age.
5 Ways You Can Stay Healthy Over 60
Making healthier choices at any age helps improve your chances of staying healthy. People are living longer, healthier lives, and you can do it too. Here are 5 ways how:
- Start with Seeing Your Doctor– Regular annual checkups can help detect chronic conditions early on, so you can get better control over them. Your doctor can also give you advice about lifestyle changes and any limitations you may have.
- Out with Bad Habits, In with Good Ones– Your health improves immediately in most cases when you kick those old ,bad habits. Smoking is a top risk factor for heart disease. The sooner you stop, the better.
- Get Moving– You should be getting around 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week. Exercise also lowers your risk for heart disease, cancer, dementia, and other conditions.
- Eat Healthier– Eat more fruits and vegetables and gradually reduce your intake of food and drinks high in sugar. The Mediterranean Diet is a popular option that reduces cardiovascular risks and chronic disease.
- Get Enough Sleep– Sleep issues are common in older adults. Lack of sleep can affect your memory, emotions, even your weight. Create an optimal sleep environment by keeping naps under 20 minutes and avoiding caffeine before bed are some ways to ensure a restful night’s sleep. Learn more about sleep hygiene and how you can get better sleep here.
Start Now So You Can Enjoy the Later
American Heart Month is a great time to prioritize your health. You can start by joining any of the various events taking place this month. You can also donate or help raise funds for research initiatives working to improve the care of those with diseases of the heart.
Volunteering in clinical research studies is another impactful way to give back. As a participant, you can ensure future generations have the best healthcare options available. Midwest Clinical Research Center is seeking healthy individuals over the age of 60 for upcoming study opportunities. To learn more, call (937) 424-1050, or visit our website.
References:
https://www.heart.org/en/news/2018/07/20/heart-health-at-any-age-40-50-60-and-beyond
