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10 Essential Lifestyle Health & Wellness Tips for Seniors

By Parentgiving Admin

Learn about 10 easy health tips for seniors to help baby boomers live longer and thrive.

10 Essential Health Tips For Seniors

In the last census, baby boomers (age 65+) accounted for 13% of the population. This age group grew at a faster rate than the population under age 45, and it's clear that the U.S. is an aging population. Happily, aging is different now than it was for our parents and grandparents. Today, there are more people living longer than at any other time in history. In fact, boomers will number 78 million by 2030.

"This generation, associated with social change including the civil rights and anti-war movements in the 1960s, has another important cause: staying healthy," says soon-to-be 65-year-old Arthur Hayward, MD, a geriatrician and clinical lead physician for Kaiser Permanente. "We need to become activists in promoting healthful behaviors and try our best to remain active and healthy the rest of our lives."

How to do it? Dr. Hayward recommends these 10 easy health tips for seniors to live longer and thrive:

10 Tips for Living a Healthy, Vibrant Life as a Senior 

Today ushers in a new generation of healthier seniors. Follow these health tips for older adults to promote wellness and support healthy aging. 

1. Quit Smoking

Cigarette smoking causes more than 480,000 deaths each year, according to the CDC, as it leads to cancer, strokes, heart failure, and more. Smoking can also lead to atherosclerosis, excessive skin wrinkles, and erectile dysfunction in men. If you are looking to quit, there are many resources available.

 

2. Keep Active

Make it a point to stay active every day with activities you enjoy that help maintain strength, balance, flexibility, and support cardiovascular health. Regular physical activity and exercise can help you stay at a healthy weight, prevent or manage illnesses, improve sleep, reduce stress, prevent falls, and boost your overall well-being. Explore our selection of fitness equipment to stay fit right from home."

3. Eat Well

Combined with physical activity, eating nutritious foods at mealtime can help you stay healthy. Many illnesses, such as heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis, can be prevented or controlled with dietary changes and exercise. Calcium and Vitamin D supplements can help women prevent osteoporosis. 

For those who need more nutrients than you’re getting from your food, learn more about how Ensure and Boost nutritional shakes can help to boost calorie, vitamin, and nutrient intake. 

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight

 Extra weight increases your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Use the Kaiser Permanente BMI (body mass index) calculator to find out what you should weigh for your height. Get to your healthy weight and stay there with healthy eating and regular exercise.Replace sugary drinks with water, eat whole grains, and focus on consuming healthy proteins. 

5. Prevent Falls

We become vulnerable to falls as we age. Prevent falls and injury by removing loose carpet or throw rugs. Keep paths clear of electrical cords and clutter, use nightlights in hallways and bathrooms, and wear shoes: Choose shoes with good support to reduce the risk of falling.

6. Stay Up-to-Date On Immunizations and Health Screenings

 By age 50, women should begin mammography screening for breast cancer. Men can be checked for prostate cancer, and  many other preventive screenings are available. Those who are new to Medicare are entitled to a "Welcome to Medicare" visit and all Medicare members to an annual wellness visit. Use these visits to discuss what preventative screenings and vaccinations are due.

7. Help Prevent Skin Cancer

 As we age, our skin grows thinner, becoming drier and less elastic. Wrinkles appear and cuts and bruises take longer to heal. Be sure to protect your skin from the sun by wearing appropriate SPF protection. Too much sun and ultraviolet rays can cause skin cancer.

Keep your skin healthy with our moisturizers to keep skin supple and strong. 

8. Get Regular Dental, Vision, and Hearing Checkups

Your teeth and gums will last a lifetime if you care for them properly. That means daily brushing and flossing and getting regular dental checkups. By age 50, most people notice changes to their vision, including a gradual decline in the ability to see small print or focus on close objects. Common eye problems that can impair vision include cataracts and glaucoma. Hearing loss occurs commonly with aging, often due to exposure to loud noise.

9. Manage Stress 

Did you know stress is one of the leading causes of disease? Try exercise or relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, as a means of coping with life’s daily stressors. Make time for friends, social contacts, and fun, as successful coping can affect our health and how we feel. 

10. Fan the Flame

 When it comes to sexual intimacy and aging, age is no reason to limit your sexual enjoyment. Learn about physical changes that come with aging and get suggestions to help you adjust to them, if necessary. Having a vibrant sex life can help to lower your stress levels and keep you feeling younger for many years to come. 

Bonus Tip: Prioritize Mental Health and Wellness

Seniors are one of the most vulnerable populations for loneliness. Prioritize joining a community or finding friends of all ages. Engage in puzzles and crosswords to keep your mind engaged and healthy, and talk to a therapist or counselor to work through any emotional or mental challenges. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, so it’s critical to focus on it.

FAQs 

What are the most important health screenings for seniors? 

Ask your healthcare provider what specific screenings you’ll need for your personal health. Generally, seniors are recommended to get cancer screenings (breast, prostate, bladder, and skin) and cardiovascular health screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol and ECGs). Additional screenings may include vision, dental, bone density, and diabetes tests. 

How can seniors with mobility issues stay physically active?

Try low-impact exercises! This can include swimming, water aerobics, yoga with a senior-specialized teacher, and more. Walking sticks and seated exercises are also great options. 

Are there any government or community resources available for senior health?

Yes, there are many government and community resources available to promote elder health. 

Government programs include: 

  • Medicaid
  • Medicare
  • Veterans Affairs
  • Social Security benefits

Community programs include:

  • Senior centers
  • Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
  • Volunteer programs
  • Faith-based organizations

How Parentgiving Can Help 

Age is just a number, and with the right tools, resources, support, and education, it is possible to live a long, healthy, and vibrant life. Here at Parentgiving, we provide incontinence products, exercise tools, nutritional supplements, and so much more to help you or your loved one age gracefully.

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