Healthy Aging

Feeling sluggish? Find yourself sitting more than moving? It’s time to get up and get going! As we age, it becomes even more important to take care of our bodies and our minds. Even if you think you’re too out of shape, or your body aches, you can change that, and it doesn’t take much. The effort you put in now can have lasting benefits. Here are some healthy aging tips from our Continuing Care Division and Eddy Senior Living to help you get healthy and stay healthy as you age! 

1. Regular socialization is key to healthy aging. Isolation can lead to many different kinds of health problems including depression. Make regular phone calls to family, meet friends for coffee, or look into joining a senior center or adult day program.
2. Count some sheep and get plenty of sleep! A good night’s rest is an important factor for everyone’s health — including seniors. Possible consequences of a lack of sleep include memory loss, depression, or increased fall risk. If you’re having trouble sleeping, talk with your primary care provider.
3. Gather information before a crisis. Reach out to community organizations designed to help seniors. Many services want to maintain and even increase your independence with just a little added assistance. Don’t be intimidated to ask questions and learn about services before there’s an emergency.
4. Eat healthy foods. Instead of reaching for pre-packaged foods or sugary snacks, choose nutrient-dense foods like fruit, vegetables, and whole-grain foods.
5. Reduce Stress. Get enough sleep and exercise. Talk to a loved one or counselor about your stress, and try some relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.
6. Maintain Your Brain. Never stop learning - challenge your mind by taking dance lessons, learning a new language, taking a college course, or learning a musical instrument!
7. Let your wishes be known. Complete a health care proxy and power of attorney before a crisis or health emergency occurs. Are you overwhelmed by all of the documentation and information you have to keep track of? Call Eddy Alzheimer’s Services and request a copy of our Everything In One Place booklet. It will help you to keep all of that important information organized. 
8. See a specialist. There are so many causes for dementia. Your doctor may be able to confirm the presence of dementia symptoms, but you likely need a neurologist to provide a formal diagnosis. Knowing what is causing your dementia symptoms could impact your treatment, prognosis, and plans for the future.
9. Record memories. A regret that families sometimes have after a loved one with dementia passes away is that they didn’t record some of the family history and memories they wish they had. Technology has provided us so many ways to record the stories, recipes, and traditions that you want to preserve. Don’t wait until a dementia diagnosis to decide to do this! You might also decide to work on an Ethical Will as a way to pass down what is important to you. Find more information about ethical wills with Everplans or Life Legacies.