As a senior, you know there are things you must do to stay healthy. But with so much information out there, it is often difficult to know which “healthy lifestyle” you ought to follow. Thankfully, you don’t need to fall into a pattern of trendy fads to keep your health at its very best. The advice you grew up with as a child holds as true today as it did then. The only difference is that we have the technology available today to master our healthy aspirations.
What Makes Seniors Healthy?
When you were a kid, your parents probably encouraged you to go outside and play and eat your veggies. And really, eating right and exercising are the two main things seniors can do to improve their overall wellness and well-being.
Most healthcare providers suggest that older adults get at least 150 minutes of exercise every week. Dr. LaVona Traywick tells Today’s Geriatric Medicine that this can come in as little as 10-minute bursts. The point is to get your heart rate up, which will improve circulation and may reduce the chances of many of the most common late-age diseases. The importance of exercise becomes clear when you realize that seniors who enjoy a brisk walk are 90 percent less likely to suffer from heart disease or diabetes when compared to their sedentary peers.
Food is also crucial, and the right meal plan can keep your weight down, fuel your body, and improve digestion. Of course, food and fitness aren’t the only components of a healthy lifestyle. You should also visit your physician regularly and have a twice-yearly checkup with your dentist.
If you are aged 65 or older, your Medicare plan should cover most of your ongoing medical needs. However, if you want additional coverage for hearing, dental, and vision, you need to look into a Medicare Advantage plan. Many policies cover these and more, and many plans also provide an around-the-clock nursing hotline if the enrollee has any questions or medical concerns.
Tech to the Rescue
When it comes to keeping tabs on your activities, nothing beats a wearable fitness tracker or smartwatch. Most fitness wearables track your exercise and progress, while some, like the Apple Watch SE, can also monitor your heart rate and offer fall detection and SOS emergency.
Another tech that can improve your daily routine include things like video health conferencing, medication reminder apps, and smart home devices that can display healthy recipes and help you manage any medical conditions. Phillips has even recently designed a Bluetooth toothbrush that can help you keep up with your oral health.
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Your health is your most valuable asset at any age. Make your well-being a priority by balancing your diet and exercise routines and ensuring your insurance covers the things you need. Take your seniors years even further by integrating technology into your life. Things like fitness trackers and med reminders are non-intrusive and can help you manage your health. Remember, your well-being is largely defined by the things you do, and you owe it to yourself to seek out any advantage that the 21st century has to offer.
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