Guest Author: Jason Lewis
Age is just a number, and you need to look no further for proof than all the seniors who run marathons every year. You may wonder what keeps them going, and it’s the same thing that drives retirees around the world to live exciting lives full of exotic travel, outdoor adventures, and challenging intellectual endeavors: good health. That applies to the mind as well as the body; after all, you can’t accomplish much without quick wits and positivity. If you’re looking for the full recipe to well-being, here are some of the main ingredients to keep in mind.
Regular Exercise
Exercise seems to be the new fountain of youth if you examine the health benefits. One of the more obvious ones is a stronger cardiovascular system and lower blood pressure through aerobic activity, ultimately leading to greater endurance and more energy. That’s far from the whole story, though, as your mind reaps rewards as well, including reduced risk of cognitive decline and a better mood overall. That’s right — workouts make you happy. Not only will you reap the physical and mental benefits of staying in shape, but a healthy body will keep future medical costs lower as well.
When you’re a senior, it’s more important than ever that you take safety precautions when exercising. Be sure to make an appointment with your doctor, so they can approve your fitness routine. When buying gear, look to NeeBooFit‘s portable products which can help you strengthen and tone your body from wherever you are. Additionally, some seniors find that exercising with a fitness tracker can keep them safer. Not only can these devices measure your heart rate, but some like the Apple Watch SE have fall detection and emergency SOS in case you need emergency services. Or, the Fitbit Versa 2 has a heart rate monitor and five days of battery life.
Time Outdoors
Spending time outdoors will give your brain a boost if serious research from esteemed journals of psychology is to be believed. For one thing, those who spend time among the trees perform better on short-term memory tests, whereas just looking at pictures of nature restores lost mental energy and lowers levels of stress. It seems like a hike would be the perfect antidote for when you’re feeling down — and it counts as cardio, too.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
In addition to brushing and flossing, visiting the dentist regularly ensures you maintain a high level of oral health, and that means much more than just strong choppers. The buildup of plaque and bacteria in your mouth often leads to serious health conditions that affect your digestive and cardiovascular systems as well as your brain, even leading to depression. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, scheduling appointments should cause no financial problems at all. If you don’t have a Medicare Advantage plan — which provides dental, prescription and eye health coverage — it might be time to switch from Original Medicare.
Lasting Friendships
Friendships are even more important to you now than when you were younger, according to a contributor to Psychology Today. Your pals give you something to smile about through their emotional support while encouraging healthy habits like working out and quitting smoking or drinking. That’s more than enough reason to stay socially active.
Mindfulness
Although it may not seem that way, “mindfulness” is not just a buzzword. Pausing your busy life, breathing deliberately, and just being in the present through meditation can have a number of restorative properties, especially for seniors. It puts an end to negative thought patterns, relieving stress and anxiety in the process. With a more calm state of mind, you can focus on what’s really important, such as your travel plans or fitness goals.
A Meaningful Hobby
Be creative and use your hands, whether that’s through painting, carpentry, or gardening. These activities keep your mind nimble while also giving you a source of pride and confidence as you acquire a new skill that others are sure to be envious of. You’ll also make friends with people who share the same interest as you.
How Your New Business Can Lead to Self-Actualization
Aside from being an enjoyable hobby, starting a business can help us fulfill our potential, which leads to self-actualization. It’s not just about feeling comfortable in our lives or being financially stable; self-actualization is about not having any regrets.
That’s why seniors now more than ever are starting their own dream businesses. Actually, just last year it was reported that nearly a quarter of all businesses were established by older adults. So age isn’t an excuse to live out your dream.
If you’ve been feeling idle lately, think back to the favorite aspects about your past work and think about how you can implement those into a business of your own. So, put together a business plan, research different business structures (you can choose to establish an LLC, for example), and get started! Even your favorite hobby can be turned into a business!
A Healthy Diet
If you’re looking for a meal plan that meets all your nutritional needs, the experts at US News & World Report have compiled the top 10 based on numerous criteria such as the number of calories compared with protein, as well as simplicity and balance. Choose one that suits you and stick to it for more energy and a trimmer waistline.
These measures won’t make you superhuman, but they will help you get the most out of life, and that’s the best anyone can do, regardless of age. Enjoy those golden years.
Getting your mind and body into shape can be made simple with the help of our NeeBooFit products, which include massage balls.
Thanks to Jason Lewis from Strongwell for submitting this article to us!
Image via Pixabay
