Markers of health – such as blood pressure, weight, cholesterol and blood sugar levels are important. But as we age they are only part of the picture for healthy aging. Maintaining consistent, small daily habits taht focus on mobility, mental stimulation, nutrition and social connection are key.
1. Move your body
Starting the day with some stretching and some strengthening exercises. This will help you feel stronger, have better focus, balance and will help you sleep better. Walk daily and incorporate functional exercises.
2. Stretch your mind
Jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, crosswords puzzles, Chess, Scrabble, and word searches are a few of the games that will help keep our minds sharp. Get into a habit of doing these 10 to 30 minutes a day, 4 or 5 days a week is ideal. Engage in life long learning and be sure to mix things up, variety is important.
3. Get out in nature
Time outdoors, especially in the sun, can help improve energy and moods, and help with sleep.
4. Get involved in your community
Volunteer, become a mentor, join a club or organization. Being part of a group exercises your social and cognitive skills.
5. Use aids to improve quality of life
Hearing aids, walking aids or other supports improve your independence. People may refuse aids because they are afraid of ‘looking old’ or ‘giving in’ but not being able to participate in a conversation or attend an event is not worth it. Don’t be afraid to make small changes to boost your quality of life.
6. Prioritize nutrition and sleep
Choose protein rich meals and eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep every night with a consistent bed time and wake time.
7. Strive for interdependence, not independence.
As we age, being too dependent on others can feel like a loss of agency. Interdependence means keeping your eye on what you really want to do and allowing others to help you do those things, whether it’s getting assistance that allows you to stay in your home or accepting help from a friend or neighbour, accepting help allows you to do more.
8. Take joy in incremental progress.
When an activity you love is not longer doable is to get creative about how you adapt to it. Pick a goal, start small and keep at it. Take joy in the progress an improvements you make. You never know what is possible.
