Walking in Beauty
How To Stay Healthy And Fit As You Age
A
By Katie Sharpton
round this time of year, I always look forward to the family time at Thanksgiving and spending time outside in the crisp, fall air. As we approach the busy time of year, do not forget to be mindful of your health. It is important to consider your health at an early age in order to promote healthy living long into your senior years. Diet is one of the most important health topics when it comes to healthy aging. Eating a wide variety of vegetables and fruits with a balanced intake of healthy meats and fats can go a long way in improving your overall health (a statement we have all heard, time and time again). By decreasing processed foods and increasing your intake of a variety of whole foods, you will be much better equipped to meet your body’s needs for vitamins and minerals. Besides the diet aspect, what are other approaches for healthy aging? Check out the Nutrition Facts Label on popular items like soda, fruity drinks, and frozen food products. On all the labels now, you can see how much sugar has been added to the products. If you see fructose, sucrose, or glucose in the list of ingredients, those are a few of the names of sugar to watch out for on the labels. Reduce the intake of sugar because there is little to no nutritional value and excess levels can lead to weight gain and blood sugar issues. Another approach to healthy aging is to get moving. Physical activity is any movement of the body that requires energy expenditure. Aerobic exercise is the most beneficial for your heart and lungs, while also having a serious impact on weight management. Walking, hiking, swimming, and tennis (my favorite!) are a few examples. Try to find something that challenges you and go have fun with
family, friends, and co-workers! Sports practices, meetings, holiday shopping, work deadlines, lack of sleep, and busy schedules can all lead to stress. Stress is the response to a physical, chemical, or emotional factor, which causes bodily or mental tension. Around this holiday season, it is easy to become overwhelmed and burned out. Here are some ways to manage stress: journaling/ documenting gratitude, spend more time with family and friends—try to laugh, learn to say “no” when your schedule is already full. Practice mindfulness. Lastly, challenge your mind. Maintaining brain
health is a cornerstone of well-being as we get older. Try using your non-dominant hand in different activities throughout the day. Challenge yourself to read more books and solve crossword puzzles. By aging healthy, you can live happier.
November 2019
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