Looking to turn your Golden Years into Platinum ones? You can! As you age, there are small changes that you can make to improve the quality of your life. From physical to cognitive and mental health improvements, we’ve identified 5 healthy aging tips that will help you in living your best life. Here’s how to keep your body and mind in top form for years to come:

MOVE MORE

Olivia Newton-John was on to something when she sang, “Let’s Get Physical.” At every age, exercise is important, but as you get older, exercising regularly becomes even more essential in helping maintain a healthy weight, bone density, agility, and immunity. Now, this isn’t about becoming an extreme athlete, but instead doing at least 30 minutes of low-impact exercise (think: walking, yoga, swimming, gardening) 3-4 times a week. Not only will this movement boost your mood and reduce stress, but it will also help make your body stronger to fight inflammation, help you sleep better, and can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. As well, incorporating light strength training is key for maintaining muscle mass, which in turn can help in preventing falls and fractures. As evident from the listed benefits, exercising regularly can help you live better and longer.

EAT A BALANCED DIET

Making smart food choices as we age directly impacts health, brain function, and energy levels. Nutrient-dense foods – such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and lean protein to name a few – can help in strengthening your immune system. Think that all sounds great but aren’t keen to get cooking in the kitchen? Heart To Home Meals is here to help!

From comforting vitamin-rich tomato soup and omega-rich salmon to high-fiber broccoli and barley risotto and lean, protein-rich chicken and vegetable casserole, we’ve got you covered for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Bon Appetit!

SLEEP WELL

As we age, having a restful night is essential in maintaining good health and cognitive function. While getting enough sleep (experts recommend 7-9 hours per night) might feel like a pipedream, quality sleep will help you stay healthy and alert. On the flipside, sleepless nights can impact your memory and mood, resulting in exhaustion, irritability, forgetfulness, and depression. Suggestions for sleeping like a baby include creating a sleep schedule (go to bed and wake at the same time), avoid napping later in the day, practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation and breathing exercises, and ensure you have the most comfortable mattress and bedding.

STAY CONNECTED

While social isolation can be toxic, bringing with it higher risks of depression and dementia, the benefits of regular social interaction are countless, including increased joy and mental sharpness. Whether it’s by telephone, video chats or a physical face-to-face, spending time with family and friends will stave off loneliness. Other ways to become socially active and boost your mood include taking a class, joining a book club, or volunteering and becoming more active in your community.

CHALLENGE YOUR MIND

Activities for your brain are as important as physical activities are for your body. How to exercise your brain to keep it sharp? In addition to mentally stimulating activities such as reading, writing, games, puzzles, and learning a new language, instrument or craft, the healthy lifestyle behaviours listed above (exercise, a nutrient-rich diet, quality sleep, and stimulating social interaction) will help improve cognition, self-esteem, and joy.

Healthy habits, when done long enough, will become beneficial routines. Embracing these 5 healthy habits will help you stay young as you age and keep you drinking from the fountain of youth!

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