Staying healthy and feeling your best is important at any age and doesn't change just because you are a few years older. As we age, we experience an increasing number of major life changes and as many of us know coping with change can be difficult, no matter how old you are. The particular challenge for older adults is they may begin to experience declining health.
Healthy aging means continually reinvigorating yourself as you pass through landmark ages. It means finding new things you enjoy, learning to adapt to change, staying physically and socially active, and feeling connected to your community and loved ones. Unfortunately, for many, aging brings anxiety and fear instead. The truth is that you are stronger and more resilient than you may think!
Don't fall for the myth that growing older automatically means you're not going to feel good anymore. It is true that aging involves physical changes, but it doesn't have to mean discomfort and disability. While not all illness or pain is avoidable, many of the physical challenges associated with aging can be overcome or drastically mitigated by eating right, exercising and taking care of yourself. No matter how old you are or how unhealthy you've been in the past, caring for your body has enormous benefits that will help you stay active, sharpen your memory, boost your immune system, manage health problems and increase your energy.
As you age, your relationship with food may change along with your body. A decreased metabolism, changes in taste and smell and slower digestion may affect your appetite, the foods you can eat and how your body processes food. The key is to figure out how to adapt to your changing needs. Now, more than ever, healthy eating is important to maintain your energy and health.
•Load up on high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Your whole digestive system does slow as you age, but fiber and more fluids will help you feel more energetic and give you fuel to keep going.
•Put effort into making your food look and taste good. Your taste buds may not be as strong and your appetite may not be the same, but your nutritional needs are just as important as ever. If you don't enjoy eating like you used to, put a little more effort into your meals, including the way you flavor, prepare and present your food.
•Watch out for dehydration. Because of physical changes, older adults are more prone to dehydration. So make sure you are drinking plenty of fluid, even if you don't feel thirsty. If you're not getting enough water, you're not going to be as sharp and your energy will suffer.
Many adults also don't exercise as they get older. However, exercise is vital for staying healthy throughout life. It helps you maintain your strength and agility, gives your mental health a boost and can even help diminish chronic pain. Whether you are generally healthy or are coping with an ongoing injury, disability or health problem, regular exercise will help you stay physically and mentally healthy and improve your confidence and outlook on life.
•Check with your health care provider before starting any exercise program. Find out if any health conditions or medications you take affect what exercise you should choose.
•Start slow. If you are new to exercise, a few minutes a day puts you well on the way toward building a healthy habit. Slowly increase the time and intensity to avoid injury.
•Walking is a wonderful way to start exercising. Exercise doesn't have to mean strenuous activity or time at the gym. In fact, walking is one of the best ways to stay fit. Best of all, it doesn't require any equipment or experience and you can do it anywhere.
Remember the best thing we can do as we age is to embrace it! We can't turn back the hands of time, but we can control how we take care of ourselves.
Priscilla Warnock is a physician assistant at University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Adult and Senior Care in Millersville. She can be reached at 410-553-8092.
Healthy aging seminar
Priscilla Warnock, a physician assistant at University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Adult and Senior Care in Millersville, will host a free lecture, "Healthy Aging: Tips to Make 60 the New 40" Sept. 10 at Baltimore Washington Medical Center at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are required. Please call 410-787-4367.