How to Stay Healthy and Fit While Aging

In conjunction with National Senior Citizen Day, this Sunday we will be having a 10% off sale for all senior citizens—that's 60 and older, folks! Additionally, we wanted to provide some information on how to keep your body healthy and happy as you age...

Have you ever been told that because you’re getting “old” there will come a day when you won’t be able to participate in the same things you once did? Well, we’re here to tell you that it’s a lie…well, at least to an extent. While you may not feel as fit as you did when you were younger, there’s no reason for your age to determine whether or not you continue doing the things you love! In fact, your age is the very reason it’s so important to keep pursuing your passions! Here are some simple tips to keep your body healthy and happy as you age:

Take care of your bones. It’s been said that bones become more brittle and fragile in old age. According to the Center for Disease Control, arthritis hinders activity in nearly 19 million Americans; and according to the Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis affects one in three women and one in five males worldwide. That said, there are ways to decrease joint pains and fortify bone strength. The first and foremost is to continue exercising! Contrary to popular belief, exercise isn’t causing the bone problem—it can cure the bone problem! Through prioritizing workouts you can actually save your joints in the long run—pun intended. After all, the stronger you are, the more support and stability your joints and muscles possess. Just remember the motto: “everything in moderation.” Be sure to listen to your body, and never overdo it! Be patient and gentle with yourself, simply enjoying the journey.

Another way to care for your bones is through a quality diet. By implementing more vitamin D and vitamin K into your diet, as well as boosting your calcium consumption, you can keep your bones strong and nutrient packed! Vitamin D is a mineral essential in supporting bone density; and while calcium is also a crucial nutrient, it cannot be fully absorbed without the presence of vitamin D. Vitamin K helps to decrease risk of blood clots, while also stimulating calcium absorption. Increasing your intake of potassium can also be advantageous, seeing that potassium neutralizes acids (ex. caffeine) in the body that interfere with calcium absorption.

Exercise. So, I know we already talked about exercise, but it can’t be emphasized enough. Sit less, move more! By keeping your weight down and staying fit, you’ll significantly decrease your risk of diabetes, cancer, chronic illness, and a myriad of sicknesses related to weight gain. Additionally, by focusing on a healthy, fit lifestyle, you’ll strengthen your overall immunity and be able to fight sicknesses easier and quicker. And of course exercise leads to healthier joints and muscles—including the heart—so the real question is, why wouldn’t you want to stay in shape?

Be gentle with your heart. While a healthy diet and regular exercise can help keep your heart healthy, the heart normally enlarges and your heart rate may lower as you grow older. Some ways to boost heart health include cutting out saturated fats, limiting stress, and trading processed carbs for fiber-rich whole grains.

Stretch. Staying limber helps boost balance and stability. This can be life-saving in the event that you may fall in old age. Even just five minutes of thorough stretching daily can immensely help your muscles and joints over time.

Stay positive. It’s vital to tend to emotional health, focusing on your personal journey and happiness. It may sound silly, but there’s much more to healthy aging than just the physical stuff. Valuing your experiences and relationships is key to longevity. Remain socially active with friends and family, continue to see a doctor for regular check-ups, get involved with your local community, don’t be stubborn about taking any directed medication, and stay upbeat! Embrace the unknown and life’s chaos—challenging yourself to live your best life yet, each and every day!