5-Senior Friendly Tips for a Healthier Life

Good health isn't just about maintaining your body's day-to-day function. Research suggests that health also promotes happiness—even more so than factors like income, age, or marital status. As people get older, they must take added measures to safeguard their well-being and stave off the physical and mental decline. Read on to learn about small but essential steps you can take to preserve your mind and body as you get older.

Get proactive about preventive care

Seeing your doctor annually for a checkup allows them to pinpoint potential signs of disease before you would even notice symptoms yourself. Medicare covers many such preventive health services—some types of plans offer more than others, however. The open enrollment period during which you can make changes to your Medicare coverage runs from October 15 to December 7 every year. During this time, you can review your options to see if your current plan still has enough coverage. Before making any changes to your coverage, make sure you have your Medicare card, a list of your healthcare providers, receipts for medical procedures from the last year, and an overview of prescriptions you take.

Find an exercise plan that works for you

Physical activity helps promote flexibility, strength, and coordination. Regular exercise also promotes cardiovascular health and can mitigate the impact of mental health illnesses like anxiety and depression. Find a senior-friendly exercise you enjoy and engage in it regularly. Since joints deteriorate with age, look for low-impact options like spinning, swimming, and yoga. If you prefer to avoid crowded gyms, you can also stream exercise videos on YouTube using a tablet, laptop computer, or phone.

Start cooking more for yourself

Cooking at home isn't just more affordable, it also tends to be better for you. You can control exactly what goes into your meals, leaving out unhealthy added fats and sugars. One study reported by Science Daily found that home-cooked meals are more likely to meet dietary guidelines than those made in restaurants. Strive for a balanced diet with plenty of whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, and fruits. Make the most of your cooking by mastering senior-friendly recipes. There are many easy-to-make and tasty options available. Try banana split oatmeal for breakfast, for instance, or marinated three-bean salad for lunch.

Choose a retirement home that suits your needs

You may be at a point in your life where you would prefer not to take the time and energy to cook for yourself. If so, take this into consideration when searching for a retirement home. You’ll want to find one that provides hot meals. Other aspects to consider include whether the facility is pet-friendly (if you have a pet) and what sorts of social activities, like bingo or book clubs, are offered. Location is also an important factor when choosing a retirement home, as some people like to be near family or friends.

Seek out mental help when you need it

Older adults aren't immune to mental illnesses like depression. If you feel that you are having any mental health problems, such as insomnia, anxiety, or depression, don't hesitate to get professional help. For those with mobility issues, there are even telemedicine services available via online platforms like BetterHelp. You can then choose when, where, and how to communicate with a therapist, for instance via message or video chat. Medicare even covers some telehealth services.

As you get older, you want to enjoy your golden years. The first step to doing so will be to safeguard your mental and physical health. Follow these tips to stay fit, and you will be on track to making the most of your post-retirement life.

***Written for Meridian Counseling by Sara Bailey.