Healthy Senior: How Elderly Folks Can Increase Their Longevity

Longevity is a hallmark of current civilized nations. When you think of health, you most likely think about how free from disease your body is. However, aging takes much more than just your physical health. While the health of your heart, lungs, bones and other organs are hugely important to your overall wellbeing, the secret to a long and healthy life lies just as much in your mental and social health as it does in your physical health.

Keep the Brain Healthy

If you can keep on learning no matter what age you are, you can feel young mentally, and that is half the battle of aging well. Your brain is in charge of more than just your thoughts. It also keeps track of many of your physical responses by controlling nerves that run to all parts of your body. Keep your brain healthy by constantly finding new ways to challenge it. Try out crossword puzzles, number games, crafts, and musical instruments.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise does more than just keep your body in shape. It is of great importance to the health of your heart because it keeps your blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol levels low. Exercise also keeps your bones and muscles healthy and provides an array of mental benefits, such as decreasing the risk for depression. If you are unable to exercise for a time due to a sickness or surgery, check into a respite care program that offers physical therapy or other movement-based programs.

Stay Social

The National Institute on Aging notes that seniors who are more social generally have better health and improved longevity. Some excellent options for seniors include attending weekly church services, attending a book club, playing cards or joining a senior center, which can bring an added benefit of increased exercise.

Watch What You Eat

Of course, your physical health is still hugely important, and what you put into your body is also important. Eating a mostly plant-based diet is a smart move for many adults. Lean meats are fine once in a while, and fish is a good add-in for the omega-3 fatty acids in it.

As you can see, the quality of your life, which is defined as how enjoyable and fulfilling your life is for you, has just as much to do with your health as the health of each of your organs does. While it is important to keep your body healthy by following a healthy lifestyle, being active in medical treatments and keeping your body moving, it is equally important to create a strong social circle and to keep your brain healthy.