Achieving healthy aging involves developing and maintaining functional abilities for overall well-being as you age. The World Health Organization defines healthy aging as the process that enables individuals to do what truly matters to them in older age. While aging comes with various changes to our bodies and minds, making daily choices can significantly impact our health and help us reach our goals.
Incorporating infrared light into a list of tips for healthy aging can be beneficial due to its potential health benefits:
Eat a Balanced Diet
Opt for nutrient-rich foods like seafood, plant-based proteins, lean meats, and various fruits and vegetables. Daily consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables can contribute to a longer, healthier life.
Limit Processed Foods
Avoid packaged and processed foods, which often contain added sugars. Cut out processed meats with high sodium and preservatives, opting for unprocessed alternatives.
Stay Hydrated
Good hydration is linked to healthy aging. Aim for 6 to 9 cups of fluids daily for women and 8 to 12 cups for men. Include water, juice, and high-water content fruits and vegetables daily.
Incorporate Antioxidants
Consume antioxidant-rich foods such as blueberries, pomegranates, avocados, and sweet potatoes to protect your body from cell-damaging free radicals.
Engage in Regular Physical Activity
Exercise is crucial for healthy aging. Aim for 20 to 30 minutes of walking daily and include muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week.
Stay Active
Increase your daily step count to reduce the risk of death from all causes. Activities like gardening, walking, and using stairs contribute to a more active lifestyle.
Protect Your Bones
Reduce the risk of falls by incorporating simple balance exercises into your routine. Practice walking backward, sideways, on your toes, and on your heels, and work on standing from a sitting position without using your arms.
Maintain Your Flexibility
Improve joint flexibility through regular stretching. Focus on keeping your shoulders back, maintaining a neutral spine and hips position, and breathing through the movements.
Reduce Stress
Manage stress through activities like meditation, journaling, exercise, and connecting with friends and family. Lowering stress levels positively impacts memory, decision-making, and mood.
Stay Socially Active
Maintain connections with family and friends, and try to meet new people. Social engagement contributes to overall well-being and adds years to your life.
Challenge Your Mind
Engage in new and cognitively demanding activities to improve memory function. Learn a new game, craft, instrument, or skill to keep your brain healthy.
Seek Support
If experiencing mental health challenges, seek help. Depression is not a normal part of aging and is a treatable condition. Psychotherapy and antidepressants may be beneficial.
Protect Your Skin From the Sun
Use wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, pants, sunglasses, and gloves for sun protection. Sun exposure accelerates aging, leading to fine lines and age spots.
Make It a Habit to Moisturize
Combat dry skin by applying moisturizer daily. Moisturized skin appears more youthful. Consider using a moisturizer with sunscreen for added protection.
Use Sunscreen Regularly
Sunscreen is a crucial anti-aging product. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to uncovered skin, reapplying every two hours while outdoors.
Seek Shade
Avoid excessive sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Use shade to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Schedule Periodic Checkups
Regular preventive care visits help detect and address chronic diseases early. Consistent checkups aid in managing risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Get Preventive Screenings
Routine screenings, including blood tests, colonoscopies, mammograms, prostate cancer screenings, and others, contribute to preventive care and early intervention.
Monitor Chronic Conditions
If you have a chronic health condition, self-monitor between doctor appointments. Regular checks, such as blood sugar measurements or lung function tests, help manage conditions effectively.
Take Medication As Prescribed
Adhere to prescribed medication regimens. Lack of adherence has been linked to adverse outcomes. If cost is a concern, inquire about samples, coupons, or financial assistance programs.
Integrating these tips into your lifestyle can help you age gracefully and maintain a high quality of life. Infrared light therapy, in particular, offers multiple health benefits that can support your overall well-being as you age. Explore options like the CareCredit, Cherry & Cigna credit plans for financial assistance with healthcare expenses. Stay dedicated to your well-being as you age gracefully.
