Everything starts slowing down as we get older and maintaining the same lifestyle as we did when we were younger becomes more and more difficult over time. We start making some sacrifices and have to deal with changing circumstances in our life as well. We may not have as many things to do, or as many people to interact with, for instance.
This doesn't have to be a bad thing, however. Seniors get to enjoy much more freedom than most people, and if your finances are in order, the next few years could be some of the best in your life. Let's take a look at a few tips for staying happy and healthy as a senior.
Prioritise Good Sleep
One of the biggest predictors of well-being and happiness for any senior is the quantity and quality of their sleep. The body does a lot of maintenance and repair work when you're sleeping, and sleep plays an essential role in maintaining your neural connections healthy.
So, if you want to maintain your cognitive ability and have an overall better mood, make sure that you get anywhere from seven to nine hours of sleep per night at the very least. Look at your current mattress and see if you could replace it with one that fits your sleep profile better. And do simple things like lowering the temperature at night and investing in blackout curtains to prevent sunlight from disrupting your sleep patterns.
You need to stop watching screens at least two hours before going to bed as it could also trip your internal clock. If you absolutely need some form of entertainment before sleeping, try to use audio material instead.
Stay Active
Your level of physical activity will also have a direct impact on your mood and overall health, so make it a habit of engaging in at least 150 minutes a week of exercise, and make sure that at least half of that consists of strength training. Strength training is one of the most important aspects for any senior and will influence how mobile you'll be. This will contribute directly to your well-being and allow you to keep living a normal life.
Additionally, it's important to be aware of the support options available as you age, such as hospice providers, who can offer specialized care and assistance tailored to the needs of seniors. Involving hospice providers in your care plan early can ensure a comprehensive approach to maintaining your health and mobility.
Give Back
Getting involved in your community is a great way to stay socially active while filling your life with a sense of purpose. You could work with an organisation that tackles issues surrounding seniors or help a cause that has always been close to your heart.
Another thing you could do is look at foster parenting options. There is no age limit to becoming a foster parent and fostering agencies will use all the help they can get, so consider speaking with a foster agency today to see if you could handle this role. If you're looking for a great agency you can trust, you should check out orangegrovefostercare.co.uk.
Staying happy and healthy as a senior is not that difficult as long as you’re willing to get out and take the steps necessary. The more socially and physically active you are, the better you’ll feel overall, and the richer your life will become.
