Summer Fitness: 10 Ways Older Adults Can Stay Active This Summer

Aging is inevitable, but it doesn't have to mean slowing down. By making healthy decisions, you can still live life to the fullest in your senior years. In honor of Move More Month, we've got a list of ten ways that activity can make your senior years fulfilling. Take a look at our list and get active!

1. Live an Active Lifestyle

Regular activity and fitness is key to one's physical and mental well-being. Living an active lifestyle will help you to stay healthy enough to maintain your independence to travel, to run daily errands, and to simply perform your own activities. Regular exercise may even prevent or provide relief from many common conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, depression, and arthritis. Exercise may not always be fun, but the key is to do something you will enjoy. If you need help with ideas, consult your doctor or nutritionist, and get going!

2. Get Enough Sleep

It's important to remember that older adults need just as much sleep as younger adults. In fact, all adults are recommended to get at least seven to nine hours of sleep per night, but many often get much less. Lack of sleep can cause depression, irritability, and memory problems. Develop a regular schedule or a bedtime routine. Keep your bedroom dark and noise free. Turn off the television and put your phone away about an hour before bedtime to let your brain relax. Also important, avoid caffeine late in the day.

3. Get Enough Vitamins and Nutrients

Did you know that the majority of adults in the United States consume more than double the recommended daily allowance of sodium? That can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure), and cardiovascular disease. To combat this, be sure to eat nutrient dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid sweet, salty, and highly processed foods. Of course, consulting a doctor and nutritionist is always best, as everyone has different dietary needs and restrictions.

Don't forget supplements! Mountain Ice Joint and Bone Health Complex is an advanced formula designed to promote better bone health while increasing joint flexibility and motion. Our unique formulation is comprised of potent, all-natural ingredients designed to reduce inflammation and protect connective tissue in joints. Supplementing your diet with a health complex can bring you valuable nutrients

4. Reduce Stress

As we age, our stressors can change, and so can our ability to cope and manage stress. Long term stress can damage brain cells and lead to depression. Stress may also cause memory loss, fatigue, and decreased ability to ward off and recover from infections. Studies show that more than 90% of illness is either caused or complicated by stress! Although we can't entirely avoid stressful situations, we can learn better coping mechanisms for it. When you are stressed, be sure to give yourself a lot of self care. Get enough sleep, exercise, eat healthy, talk to a loved one or counselor, try yoga, meditation, or other relaxation methods. Lastly, remember to always keep things in perspective by accepting and adapting to the things you can't control.

5. Exercise Your Brain

Unfortunately, one in eight adults ages 65 or older suffer from Alzheimer's Disease, and other cognitive memory problems. While it is difficult to prevent Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, there are certain things you can do to slow cognitive decline. For example, keep your brain active! It's just as important to receive mental stimulation as it is physical. Never stop learning and challenging your mind. Take up a new hobby, read books, paint, learn to play an instrument, learn a new language, and the list goes on! Be sure you're getting enough nutrition, as certain vitamins and minerals will stimulate your brain as well.

6. Cultivate Relationships

28% of older adults live alone, and living alone is the strongest risk factor for loneliness. Common life changes in older adulthood, such as retirement, health issues, or the loss of a spouse may lead to social isolation. During these times, it's important to maintain communication with your family and friends. Schedule regular times to meet with them. Reach out to other friends who may also feel isolated or lonely.

7. Make Community Connections

Older adults who engage in meaningful community activities, such as volunteer work, report feeling healthier and see a significant decrease in depression. Join a planning committee, volunteer, take a trip with friends or family, join a senior center or book club. Participate in fun activities that relax you, not stress you!

8. Prevent Illnesses an Accidents

Many accidents, illnesses, and health care conditions, such as falls, chronic illness, depression, and frailty are preventable. To prevent unnecessary illness, here's some tips!

• Get your yearly flu vaccination
• Wash your hands after using the restroom and before handling food.
• If you're immunocompromised, wear a face mask in public, especially during seasons where respiratory illnesses are prevalent.
• To prevent a fall, use assistive devices (canes, walkers, wheelchairs), if needed, and  wear appropriate footwear, get your vision checked, take vitamin D and calcium, and include exercise into your daily routine.

9. Take Charge of Your Health

Participate in your own health care. Think about the ways that your health can improve by changing your lifestyle, and make those changes. You are your own best advocate. Contact your primary care physician to obtain an annual physical. Whenever you have concerns about your health, see a doctor. Bring a list of your current prescription and non-prescription medications, including any herbal supplements, and keep a list of your health concerns. Ask questions, and most importantly, if you are not satisfied, get a second opinion! You hold the key to your health care.

10. Visit Mountainside Medical Equipment for the Best Senior Health Products

Need products to aid your mobility, maintain your nutrition, or make life more comfortable? Visit Mountainside Medical Equipment! We've got the best in quality senior products including everything from assistive devices to vitamins to respiratory therapy needs. Click this link to visit our storefront!