Five Tips for Healthier Aging

As we grow older, lifestyle choices have a far greater impact on our overall health and wellness. Here are five tips for making better decisions to ensure healthier aging.

Mental and Physical Exercise
Keeping active—both mentally and physically—is one of the most important things you can do as you get older. A 2015 study found that regular physical activity increases levels of oxygen in the brain, which is directly related to brain health and the ability to perform difficult cognitive tasks. Incorporating exercise into your daily routine can aid in the prevention of memory loss and reduce the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, strokes, and diabetes. Keeping your brain active also aids in the prevention of Alzheimer’s, so commit to tackling your “books to read” list, complete those daily crossword puzzles, or sign up for some adult learning classes.

Reduce Stress
Stress, anxiety, and depression drastically increase instances of chronic pain, disease, and memory loss as you age. In fact, a recent study found that those suffering extreme negative emotions are 8.5 times more likely to have a heart attack. Planting a garden, spending time with animals, and socializing with friends and family are all extremely effective methods for reducing stress.

Pain
Aging can lead to chronic pain becoming more and more present in your daily life. Moderate exercise, meditation, and physical therapy all release endorphins that can temporarily relieve that pain. If these activities are not enough to manage that chronic pain, Trinity Medical Group offers pain management that can be uniquely tailored to your own lifestyle and needs.

Diet
Diets rich in nutrients such as omega 3s, vitamin B, iron, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D are associated with brain health and prevention of memory loss. Avoiding trans fats and increasing the amount of fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and whole grains in your diet will help decrease your chances of strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.

Chronic Disease Management
Chronic diseases can also be part of the aging process. If you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic disease, it is imperative to see a trusted medical doctor on a regular basis to help you properly manage your health. Trinity Medical Group can provide you with an individualized treatment plan and education about your disease.

Smart lifestyle choices can go a long way toward helping you age in a healthy manner. Trinity Medical Group can provide you with more tips and guidance about healthy living and how to achieve it. Call us today to schedule your yearly preventative visit.