Incorporate These Habits into Your Daily Life for Healthier Senior Years

While it is true that we are all living longer, there are some steps you can take to help make those years healthier than ever.  The National Institute of Health recommends that seniors incorporate the following habits into their daily lives: eat a balanced diet; keep your mind and body active; do not smoke; get regular checkups; and practice safety habits to avoid accidents and prevent falls.

The Family Doctor website also offers some common sense advice on how even small changes in your lifestyle can improve your health even if you are already a senior.  Their primary recommendation is to add physical activity to your daily life and make changes to your diet.

By increasing your daily physical activity, it will help improve the strength of your bones and muscles.  In addition, we know that stronger muscles can help to prevent falls, and if you do experience a fall, those stronger bones are less apt to break.  By daily exercising, you can also help improve many chronic health problems such as diabetes.  

Seniors new to exercising should consult their health care provider before they begin.  Once they are given the go ahead, they need to start slowly.  Walking is one of the easiest exercises to do and experts suggest breaking up 30 minutes of daily activity into increments if it is easier for you.  Consider walking for 15 minutes twice a day or doing 10 minutes 3 times a day.   Strength training also offers seniors benefits but again the suggestion is to begin slowly.  Start with 1 or 5-pound weights and do a few exercises at a time.  Resistance bands are also easy to use and can help to strengthen upper arms and leg muscles. 

The article also suggests making changes to your diet. Try making small changes one at a time that add up to improved health.  Adding more fiber to your meals gets your colon working better and reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. A heart healthy diet to try is the Mediterranean diet which promotes foods such as fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Lastly, they recommend you drink more water and eat more whole foods.

Are you considering retirement communities in Hillsboro, OR?  At MorningStar, our community is designed to promote residents’ health and well-being with a range of hospitality services, resort-style amenities, wellness programs and activities.  Our beautiful property has 141 spacious apartments in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Amenities include restaurant-style dining, fitness center, swimming pool, art studio, strolling paths and resident garden beds.   Please contact us or visit our website for more information about MorningStar of Hillsboro. 

MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide one of the finest retirement communities Hillsboro, OR offers.  Please contact us to learn why MorningStar is such a great place to call home. 

Source: familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/seniors/staying-healthy/good-health-habits-at-age-60-and-beyond.html

Starting an Exercise Routine? Doctors Caution to Take it Easy

Doctors caution everyone, especially seniors, to go slow when starting or getting back into an exercise routine; and before you begin, to consult with your healthcare provider. After all you want to get back into shape, and causing injury or harm to yourself is certain to delay or prevent this progress. 

Moreover, doctors reiterate that while individuals extremely out-of-shape will benefit the most from regular exercise, they are also more at risk for sudden heart problems resulting from such a workout. Dr. Martha Gulati, editor-in-chief of CardioSmart, the American College of Cardiology's patient education initiative, says it is important to "pace yourself, don't do too much too soon and make sure you give your body time to rest between workouts." 

One way to exercise safely is to pay attention to your heart rate. If you notice it is not coming down as your intensity decreases while resting or is beating irregularly, you need to stop. Dr. Gulati warns chest pains are never normal nor is nausea, vomiting or extreme sweating and if you experience symptoms, call 911. In addition, neither dizziness nor extreme shortness of breath is normal but rather a signal to stop and consult with your doctor. Cramps may be a sign of dehydration or low potassium levels and should not be ignored. Care should also be taken in individuals with atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular heartbeat, and seek emergency medical attention if such an event occurs. 

If you are looking at retirement communities in Hillsboro, OR, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Hillsboro, the perfect community to age in place comfortably and safely. Designed to meet our residents’ every need, we have a range of wellness programs and activities to engage and support physical, intellectual, social and spiritual connections.  Please visit our website for more information.  While you are there, use our Community Assistant to inquire about availability and pricing or to request a tour to see firsthand our beautiful retirement community.  

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about one of the finest retirement communities Hillsboro, OR offers.
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Source:health.usnews.com/wellness/fitness/slideshows/signs-you-should-stop-exercising-immediately