Blood pressure, muscle mass, metabolism, bone density, memory — just a few of your body’s functions and features that change with age. It’s best to learn how to manage these gradual changes rather than deny their existence and put yourself at risk.
Below, members of the Meth-Wick health and wellness staff describe the changes you should be adopting in order to maintain the best health possible at every stage of life.
From Brooke Krog, clinical nutrition manager at Meth-Wick:
1. Colorful Meals
Choose a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables every day to increase your intake of vitamins and disease-fighting antioxidants.
2. Bottoms Up
Nourish with fluids, especially water. Staying hydrated is an important component for maintaining healthy organs and eliminating waste.
3. Think Before Taking Seconds
Control your portions. Don’t consume more calories than you expend daily.
4. Stay Active.
Shoot for 30 minutes of activity each day. Attend exercise classes, go for a walk, or even clean the house as a way to get moving.
From Eryn Cronbaugh, director of wellness and recreation at Meth-Wick:
5. Keep Moving
As we age, we tend to move less because we become more afraid we might fall. Instead, it’s important to keep moving. This helps with balance, endurance and strength.
6. Vary Your Routine
This is important for our brains and our bodies. Doing the same routine all the time is comfortable, and familiar, but changing it up a bit engages different neural pathways, and different muscles along the way.
7. Stay Engaged
Take advantage of a variety of social engagements to keep your mind and body busy and healthy. Spending time with friends and family helps us to be more active as we age.
8. Visit Your Doctor
Regular checkups with your physician allow you to catch potential issues early on. It’s important to maintain an ongoing relationship with a physician you trust so you can have open and honest conversations about your health.
A commitment to wellness is a commitment to becoming the best version of yourself – especially in your sixties. By implementing simple changes like these, you’ll face each new stage of life prepared for the changes it may bring.