As you age, you gain wisdom, confidence, and most of the time, happiness, but with those traits, some of us also gain backaches (or full body aches), eye issues, and other health issues, as well. Some, definitely worse than others. But, the latter part of your life can be so rewarding – much more so than your younger years because when it comes down to it, you are not worried about what others think. You are focused on what makes you happy.
In order to keep up with your happiness, you do need to make sure your health is in tip-top shape and if you haven’t been keeping up with your health in your prior years, it can be hard to jump back into, but it does not have to be challenging and I can help walk you through a few ways to improve your health as a senior, which will help you get started.
Medications + Vitamins, As Directed
While it is usually better to get your nutrients from food and not medicine, sometimes your body needs more vitamins and minerals that you can eat. Of course, if you can forgo pills and eat your nutrients instead, that is ideal, but always listen to your doctor! Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin B6 are some vitamins you might want to consider taking, if necessary. Calcium keeps your bones strong, Vitamin D can come from the sunlight (but a lot of seniors do not get enough of it!), Vitamin B12 is harder to absorb from food, so usually a pill is better, and Vitamin B6 helps keep your red blood cells strong and healthy. In addition to vitamins, you need to make sure you are taking your regular medications each day, on time, as directed by your doctor.
Incorporating A Fitness Routine
When I say fitness routine, I don’t mean that you have to start high-intensity interval training or train to run a 10k – I just mean that everyone should have a fitness routine that is easy and seamless for them. This could be walking around your block once or twice a day, working out with a personal trainer once a week, going to a yoga class every Saturday morning, or even just walking your dog. Whatever it is – just stick with it from week to week. Web MD suggests walking. They say, “Aim for 30 minutes every day. If that’s too much, break it up into shorter strolls. Regular exercise — especially if you do it briskly enough to feel a little breathless — delivers huge health benefits. It helps keep brain cells healthy by delivering more blood and oxygen. In fact, research suggests aerobic exercise may delay or improve symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.”
Chiropractic Services
“Monroe Township chiropractor Anthony Alfieri, D.C., M.S. at AllCure Spine & Sports Medicine is one of the best chiropractors in the Monroe Township (Middlesex County) New Jersey area specializing in chiropractic care and wellness. Dr. Alfieri is a chiropractor committed to providing pain relief for many symptoms and conditions so that you can have a higher quality of life.” In addition to their Monroe Township location, AllCure Spine and Sports Medicine is opening in another location in early 2019, which is in Hamilton Township, New Jersey!
AllCure Spine & Sports Medicine is committed to helping you reach the quality of life that you have been looking for. They practice emerging, non-surgical treatments to provide long-lasting relief from pain, which is something that a lot of seniors struggle with. All of their physicians collaborate on all individual patient cases and decide which treatment approach would be most effective, so if you go in for Chiropractic services, you might also be introduced to physical therapy, or acupuncture, as well. Owner and clinic director, Dr. Anthony Alfieri “strongly believes in an integrated approach to physical rehabilitation and pain management. Having four different types of doctors under one roof is not only convenient for the patient, but it is helpful for treatment plans to allow for fast and effective outcomes. He feels that each patient’s experience with AllCure Spine & Sports Medicine will maximize their ability to not only get better but to stay better.”
A Group of Friends
Web MD says, “Loneliness is harmful to your health. If you feel lonely — whether you live alone or with someone, have lots of friends or none — you are more likely to get dementia or depression. Seniors who report feeling left out and isolated have more trouble with everyday tasks like bathing and climbing stairs. They also die earlier than less-lonely folks do. Researchers found that lonely people have higher levels of stress hormones that cause inflammation, or swelling, linked to arthritis and diabetes. Another study found more antibodies to certain herpes viruses in lonely people, a sign of stress in their immune system. So stay or make friends. Do volunteer work or simply help someone in need. Just connect.”
If you have a hard time connecting with a group of friends, consider your family instead! Try to set up weekly or bi-weekly get-togethers, even if it is just over a cup of tea or coffee, or over dinner. You will feel happier and healthier, too.