Growing old is both a blessing and a curse. While we all secretly dream of blowing 100 candles on a future birthday cake, we also have to be realistic. With age, the body can begin to experience malfunctions. The record held by French women Jeanne Calment, who lived for over 122 years, can make you wonder how some people can become centenarians and others can’t.
Genetics plays a significant role in your life expectancy. Chances are if people in your family tend to reach old age in good health, you are more likely to do so. However, considering the history of the oldest people in the Guinness World Records, this isn’t always the case. Good genes are only one part of the story. Looking after your health is important too. Nowadays, our health care system makes it easier to reach older age and recover from ailments. Additionally, healthy lifestyle choices can make a huge difference. Is there anything you can do to ensure you’ll be enjoying your old age happily and gracefully?
Cognitive degeneration
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can considerably affect your quality of life. Indeed, in the late stages of dementia, brain damage can also affect the ability to control essential functions, including the lungs and the heart. It is no wonder that specialist care centers such as the Catholic Care Center create a memory program to support the remaining brain functions for as long as possible.
The underlying cause of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is unknown. However, doctors have found that a healthy lifestyle that focuses on maintaining physical, cognitive, and social activities can help protect the brain in later years. It is never too early to establish the basis of a healthy lifestyle involving sports, learning, mental health, a balanced diet, and plenty of sleep!
Weight affects your quality of life
Without considering esthetic objectives, maintaining a healthy weight is fundamental to your overall health. Unfortunately, we all know how hard it can be to lose weight! Overall, excess weight puts a lot of pressure on the body and essential organs functions. Indeed, the heart needs to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. The liver and digestive system can experience challenges, leading to liver disease, gastroesophageal reflux, and even gallbladder problems. The kidneys may not be able to deal with blood pressure and digestive problems. Additionally, your body can struggle to perform essential functions, such as maintaining healthy joints or regulating blood sugar. Yet, these issues are unlikely to hit when you reach old age. You may already experience them now, which is why losing weight can help improve your overall health. More importantly, a healthy weight reduces pressures on the body, so you can be more active, have better sleep quality, and enjoy flavors more.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that frequently appears in older people, which can lead to skeletal weaknesses. Bones are prone to break more easily. The condition is typically associated with old age, yet it is often preventable. In the U.S., approximately 10 million individuals aged 50 or over develop osteoporosis. More importantly, 43 million people have low bone mass, which puts them at risk of developing the condition in the future. Can you strengthen your bones naturally?
The answer is yes. Calcium is the most frequently mentioned approach. But calcium alone isn’t sufficient. Physical activity can help drive more nutrients to the bones and increase bone stress, which contributes to bone density. Stressing your bones in a safe environment — as part of your fitness workout — can help increase bone density and mass. Weight lifting is especially helpful to regain and protect bone mass,
Stroke and heart attack
Stress is an unavoidable part of life. But while you can’t get rid of stress, you can learn to manage your answer to stress or walk away from situations that are unnecessarily stressful. Indeed, stress is a silent killer, leading to heart conditions that can make you more vulnerable to strokes and heart attacks.
If you struggle with stress on a daily basis, it can be important to consider options that can reduce your stress levels. Developing healthy stress relief mechanisms, such as breathing techniques and meditation, can help your body relax. Additionally, stress also makes mental health conditions more likely to happen, such as depression, anxiety, or even loneliness. It can be helpful to reach out to a therapist to find out more about your stressors and learn to manage them.
We may not have it in us to become the next Jeanne Calment and reach above 120 years of age. Yet, taking care of our health today is precisely what will ensure safe and healthy silver years. Shall we see who blows their 100 candles first?
Leave a Reply