"I'm Just Getting Old!"

Many people come into the clinic with pain saying “I’m just getting old!” Well age does not have to define you or the way you feel. Johns Hopkins held a study which tracked over 6,000 people from the ages of 44 to 84 for more than 7 years. This study showed that those who made changes in their lifestyle including quitting smoking, following a new diet, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight decreased their risk of death in the time period by 80 percent. So, what changes should you be making to enhance your health into older age? See below!

Get Active!! By now, most know that regular physical activity is good for our health. But not only can physical activity decrease the risk of many health problems, but it can also lower your risk of falls into later life. Even if you only have a few spare minutes a day, use those to your advantage. Your future self will thank you!

Watch what you eat! Diet plays an obvious role in our health, including decreasing the risk for heart disease and diabetes (to only name a few). Try adding a few more vegetables to your plate or switching from white to whole wheat bread.

Do what you love! Mental health is just as important as physical health. Studies show that being involved in activities that bring you joy, allow you to be sociable, and are goal-orientated can help increase levels of happiness and decrease levels of depression.

Quality Sleep! Sleep plays a role in memory, weight, appearance, and emotions. As you age, it can be harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. There are some tricks to help you create a more restful environment including dimming the lights in the evening and decreasing screen time before you get ready for bed.

Your age does not have to define you. If you begin making small changes now, you might actually feel young forever.

Sources: One and Two