If you take a good, long look in a mirror, you’re bound to notice the formation of fine lines on your face or grey in your hair. Aging isn’t often something we think about until our birthdays roll around. In fact, many people try not to think about getting old. But with these tips, you can learn how to age well and live a longer, more active life.
- Take care of yourself—Eat a balanced diet. Try and get outside every day and do something—even just a walk around the neighborhood. Take 10 minutes a day for yourself to read a book, listen to music, meditate or do anything else that puts you in a good mindset.
- It’s never too early to change—Staying active and setting goals will help you 20 years down the road. Even small lifestyle changes now can make a big difference later.
- It’s never too late to change—A lot of people think they’re “too old” to start an exercise program, but that’s not the case. Check on your health first with your primary care provider or one of our licensed exercise specialists at Riverview Health Rehab & Fitness. They can help you determine your starting point. You’ll probably be surprised at how quickly you progress and feel better. Just get started!
- Keep up with annual health screenings—The risks of many diseases can increase as we age. Discuss with your primary care doctor the proper screenings you should receive. Medicine has come a long way in increasing life expectancy and improving quality of life. Most of this is due to early detection of conditions and being diligent with your basic screenings.
- Retirement is your time—This is a chance to try things you were too busy to do in the past, such as volunteering, joining organizations, traveling or participating in exercise classes. Find activities you enjoy and find meaningful.
If you’re ready to make some healthy life changes, but you’re not sure where to begin, your primary care physician can help you get started by providing suggestions and assessing your overall health.
Meredith Taylor, MD, specializes in family medicine at Riverview Health Physicians. Dr. Taylor is board certified in internal medicine and pediatrics.