Meditations on God

The following is a guest post, submitted by Jason Lewis

Seniors often find that taking control of their health is a very involved process that takes some careful planning. When it comes to ensuring your physical and mental well-being is in a good place, it’s crucial to take steps and prepare for the next few years of your life. Boosting the quality of your days will help lengthen your lifespan and allow you to enjoy your post-retirement years so that you can focus on the things you’ve always wanted to do. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to spend a ton of money in order to live your best life; many seniors are on a tight budget, which can lead to stress when there are any changes to consider. 

It’s a good idea to utilize all the tools and resources at your disposal. For instance, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, ensure you’re making the most of your dental care. If you live near the beach or a sunny area, get outside whenever you can and soak up that vitamin D. 

Here are a few things you should really think about when it comes to making healthy lifestyle changes that will boost your quality of living.

Stay Active

Many seniors don’t understand the importance of staying active, or perhaps they’re intimidated by a workout due to health or mobility issues. Try something low-impact, such as walking or swimming, and look for indoor activities you can do when the weather isn’t ideal for a stroll. You can use online tutorials to learn yoga, or you can attend a drop-in class (you’ll usually spend$12 to $16 for a yoga class). You can also build an inexpensive home gym that will allow you to work out from the comfort of your own home. Keep in mind that seniors who exercise daily spend less time injured or disabled than those who don’t.

Take Good Care of Your Teeth

Your oral health has a big impact on other parts of your body, from your mental health to your heart, so it’s imperative that you take good care of your teeth and gums. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, utilize your coverage and benefits to get the most out of the policy; schedule regular checkups and make sure you understand what your plan offers. And if you don’t have one already, now’s the perfect time to find a dentist in your area. Because poor oral health has been linked to depression, you’ll help boost your mood and energy at the same time.

Declutter Your Home

You may not realize how much clutter your home has until you start taking a closer look. However, the good news is that once you clean up and get organized, you’ll start feeling a lot better. Studies have shown that clutter is bad for our mental health and can induce anxiety and stress even while you’re just trying to relax in your own home. Start in one room and work your way out to avoid becoming overwhelmed; separate items into piles to donate, throw away, sell, and keep. This will help you see what you really have. You may also want to give your home a deep cleaning after decluttering, which might include hiring a pro to handle this job.

Try Something New

Trying new things can help raise your self-confidence and keep you social, which will, in turn, help prevent stress, anxiety, loneliness, and depression. You could try learning a new language using a smartphone app or taking a cooking class to learn how to make something you’ll enjoy. You can either use this time to focus on yourself and your own needs or meet new people and make strong connections, both of which will help strengthen your mental health. 

Taking control of your health can be a lengthy process, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. By taking advantage of the tools and resources you already have, you can make sure every day is full of the people, places, and things you enjoy most, thereby boosting your quality of life.

— Written by Jason Lewis who is a Certified Personal Trainer with a BA in Human Performance/Exercise Health Science