Health & Wellness

Benefits of Swimming for Seniors

Senior woman swimming
Do you look forward to hitting the water in the warm summer months? A day of sun and waves can be a great way to relax, but it can also be a wonderful way to exercise. Whether at the lake ...
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Low-Impact Exercises for Seniors

Smiling senior woman on side of swimming pool
As the years go by, growing older is mandatory. Becoming sedentary is not. Being active is important for your health at any age. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults 65 or older should aim for ...
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How to Keep Your Mind Sharp

How to keep your mind sharp Change is a part of life, but there are things you can do to safeguard your wellness as you age. Exploring how to keep your mind sharp can help you discover strategies that are often both fun and effective. There are several to choose from. Think Positive Seniors are surrounded by stereotypes of older adults who stumble through increasingly troublesome “senior moments” until dementia sets in. In reality, dementia isn’t a normal part of aging. It’s a health problem that impacts a limited number of older adults. Many seniors remain mentally sharp and energetic throughout their lives. However, the way you think matters. Think positive because it can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Seniors who expect to slip are less likely to work to maintain their mental edge. Those who expect to stay sharp are more likely to naturally incorporate the strategies that can help their brains stay healthy. Get Enough Sleep The full purpose of sleep isn’t totally understood, but many experts believe that it’s a time when the brain cleans house. It uses these hours to not only support learning and memory but also clear away waste products from the brain’s tissues. These activities are vital for prime functioning of the mind. Manage Your Health As Henry Ford Health points out, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid issues, depression, and other health conditions can all impact your brain health. In addition, various medications and combinations of medications can affect your brain or thinking. Being proactive about your healthcare, following directions, taking medications as prescribed, reporting issues promptly, and establishing strong working relationships with your doctor and pharmacist are excellent ways to protect your mental capabilities. Stay Active As WebMD reports, working up a sweat can build mental muscle. Experts believe it may help brain health by improving links between brain cells and boosting blood flow to the brain. As a result, people who stay active are likely to enjoy improvements in their ability to plan tasks, their memory, and their imagination. Keep Learning Lifelong learners who continually challenge themselves to learn new things keep their brains active. Try your hand at a new language. Learn to play an instrument. Dive deeper into a favorite hobby. Tour a museum to learn more about a subject that interests you. Take advantage of free classes at a local university or online. There are countless ways to indulge your interests. Mix Things Up Neurobics are exercises that push your brain to think in new ways by enlisting the five senses, and they’re a natural addition to any list of how to keep your mind sharp. Most aren't complicated. They simply challenge you to do a normal task in an unconventional way. For example, take a different route to the store. Or, try writing with your nondominant hand. Eat With Nutrition in Mind Foods with the right mix of nutrients give your body the building blocks it needs to run smoothly and conduct repairs. In contrast, unhealthy foods negatively impact functions, making it more difficult for your body. To eat with nutrition in mind, Everyday Health suggests checking out the following eating plans: The Mediterranean diet: This eating plan focuses on plant-based foods, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats that are rich in omega fatty acids like olive oil. Red meats and salt are limited. The DASH diet: The dietary approach to stop hypertension diet, which is better known as the DASH diet, urges followers to fill their plates with fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat or fat-free dairy. The MIND diet: A newer diet, the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, is specifically designed for brain health. It incorporates 10 food groups known to boost brain health. These include berries, beans, nuts, green leafy vegetables, other veggies, fish, poultry, whole grains, olive oil, and wine. In addition, it calls for restricting unhealthy choices like fried foods, fast food, red meats, cheese, butter and stick margarine, and pastries and sweets. How to keep your mind sharp is a common topic among older adults. Fortunately, this is a challenge where you can easily take actions that make a positive difference. If you’re motivated to keep you’re mind active, there are plenty of fun strategies to embark on. In addition, many of the same steps that people take to safeguard their overall health can also benefit their brain health.
Change is a part of life, but there are things you can do to safeguard your wellness as you age. Exploring how to keep your mind sharp can help you discover strategies that are often both fun and effective. Think ...
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Importance of Balance Training for Seniors

Smiling senior woman beside balance ball
Some people think seniors naturally lose mobility as they age, but that’s not exactly true. While your body does experience some changes as you age, you can retain your mobility and stay active by focusing on balance training. If you ...
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How to Maintain Mobility in Old Age

Senior couple walking in park with dog
Do you know how to maintain mobility in old age? Some seniors think they need to slow down in their golden years, but if you care for your health, you can stay active and enjoy life. Regular movement, engaging activities, ...
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Gentle Exercise for Seniors

Senior-woman-doing-arm-exercises-with-assistance-scaled
When the weather outside gets frightful, exercising indoors is delightful. You don’t have to give up on your fitness goals because it’s getting colder. Learn about gentle exercise for seniors to ensure that you can keep moving no matter what ...
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How to Keep Your Heart Healthy and Strong

Smiling senior woman working out at the gym
Cardiovascular health is an essential priority for every senior to consider. But how can you be sure you’re doing everything you can to take care of your heart? Learn how to keep your heart healthy and strong, and you’ll be ...
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The Mental Health Benefits of Laughter

Senior man laughing while playing chess
An apple a day can keep the doctor away, but what about the power of a good joke? Laughter is good for your body and mind, and using your sense of humor to keep things lighter can be a great ...
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Exercises to Improve Balance

Smiling senior woman holding a yoga mat in the park
Fortunately, there’s an easy, effective, and proven way to fight back against the risk of falling: exercise. Whether you have already suffered a fall or just want to be proactive about prevention, doing exercises to improve balance is a fantastic ...
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The Healing Power of Music

Group of four seniors sitting, one playing guitar
Everybody has a favorite album they like to put on when it’s time to relax and have fun. But did you know your brain is also doing serious work while you listen to music, which can result in some great ...
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