The top five things seniors can do to live a healthy and fulfilling life

It can often be challenging for seniors to attain a sense of fulfillment in their everyday lives. They may be struggling with social isolation, health concerns, and other issues. Fortunately, there are certain habits they can introduce (or reintroduce) into their lifestyles to help this enrichment. Here are five tips on how to live a healthier and happier life. 

Eat more fibers 

As people age, their digestion slows down. To overcome this, you should eat more high-fiber foods: studies have shown that including more dietary fiber in your diet has numerous health benefits. It can help speed up digestion and prevent constipation. Along with lowering cholesterol, eating dietary fibers can also lower the chances of getting certain types of cancers such as colorectal cancer.

Older adults should consume 20-30 grams of fiber a day. To put it into perspective, there are 6 grams of dietary fiber in a pear. In order to increase your dietary fiber intake, add fruits such as pears and avocados to your diet. Broccoli, beans, and carrots are also great sources of fiber. 

Drink more water 

Sufficient water intake is imperative for older adults to regulate their body temperature and replenish skin tissues. It also protects you against several health complications, such as kidney stones. While drinking plain water is important, it is not your only option to stay hydrated. Other fluids, such as fruit juice and milk, also contain a considerable amount of water content. Moreover, there are a variety of fruits and vegetables with high water content, including watermelon, strawberries, lettuce, and cucumber. 

Arts & crafts 

Indulging in arts and crafts can rejuvenate your life as a senior citizen. Going back to some suitable hobby you used to enjoy in your youth may be a great idea. Alternatively, you can pick up a new hobby. For example, you might enjoy knitting and crochet, as many seniors do. If you live among other seniors who are interested in knitting, you can even form a knitting club and work on projects together! Socializing with others who have the same interests as you will bring new enthusiasm to your life. 

Other engaging hobbies you can try are coloring and painting. Studies have found that coloring promotes peace of mind and reduces stress. Moreover, if you are someone diagnosed with dementia, coloring can help you relieve agitation. In fact, there are coloring books available in the market that are specially designed for adults with dementia. These books generally have images with large spaces so that they are easy to color in. 

Go on walks

If rigorous workout routines are unsuitable or too exhausting for you, walking is a great alternative. Going on walks regularly can help reduce high cholesterol and high blood pressure. If you are someone who has arthritis, walking can ease abdominal and back pain. 

However, a simple walk can often feel too boring. To break the monotony, you can try incorporating a small exercise routine into your walk. For example, you can try the following routine: walk at a normal pace for about 8 minutes, then jog at an increased speed for 2 minutes, then return to a normal pace for 8 minutes, and repeat. This routine should last for 30 minutes. Another way to make your walk more engaging would be to mix it up: walk sideways or heel to toe for a few minutes during your normal walk. 

Join book clubs 

One of the most beneficial hobbies for seniors is reading books. Improvement in brain functioning and memory retention are just some of the many benefits of reading. It is an effective exercise for your brain, which helps sharpen your memory and reduce anxiety. 

With age, it often becomes challenging for people to make new friends. In such a case, it is crucial to find innovative ways to socialize. Joining a book club is an entertaining way to inculcate the healthy habit of reading. It also cultivates a sense of belonging by allowing you to connect with others who enjoy reading. Regularly interacting with others in the book club will help you battle feelings of isolation, which are common in seniors. 

As you incorporate these changes into your lifestyle, remember to focus on what works best for you. Prioritize your health and happiness as you navigate through life as a senior. Change comes gradually, so make sure to give yourself time to adjust while seeking new experiences.

— Akshita Goswami