No matter what your age, you need to take care of your body, and it becomes all the more important as you enter your more senior years.
As you get older, you will experience a lot of changes- physically, emotionally, mentally and to keep your body healthy and strong you will need to learn to adapt to these changes. A holistic health approach in taking care of your body over 50 can help you work on your body and the changes that come as you age. With holistic health treatment such as acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic for your bones, skin, brain health in addition to seeing a nutritionist, you can be on the way to understanding how to take care of your body.
You’ll need to consider protecting your body externally-skin and internally-bones, and for that here are 7 areas of our body you need to focus on as you hit your fabulous 50s.
1. BONE HEALTH
As we age we lose bone and it is quite normal but too much bone loss can cause osteoporosis that makes the bone fragile and thin that easily breaks. There is however good news for older people - osteoporosis is not a normal part of ageing. You can prevent it by taking care of your bone health. Keep a tab on your calcium and vitamin D intake. Also, eat a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables and lean sources of protein.
2. JOINTS HEALTH
Joint pain is also quite a common concern for older adults and it so happens because the connective tissue and cartilage cushioning our joints thin as we age. You can work on protecting your joints by staying hydrated, quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet and managing your weight.
3. HEALTHY FATS
Healthy fats help protect organs, keep our body warm, help the body absorb nutrients and also produce hormones. It not only provides our body with energy but also helps with cell growth.
Stick to healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and avoid saturated fats.
4. BRAIN HEALTH
Our brain plays a vital role in every process that regulates our body systems including motor skills, vision, emotions, memory. To boost your brain health you can follow certain practices including:
- Breathing techniques
- Meditation
- Indulge in brain-boosting activities such as puzzles, chess
- Add superfoods for the brain in your diet
5. MAINTAIN YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE
As our vascular system changes with age so do our blood pressure. The arteries become stiffer and the blood pressure rises that can lead to cardiovascular complications. Worry not as blood pressure can be maintained by:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Quitting smoking
- Reducing salt intake
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
6. ORAL HEALTH
Oral health is related to our overall health and teeth and gums need to be taken care of regardless of age. Some senior people with arthritis may find it difficult to maintain oral hygiene. Make sure you regularly brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush, floss, rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash and visit your dentist regularly.
7. SKIN HEALTH
As we age our skin becomes fragile making it thin, transparent and weak that becomes prone to wrinkles, dryness and sagging. Try to:
- Avoid hot water baths
- Avoid chemical products
- Apply mild moisturiser after bath
- Stay hydrated
- Apply sunscreen
Besides taking care of these 7 areas, you also need to understand that regular checkup with your physician and/or your holistic health practitioner.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog or in any linked material is not intended and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For holistic health advice and consultation, visit https://www.mywellself.ca/.
