The average life expectancy in the United States is only over 79 years. The last few decades can be the most rewarding time in our short lives. It’s the time to indulge in our passions and simple pleasures. Experience, wisdom, and perspective all come with age. So let’s find out 5 helpful tips for taking charge of your health and living a fulfilling life till your 80s, 90s, and more!
Tip 1: Include More Fruits And Veggies In Your Diet
We already know that we need to eat fruits and vegetables regularly. But did you know that skimping including them in your diet can hasten your death? According to a 2017 study, consuming less than 800 grams of vegetables and 500 grams of fruit per day – each about two servings – is responsible for almost 5.6 – 7.8 million early deaths worldwide!
But there’s no need to become a strict vegetarian either. Make sure to have enough protein regularly. Substituting plant protein like legumes or soy for red meat can significantly lower your cholesterol levels.
Tip 2: Maintain an Active and Sharp Mind
Your brain requires regular exercise just like your muscles do. To keep your mind active, embrace lifelong learning. Reading, engaging in social activities, learning a new instrument, picking up a new skill, and doing puzzles or thinking games are excellent ways to keep your mind sharp.
With age, mental decline and memory loss are inevitable. But your activities can keep your body in tip-top shape and your brain healthy and active. Another great reason to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine!
Tip 3: Make Exercise an Essential Part of Your Life!
The current government recommendation for exercise recommends engaging in moderate physical activity, like walking, for at least 30 minutes daily. Research demonstrates that staying consistently active will reduce your mortality risk even if you don’t reach that number. It is one of the proven ways to slow down your aging.
Experts recommend finding new ways to incorporate activity into your daily life rather than treating exercise as another task to cross off your list. To achieve your goal of fulfilling life for 100 years and more, you can mow the lawn, go shopping by walking, bicycling, or vacuuming the house.
Tip 4: Stay Connected!
Our social connections are essential to our health and wellbeing at all ages. But as we age, they become even more important. Spending time with others strengthens our sense of identity and gives our lives greater purpose. Our mental and physical health can significantly benefit from our social connections. We can thrive and survive better when we are connected.
Although loneliness can creep up at any age, it becomes more isolating as we age. So make an effort to interact with your neighbors every day. You can connect by calling your loved ones, participating in a group activity, volunteering, or having a meal with a friend.
Tip 5: Make Time for Self-care
Many older adults dedicate their entire lives to caring for others, whether by raising children, helping friends, or taking care of others. When self-care hasn’t been a priority in your daily life, it can be challenging to make it one.
However, self-care is crucial to caring for yourself holistically. We may experience increased self-awareness, reduced stress, and a stronger sense of connection to our surroundings.
Importance Of Leading a Fulfilling Life As You Age Closer to 100
The key to living well now, in your 80s, 90s, and beyond is to take control of your health. With our best advice, reach a century in style. To share your thoughts or find out what others think about leading a fulfilling life as you age closer to 100, consider checking out our forum and join our movement here!
