A Healthy Plan for the Elderly

New Year's resolutions are a common stepping stone to a new year for everyone. As a senior, these resolutions should perhaps include a year long plan to stay healthy and live a fuller life. While there are changes we must make as we age in many aspects of our lives, we will offer you ten tips to make the changes for the new year healthier and easier for you. The United States Elder Association has issued a ten-point healthy living program just for the elderly that could jump start a New Years resolution. Think about making the next year healthier, which will in turn make it a happier year as well.

The first point for a healthy lifestyle is the type of food that you eat. You want to have a diet that is heavy in fresh fruits and vegetables. Of your daily diet, this food category should get 1/3 of your plates attention. In addition, make sure you eat plenty of coarse grains, a little more fish and less red meat. A good amount of dairy products such as yogurt and milk will keep bones healthy. Even with a good diet, it is important to take a daily multi-vitamin. It is just about impossible for you to get the right amount of vitamins and minerals in your diet with food alone.

Maintain a regular and consistent yearly check-up schedule with your doctor. Although you may feel healthy, it is important to be proactive in preventive care. A visit with your doctor at least once a year (and more if you are at risk for specific diseases) will help you to catch anything that may come up right away. The leading factor in treating any serious disease is to catch it early. Also, you should keep a moderate level of activity in your life. Low impact aerobics are best for about 30 minutes a day. Try swimming, walking or cycling to find a routine that you enjoy. In the same vein, you should be aware of the dangers to the elderly from falling. A preventive measure is to do exercises that improve balance and strength. A muscle that many neglect in their daily exercise routine is the brain. As we age it is even more important to keep using the brain to help it maintain flexibility. Read newspapers and do word games or puzzles.

Be aware of your alcohol intake. An elderly man should consume no more than 30 grams of alcohol per day. When it comes to red wine, the number is no more than 180 grams and with beer, keep it below 360 grams. For an elderly woman, these numbers are all cut in half. If you smoke, this is a habit you should quit at any age, but definitely as you age. We know the dangers of smoking to our health so any means you need to take to quit will be worth it in the long run.

A very important aspect in your life should be a busy social schedule. Some people draw back as they age and can become depressed. Keep up the lines of communication with family and friends. They can keep you young and feeling connected, which is so important as we age. You also need to keep a consistent sleep schedule with no less than 8 hours every night.

Make a conscious effort to have a healthier and safer new year and you will reap benefits that reacdh far beyond the next 12 months.