When making New Year’s Resolutions, seniors don’t need to make drastic changes; even small modifications to their lifestyle can improve their health and well-being for next year and all the years to come.
Overall Health
Giving up a vice is another common New Year’s resolution, but one that can be greatly beneficial if a senior’s addiction happens to have an impact on their health. Cigarette smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can decrease a senior’s overall quality of life; so those who put it behind them in 2009 will have a much better year!
When making their New Year’s resolutions this season, seniors should look to making 2009 into a better, healthier year. To go about this they should consider their exercise routine, nutritional habits and overall health.
Exercise
It is recommended that seniors over the age or 65 exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. They can choose moderately intense cardio activities to raise their heart rates to get the greatest benefit. They should also incorporate exercises that increase balance, flexibility and strength into their weekly routines. Seniors should not focus their efforts on weight loss, or set any specific goals other than simply improving their overall health.
Nutrition
In 2009, seniors should choose foods that offer them optimal levels of nutrition to strengthen their immune systems, prevent the onset of chronic illnesses and generally improve their health. To help prevent high blood pressure and water retention, seniors should minimize their intake of salt and sodium; monitor the amount of fat consumed to avoid high cholesterol; and cut back on sugars and dry foods. There are certain vitamins and minerals that seniors should begin incorporating into their diets, like vitamin D and calcium to prevent osteoporosis and strengthen bones; fiber to decrease constipation; and increase water intake to get at least 8 glasses of water per day.
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