10 Health Tips for Seniors

Maintaining a healthy diet as you age is essential for living well. The digestive system slows down with age, so it becomes necessary to incorporate important vitamins and high-fiber foods — such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains — into your loved one’s diet. Not only does adding fiber help seniors with maintaining a healthy diet, but it also can lower the risk of major health problems like stroke and heart disease.^[01]

Another health secret for seniors is to stay hydrated. Because they tend to generally feel less thirsty as they age, seniors are prone to dehydration. Make sure your loved one drinks plenty of water to stay energized and to avoid constipation and urinary tract infections.

Lack of appetite is a common cause of poor senior nutrition. It’s important to first address the causes of appetite decline in older people, according to research from the National Institute of Health Research.^[02] There can be many causes, but researchers concluded that simply improving the “mealtime ambiance” and “enhancing the flavor of food” can work wonders for a senior’s appetite.

The following tips can help support healthy eating habits:

• Encourage shared mealtimes with friends and family.
• Offer visually appealing food.
• Suggest a regular schedule for meals, snacks, and drinks.

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Preventive care visits — including health screenings for cholesterol levels, colon cancer, heart problems, and more — can prevent seniors from missing a serious diagnosis. Women over the age of 45 should schedule mammography screening for breast cancer annually, and men over age 50 should consider regularly testing for prostate cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Seniors can also receive regular vaccinations to help prevent influenza and pneumonia.

If your loved one takes any medication, it’s important to review each prescription with their physician on a regular basis. Consider possible drug interactions and take note of any new symptoms or side effects — such as allergic reactions, drowsiness, or loss of appetite — your elderly loved one shows after changing or starting medications.

Frequent waking and insomnia are common among seniors. But, it’s important to maintain a regular sleep schedule to maintain health. “Sleep hygiene” refers to a set of healthy sleep habits that can improve one’s ability to fall asleep and stay asleep, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.^[04]

Simply waking up and going to bed at the same time can help seniors’ internal clock sync to their daily schedule. Avoid taking naps during the day, and stay away from alcohol or caffeine in the evening. It may also help to turn the lights down in the evening to spur drowsiness. And, always make sure your loved one’s bedroom is comfortable, cool, and quiet.

Read more:5 Foods That Help You Sleep Through the Night as You Age

Staying mentally active and learning new skills may even lead to improved thinking ability, according to the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health^[05]. Seniors should keep their minds sharp through various brain games and other engaging activities: Completing crossword puzzles, reading, writing, and trying new hobbies can stimulate seniors’ minds and help them engage with their surrounding environment to ward off cognitive decline.

Most people notice a change in their vision by age 50. Seniors who wear glasses should have their prescription checked every year for changes, and they should have their eyes screened for issues such as glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Having the right pair of glasses can also reduce a senior’s chance of falling.

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Isolation and lack of socialization among seniors leads to low self-esteem, difficulty coping, and higher levels of stress hormones that could cause additional issues.^[06]Inflammation is common to stress-related diseases and can be triggered by the release of stress hormones.^[07] Persistent inflammation over time can lead to serious health outcomes, including:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Metabolic disorders
• Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

There are many opportunities for seniors to stay connected and social, from attending the local senior center to volunteering in the surrounding community. Time spent with family and grandchildren can always help seniors combat loneliness, especially if they have mobility issues that keep them from getting around. Such visits leave seniors feeling more positive, and that’s the best medicine of all.

Exercise is important in all stages of life, but especially for seniors. Staying physically active may help seniors maintain a healthy weight and avoid chronic health problems.^[08] Regular exercise can also make it easier for seniors to complete activities of daily living.^[09]

Along with alleviating depression, physical activity can improve seniors’ energy levels, memory, and sleep. But what are the best exercises for seniors? Healthy seniors should focus on low-impact exercises like aerobics, balance exercises, and strength training.^[10] Be sure to talk with a health care professional to find out what type of exercise program best suits a senior’s needs.

With health under control, seniors can do more and remain active, which boosts overall well-being and gives caregivers a little less to worry about.

Seniors newly enrolled in Medicare can access a free Initial Preventive Physical Examination. After having Medicare Part B for a year, seniors also receive a free annual “Wellness” visit every 12 months.

The risk for cavities goes up with age and many mouth infections can be linked to serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Oral health is directly related to overall health, so in addition to brushing and flossing daily, seniors should regularly see their dentist to maintain healthy teeth and gums.