Remember the Simple Things

Life is busy – in fact it is exhausting. As humans, we are perpetually running around doing a million things at once. In the midst of this controlled chaos, it can be extremely difficult to take care of yourself – to remember the simple things like dental care, physicals, and sleeping. However, now more than ever is the time to take care of ourselves. To remain healthy and virus-free, we must take care of ourselves, despite how difficult it is.

This is a list of 10 healthy habits that all of us – especially seniors – should keep in mind as we grow increasingly entrenched in our public health crisis:

1. Eat healthy: drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to remain refreshed and eat high-fiber fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
2. Get some sleep: turn off lights and screens before bed to calm the mind and regulate longer sleep cycles; the National Sleep Foundation recommends that those 65 and older get 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night
3. Remember mental health: stimulate the mind with crossword puzzles, reading, and writing – maybe even pick up a new hobby
4. Socialize: help seniors feel connected with virtual calls to family and friends
5. Stay physically active: regular exercise can prevent common ailments such as heart disease and diabetes; specifically in senior citizens, exercise helps reduce the risk of falling; exercise also alleviates depression and improves memory
6. Visit the dentist biannually: infections in the mouth can lead to damage elsewhere in the body, therefore the Oral Health Foundation recommends that a dentist appointment is scheduled every 6 months
7. Focus on prevention: get vaccinated for the flu, pneumonia, and other illnesses
8. Get information on medication management: on a regular basis, it is important to review a senior’s medication list on your own and with a physician
9. Screen for vision changes: according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, seniors with glasses should schedule annual appointments to check their prescription; doing so reduces the risk of age-related eye diseases like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts
10. Take advantage of free physicals: seniors have access to free physicals during their first 12 months of Medicare

Sources and further reading:

• Water: How much should you drink every day?
• How Much Sleep Do We Really Need?
• 5 Benefits of Exercise for Seniors and Aging Adults
• The importance of regular dental visits
• Screening recommendations for adults over 60
• List Generated From: A Place for Mom, 10 Healthy Habits for Seniors