Are you worried about getting weaker or feebler as you get older? A decline in energy levels is a normal and natural part of aging. Compared to your teens or 20s, your bones and muscles, once you are past the age of 60, are not as strong and flexible anymore. You become more prone to injuries and other diseases too.
However, that does not mean that you just have to accept everything and spend the rest of your life staying away from all the activities that you used to enjoy. You can still do something to keep you as energetic as possible to live the rest of your life happily and contentedly.
The following are some tips on how you can keep your energy levels up even after you turn 60:
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Learn to manage your stress
Are you not in good terms with your family? Are there bills and expenses that you are having troubling dealing with? Did your last doctor’s visit make you worry about your health?
There are many different things going on in life that can trigger an increase in anyone’s stress levels. When this happens, you will experience various changes in you physically, such as an increase in heart rate or blood pressure levels, and mentally and emotionally, such as mood swings and concentration loss.
To not make matters worse, you should find a way to properly deal with your stress. Usually, taking to a close and trusted friend, joining a community support group, or availing the services of a therapist can help. You can also try yoga, tai chi, self-hypnosis, or meditation to relax and clear your mind.
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Sleep well
Have you noticed any difference in your sleeping cycle now that you are older compared to when you were in your 20s? What time do you usually tuck yourself in and wake up? Do you keep track of how many hours of sleep you get each night?
Sleep is essential to all human beings. It gives the body the time it needs to take a break, rest and repair, and recharge for the next day. Without it, it will be difficult to focus at work or in school, process information, or perform various physical tasks.
According to health professionals, 7 to 9 hours is the ideal amount of sleep that adults should get each night for good health. Anything less than that will cause problems that can be severely detrimental to your overall health and wellbeing over time.
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Eat a healthy and balanced diet
Did you like to eat a lot of junk foods and fast foods in your youth? Do you still have the same kind of diet these days? Has your doctor advised you to eat more healthily as your cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure levels have now become more volatile?
Staying away from foods that are high in fats, sugar, salt, and preservatives is necessary to keep your vital organs in good shape even if you are over 60 years old. If you do not do that, you become at great risk of the many illnesses and complications that occur as a result of unhealthy dietary choices.
Your heart will become weaker and unable to pump blood properly for your body, and you will be in danger of suffering from a heart attack, a stroke, or other cardiovascular diseases. Your kidneys will get damaged and fail to filter minerals and waste materials from your blood, and you will be prone to kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, or other kidney-related complications. Your blood glucose levels will also rise, and make you vulnerable to diabetes and its complications.
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Remember to hydrate
Have you been monitoring your water intake? How has it been the last few years? Did you know that you should drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, even if you are now older?
Your body needs water to be able to carry out its many jobs and functions day in and day out. From your cells and organs to your tissues and muscles, water plays an integral role in keeping everything going. Without enough of it, your body will not be able to be able to regulate your body temperature, digest your food, absorb the essential nutrients from your food, circulate blood, get rid of toxic wastes, and many more.
You should drink water before and after meals, and before, during, and after exercising. Even if you are just sitting around, not doing anything, you should still hydrate yourself. It is vital that you meet the recommended daily requirement to keep you in good condition, and avoid injuries, dehydration, fatigue, and other problems.
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Quit smoking
Have you been smoking for decades now? Can’t you go one day without puffing a smoke? Have you tried and failed many times to completely give up your addiction to nicotine?
Smoking is one of those common habits that a lot of people have that have no benefits to offer the body at all. It only feeds your body harmful and toxic substances that can wreak havoc to your different organs and systems, and cause a long list of short-term and long-term health problems.
To lower your risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, heart attack, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, lung cancer, and other complications, you should quit now. Go see a medical professional to figure out ways to help you finally get rid of your smoking habit.
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Be physically active
Are you afraid that that you will break your back or tear your muscles if you exercise as a 60-year-old? Have you become less and less active now that you are a senior? Do you spend the majority of your day at home, just reading or watching television, barely moving around for the fear of injuring yourself?
There are many types of exercise that are designed for older people, and they do not put a lot of stress and pressure onto the joints, bones, and muscles. They can make your body release energizing hormones to boost your strength.
As an older person, make sure you talk to your doctor first before starting an exercise regimen. Usually, exercises like walking, brisk walking, swimming, yoga, tai chi, and pilates, even for just half an hour every couple of days, are recommended.
