Now that the weather has improved, it’s the perfect time to get out for a walk, to work in the garden or just play with the grandkids in the park.
Staying active is very beneficial to any lifestyle, but particularly for seniors.
A recent newsletter from the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department suggests these “ingredients” for a health lifestyle for seniors:
- Daily physical activity. Ask your health care provider about types of physical activity that are safe for you and how to increase this gradually. You do not have to have a formal exercise program to improve your health and stay active.
- Get enough sleep. Sleep affects your whole body. Aim for eight hours of sleep at night and give your body a chance to rest and be ready for a new day.
- Stay connected with family, friends and community. Volunteering is a great way to keep your body and brain active.
- Eat right. It’s important to eat right, so your can keep your body healthy and lower your risk of chronic disease.
And when it comes to eating right, here are some recommendations to making sure your diet is its healthiest:
- Eat breakfast every day.
- Select high-fiber foods like whole grain breads, cereals, beans, vegetables and fruits.
- Choose lean meats like turkey breast, fish or chicken with the skin removed to lower the amount of fat and calories in your meals. Some lean beef is OK, too. Bake, broil or grill them instead of frying.
- Have three servings of low-fat dairy a day. That means eating 1 percent milk, low fat yogurt and cheese. These are high in vitamin D and help keep your bones strong as you age.
- Eat nutrient rich snacks like dried apricots, whole-wheat crackers and peanut butter. Limit how often you eat snacks like cake, candy, chips and soda.
