Healthy Senior Living: Tips for a Healthier Life and Living Longer

Today people have a longer life expectancy.

It is said that 70% of how we age is determined by our lifestyle choices (see The MacArthur Foundation Study on Aging) and here at Aging at 5280 we believe that it’s never too late to start making smarter choices for healthy senior living. With the start of a new year, now is an ideal time to start a healthy lifestyle approach.

Our mission is to assist you in navigating your roadmap to aging successfully. We hope you find the below tips helpful.

Key Lifestyle Choices for Healthy Senior Living

Elders should Exercise

Staying as active as possible has never been more important. Exercise triggers your body’s natural repair process and the benefits are dramatic – so the older you are, the more important it is to keep moving. Exercise not only alleviates depression, but also, improves energy and memory.

Some of the benefits from regular exercise include:

• Prevention of memory loss (dementia)
• Feel-good hormones known as endorphins
• Helps reduce chronic pain
• Increased muscle mass from weight training improves metabolism
• Improves the quality of sleep
• Improves flexibility, balance, and good posture
• Boosts your immune system

Senior Nutrition Advice

We’ve all heard the saying, “You are what you eat” and now more than ever it is important to have healthy eating habits. Eating well is important to staying healthy longer, so consistent access to nourishing appetizing food is key.

We recently spoke with Avie Rosacci, founder of Better Me at 5280 and a Master Nutritional Expert, about the process of nutrition and aging.

“As we age, our body loses the ability to fight battles on multiple fronts. From a nutritional standpoint, the most important single thing we can do as we age is cut out or severely reduce the foods that cause silent inflammation – sugar and processed carbs. They are slowly causing metabolic breakdown, one mechanism at a time. It is important to choose green leafy over starchy vegetables like corn. Try and limit fruit to a couple whole fruits per day with berries leading the pack. Follow any anti-inflammatory diet which includes Mediterranean, DASH, Whole 30, and Paleo. Each is a variation of the other, focusing on protein, quality natural fats, vegetables and fruit. Remember, hydration is of the utmost importance. Finally, I encourage you to use spices, sea salt, fresh pepper and herbs to flavor your food.”

Quality Sleep helps Senior Health

Turn the lights down in the evening’s to spur drowsiness and make sure the bedroom is comfortable, cool, and quiet.

Social Connections for Seniors lead to a Healthier Life

People who are part of a caring community live longer and have less stress than those who are isolated and lonely.

We reached out to Elizabeth Girling, Executive Director at The Ridge Pinehurst, to share some of the benefits of their Senior Living Community.

“The Ridge Pinehurst has a robust lifestyle program for older adults living in all levels of care. Every detail within the community has been considered. Lifestyle at the Ridge Pinehurst is important. From the full-service salon, spa, and gym to the saltwater pool, we feature a full range of classes to meet all levels of need which are offered both in a group setting as well as one to one. Our menus are perfectly crafted and well-thought-out. We also have an onsite wellness clinic where residents can receive home health service, primary care services, as well as concierge services. We have walking paths around the community, an indoor and outdoor pickleball court, and bocce ball. Our dog lovers can also enjoy our outdoor dog park.”

Focus on Prevention

For healthy senior living, one needs to remember how important vaccinations are to help prevent influenza and pneumonia. Preventative care visits, including health screenings for cholesterol levels, colon cancer, heart problems and more, qualify for Medicare coverage.

Here at Aging at 5280 we firmly believe that setting goals, both short-term as well as long term, provides a heathy motivation and promotes a sense of purpose. We’re ready to listen, talk, and learn more about your needs. Just reach out.