So, you’ve been to see your doctor and he told you that you need to make some lifestyle changes if you’d like to live a longer life. You’re not the only one. We are all faced with challenges when it comes to learning how to maintain health in old age. The first thing you should do is read up on the subject. Take a few minutes to study this list of ways you can change your lifestyle to be healthier and live longer. Learn how to get a healthy lifestyle seniors can live with here:
Don’t Call it a Diet
If you need to lose weight, one way to do it is to change your eating habits. As you learn how to do that, though, don’t think of it as being on a diet, which is usually a temporary condition. Make a conscious decision to permanently adjust the way you eat. Think about the things you eat and when and how you eat them. If you love Strawberry Cheesecake, which is as laden with fat and calories as it is delicious, take a look in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store. Today’s yogurt selection is bountiful and there’s a very good chance they make a yogurt that tastes just like your favorite dessert!
Other substitutions you can make:
- Use Pam instead of oil whenever possible while cooking.
- Choose a smaller cut of beef when you’re craving red meat.
- Substitute spaghetti squash for pasta.
- Eat fresh, sweet fruit instead of candy.
Go for A Walk
A healthy lifestyle for elderly people includes exercise. Remember, you don’t have to take part in strenuous workouts for it to qualify as exercise. Walking is one of the healthiest exercises there is, and you never even have to break a sweat. Make sure to get a good pair of shoes for your new activity. Walking shoes come in many styles and have lots of features to help make your walks pleasurable and pain-free. Good shoes are your ticket to comfortable exercise which won’t result in shin splints or an aching lower back.
Features to Look for in Walking Shoes:
- Comfortable insoles
- Breathable fabric
- Roomy toe area
- Arch support
Ride Your Bike Instead of Taking the Car
Need to run to the store? Hop on your bicycle! You wouldn’t believe how many calories you can burn just by riding your bike to the store, to the park, to the post office, instead of driving your car. Always make sure you take safety precautions and use hand signals for a safe trip though.
If you need a bike, check out some bicycling sites online to see what features you like and need before you head out to the bike shop. Get a basket to bring home milk and flowers for your dining room table. Buy reflective items to put on your bike and to wear for when you’re riding at dusk or before dawn. A light or bell on the handlebars may tickle your fancy and keep you safe.
Enlist A Friend to Join You
One great way to make lifestyle changes easier and more pleasurable is to do it with a friend! Talk to your neighbors and pals to see who has been given similar orders by their doctor to shape up. It’s always nice to have an ally when you’re doing something big like changing your life for the better. Whether you’re having a healthy lunch at that new bistro in town or doing stretches before your daily walk, a little company goes a long way. Changing your lifestyle is a big deal but it should be a happy venture and you’ll love having someone there to talk to who understands what you’re going through.
Now that you’ve learned a little about how to transition smoothly into your healthier new lifestyle, give your friend next door a call and see if she wants to go for a stroll and talk about it!
