6 Ways The 60+ Population Can Achieve Better Health
As we age, our bodies and our health changes. We find that we cannot do what we used to do to the same degree, and we can start to feel like our past choices are “catching up with us”. Many people over the age of 60 say they move slower, metabolism has slowed, have a harder time losing weight, experience brain fog or forgetfulness, have pain or fatigue, etc. All of these can have a negative effect on our physical and mental state.
Physiological changes and aging is a natural process of life and not something that we can avoid. You might not move or look like you did when you were in your 20s. However, you can minimize these changes and how they affect our mood, health and overall well being.
Whether from injury or illness, or just experiencing the changes that come with age, being healthy and feeling good over the age of 60 can all start to feel like a struggle. However, there are ways to defy the aging process and become more fit, leading to increased levels of physical and mental energy and overall better health.
Below are six ways to become a better and healthier you, no matter what your age.
1. Improve your Diet
As we get older the saying, ‘you are what you eat’ becomes ever truer. A diet low in saturated fat, processed sugar and high in fiber and plants is always a good idea, no matter what your age. However, as a person over 60 it is even more important to watch what you eat.
Plenty of fruit and vegetables should be consumed, with a concentration on heart healthy grains. Combine this with high protein foods like lean meat and oily fish, food that is high in omega 3, for an optimal balanced intake of nutrients.
2. Challenge your Brain
The two things that will keep you out of nursing home are Movement and your Mind. Keeping your brain and mental health sharp is so important with age. Research has now shown that you can create new brain cells and neuron activity! This is achieved through physical exercise and brain/mental activities.
Activities like brain teasers, games, Crossword puzzles, learning a new skill like dancing or a foreign language, are just some of the ways to keep your mind challenged.
3. Regularly Exercise 
Make the time and create a routine to exercise four to five times a week. This will improve your fitness, release feel good endorphins that will leave an enduring boost to your energy levels, and also help to improve your mood. Find a sustainable and enjoyable way to move every day!
Make sure to prioritize Strength/Resistance Training and Balance Exercises. We lose muscle mass every year and balance, if not trained, will decrease substantially with age. Exercise will improve how your strength, affecting how move throughout your day, plus decrease your risk of falls.
4. Embrace Connection
Many Seniors over time lose their social interaction. This can be because of physical restraints and not being able to get out and do the things they used to, retirement, or also how a lot of today’s social interaction is done virtually. Maintaining social connection and relationships has been shown to reduce stress, improve well-being and aid in a healthier longer lifespan. Those who are isolated had more disease and illness than those who had consistent positive interaction with others.
Prioritize your relationships and nurture them. Spend time with loved ones, neighbors or friends however is feasible to you. Consider finding a new hobby, club or local organization to meet others.
5. Get Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractic care is beneficial to people of ALL ages, from babies to the elderly! We have many patients in our office that are over 80 years old. Adjustments are very important as you age; they improve the functioning of the brain and nervous system, the master controller of the body. Adjustments can improve mobility, range of motion, decrease pain, improve mental clarity and much more. It is never too late to receive chiropractic care and to improve your health.
6. Do What You Love
In our older years and through retirement it is important that we create a happy lifestyle and do things we love every day. When people stop working, many stop being as active, physically and socially. It is important to keep up, if not increase your hobbies, activities or create a “new normal routine” as you age.
This can be continuing to work, enjoying hobbies or creating new activities, traveling, learning a new skill, volunteer work, spending time with family or friends, or anything else that makes us happy.
The most important thing is to find joy every day and look forward to each day!