1. Keep the Glass Half Full
"Don't worry, be happy," or so the song goes. Optimistic people of all ages are happier and healthier. This is especially true for senior citizens who have challenges they often must face alone. If you see the glass as half full, your positive thoughts help motivate you to a healthier lifestyle. Positive thinking makes you confident in yourself; you're less likely to question decisions you've made or live in the past. Optimistic seniors have a fuller social life that also keeps them happy and active.
2. Declare Your Independence
Death is not nearly as scary to a senior as a nursing home or losing independence. Staying independent as you age is a matter of planning for future circumstances. Even the most serious of illnesses can be treated from your own home if you have caregivers in place or make arrangements for them. Many seniors are using reverse mortgages or private insurance to finance home health workers. Many community organizations will help with meals, transportation and respite care during periods of illness. Skilled nurses, aides, physical therapists, occupational therapists, dieticians and social workers are all part of the home health care team.
3. To Your Health
A healthy lifestyle is the key to good health for senior citizens. Eating healthy food and exercising is one aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Chronic disease can be maintained with regular doctor visits, managing medication and following medical advice. Socializing with friends or family, joining a club or organization or going online keeps you socializing and active.
4. Live in Locomotion
It's OK to be a couch potato when you're sick. But if you continue to sit on the couch, you'll take root and be unable to move. You have to move to stay in good shape. Movement increases circulation to your extremities and increases oxygen to your brain. Movement keeps you flexible and aids in good balance. You don't have to join a gym to get moving. Go dancing or swimming, go for a long walk, check out the mall or a flea market to get moving. Learn how to belly dance or take karate lessons to move in different ways.
5. Train Your Brain
Aside from good nutrition and exercise, your brain needs stimulation to remain healthy. Learn something entirely new to really force your brain to think; learn a language or a new musical instrument to train your brain. Crossword puzzles and word games also enhance brain power. Go online and learn something new every day to keep your brain active. A healthy brain that continues to learn is the best gift you can give yourself as a senior citizen.
