People are now living for longer than ever before, thanks to medical advancements and innovations, improved disease treatment and prevention, improved sanitisation, immunisation programmes, healthcare access and lifestyle changes… which, of course, is great news!
However, it does mean that we need to think about how well we’ll navigate older age from a physical perspective, understanding the difference between lifespan and healthspan.
Living longer while struggling with chronic health conditions will certainly take its toll – so working out ways in which we can age successfully and live as healthily as possible for as long as possible is advisable.
But how best to go about this?
To help you look after your body as you get older, here are some top tips from the Clear Physio team. And, as ever, if you do start feeling changes in strength and mobility at any point, get in touch with us to find out how we can help.
1. Prioritise strength and balance
Slips, trips and falls are one of the leading causes of hospitalisation among older people, but you can reduce the risks by working on your strength and balance. Exercises like yoga, Pilates and tai chi can help with core strength and balance… and joining a class can also help you with socialisation, as well!
2. Follow a healthy diet
Avoiding foods high in salt and saturated fat can help keep you fit and healthy. Consider following the Mediterranean diet, which is full of fresh fruit and vegetables, lean protein sources like fish and chicken, legumes, nuts and seeds, and limited dairy and red meat.
3. Make sure you’re getting enough calcium
You want to keep your bones, joints and muscles as healthy as possible – and calcium is essential for this. You should aim to get 1,200mg per day if you’re over 50. Dietary sources include dairy, tofu, salmon, kale and broccoli, but you could also consider supplements, as well.
