At some point in life, generally upon reaching the age of 25, when the development of the prefrontal cortex of the brain culminates or when the first gray hairs begin to appear, We all come to an inevitable conclusion: It is time to make decisions that benefit our health.
Gone are the days when it was common to indulge in excess on weekends, accompanied by alcoholic beverages and fast food. As we approach a more mature stage, body care becomes a priority.
Although thinking about aging and our mortality can generate some anxiety, The good news is that there is plenty of expert-backed advice that can help us live better and longer. Furthermore, many of these changes do not require large investments or monumental efforts. Here we present seven recommendations that doctors consider key to improving your general well-being and prolonging your life.
This advice may seem obvious, but Keeping moving is essential to maintaining health. Unfortunately, the modern lifestyle tends to be sedentary, especially if you spend much of your workday sitting in front of a screen.
According to studies of Heart Research Institute from the United Kingdom, An inactive lifestyle can significantly increase the risk of developing diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular problems and high blood pressure. The good news is that it is not necessary to spend long hours in the gym or participate in marathons. Small changes, like walking daily or stretching frequently, can make a big difference in your health.
Loneliness is a growing problem, especially in older people. Investigations of Age UK show that social interaction is not only essential for maintaining emotional well-being, but also influences brain health. Dr. Faisal Tai, speaking to HuffPoststressed that older people should aspire to “have at least one positive social interaction every day.”
This advice also applies to younger generations, who often immerse themselves in the digital world. Spending time face-to-face with friends and loved ones is vital for our mental and emotional health.
Mental stimulation is key to keeping the brain in shape over the years. Engaging in activities that challenge our cognitive abilities, such as logic games or reading, can be an effective way to reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Although the British Alzheimer’s Society warns that there is no conclusive relationship between “brain training” and the prevention of dementia, Dr. Steve Fallek suggests, at HuffPostthat keeping the brain active is essential to staying alert and sharp as we age.
Although it is difficult to resist the pleasures of fast food or sweets, it is important to incorporate healthier options into our diet as we age. This doesn’t mean we should completely eliminate our favorite foods, such as pizza or chocolate, but consuming them in moderation is crucial.
In statements to HuffPostDr. Nadim Geloo suggests a gradual approach to improving your diet: “Rather than making radical changes, it is more effective to modify one aspect of the diet at a time, with the goal of progressively reducing harmful foods.” Opting for a balanced and varied diet is the way to take care of our long-term health.
The recommendation to “get out and touch the grass” may seem trivial, but it has a solid scientific basis. Being outdoors not only helps us reduce stress, but it also allows our body to absorb vitamin D, an essential nutrient that many people have in low levels.
Research from the University of California has shown that spending time in nature can significantly improve our mental well-being. Of course, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to protect your skin while you enjoy the sunlight.
Although it is easier said than done, learning to manage stress is vital to maintaining good health. Chronic stress has negative effects on the entire body, from the cardiovascular system to mental health and the digestive system. Additionally, it may increase the risk of stroke.
To avoid these effects, It is crucial to incorporate activities that bring us joy and relaxation into our daily routine. Whether it’s meditation, practicing yoga, or simply enjoying a hobby, taking time to reduce stress is essential.
With the daily hustle and bustle, it’s easy to forget something as simple as scheduling a routine doctor’s appointment or getting an eye checkup. However, These checks become increasingly important as we age.
“In addition to prevention, early detection is key to treating any disease. Therefore, it is essential to stay up to date with the recommended medical examinations”explains Dr. Sulanga Misra to the HuffPost. Scheduling regular doctor visits can be the difference between catching a health problem early or facing more serious complications in the future.
THE NATION