Scott Sanders, Cancerwell.org
Image courtesy of Unsplash How to Ensure Health and Happiness in Your Senior Years Are you searching for ways to keep the sparkle in your golden years? Age can take a toll on you, but sometimes the simplest actions can really provide a boost. Here’s how to ensure you shine with health and happiness throughout your senior years. Embrace Smart Solutions Many people would like to remain in their own homes as they grow older, and technology offers several budget-friendly solutions to help you age in place. There are gadgets like smart doorbells that alert hearing-impaired individuals when someone is at the door, and an integrated camera offers the bonus of checking if it’s a friendly face. Voice and motion sensors can assist those with mobility concerns by turning on lights when you enter a room, and even simple tools such as key finders can make life easier if you tend to misplace your set. Review the pros and cons of what’s available through HomeAdvisor’s handy online guide. Not-So-Technical Tools When exploring gadgetry to ease you through your golden years, don’t overlook non-smart gizmos designed to make your life easier. For instance, a robot vacuum is a great way to lighten housekeeping chores, and if you face challenges while getting dressed, there are aids for everything from pulling on shoes to buttoning shirts. Cooking can be tough for many seniors, but there are many kitchen tools designed to help with all sorts of culinary tasks, from peeling eggs to slicing watermelons and opening bottles with one hand. Whatcha Got Cookin’? Easing food prep is just one side of the cooking equation. It’s also important for seniors to ensure they enjoy proper nutrition. Aim for a diet comprised of nutrient-dense, low-calorie foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and nuts. Steer clear of foods with empty calories, like candy, baked sweets, soda, and snack chips. Explore some easy but interesting and nutritious recipes, such as breakfast frittata, three-bean salad, pumpkin soup, or sweet and sour vegetables. If meals are bland, you can experiment with adding herbs to your foods. On top of flavor, herbs like oregano, ginger, and garlic offer the potential benefit of being immune system boosters. Options Abound Proper health care is crucial for seniors, and ensuring you have coverage means being able to pay for care when you need it. When you reach your 65th birthday, it’s time to enroll in Medicare. The enrollment window is seven months long and begins three months before your birth month. Medicare helps with some important things, including hospital stays and outpatient care. However, there are also some things Medicare doesn’t cover, such as prescription drugs, vision care, and dental exams. Seniors can get supplemental insurance like Medigap or Medicare Advantage, and those plans are required to cover everything Medicare covers, plus they cover things like vision and dental care, prescription drugs, and gym memberships. USA Today notes you can make changes during the Open Enrollment Period, which is from January 1st through March 31st annually. Keep Moving and Grooving Staying active is key to being healthy and independent, especially during your senior years. In fact, some studies indicate it’s a crucial element in reducing the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. What’s more, it influences your overall attitude and quality of life. Those who stay active are more self-confident, satisfied, and social. It can even potentially improve cognitive processes, helping with focus, memory, and mental sharpness. Even a simple workout like walking helps, or a gentle yoga program can be a boon, or you can try something extra upbeat like Zumba. If this sounds like a great idea, Fit to the Core offers in-home and online training for people over the age of 50 who are ready to get back into great shape. Instead of heading to the gym, everything you need arrives in your own home! Growing older has its share of challenges and complications, but there are often ways to work around difficulties. Look for tools to keep you comfortable and safe, enjoy healthy meals, ensure you have good healthcare, and stay physically active. These simple changes can give your golden years a boost and help you shine!