Adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential for everyone, from children to the elderly. It is not complex, it is simply a matter of acquiring some good habits that help us to feel better, to age well and also to live longer.
Healthy lifestyle? No smoking!
The number 1 rule for a healthy lifestyle is to avoid cigarette smoking. Some might think, "What is the use of quitting once you get older? By now the damage is done! ”Nothing could be more wrong.
Of course, those who have smoked for forty years of their lives will certainly have caused damage to their respiratory and cardio-circulatory functions, but abandoning the cigarette can limit many negative consequences ; at any age.
It has been estimated, for example, that if a heavy smoker stopped smoking at 65, his life expectancy would increase by about four years.
Healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition
To age well, it is very important to pay attention to what you eat . The diet of the elderly should be varied and rich in vegetables.
It is also advisable to limit the consumption of fatty foods, especially if derived from animals, as well as pay attention to the consumption of salt and salty foods, for example sausages, ready-to-eat foods, canned foods, etc.
Fatty foods promote the increase of LDL cholesterol (the bad one) and triglycerides, while salt contributes to the increase in blood pressure; these are situations to be avoided as high cholesterol, elevated triglycerides and hypertension are important causes of cardiovascular damage, with all the consequences that may result.
Lastly, the diet should be poor in refined sugars (cakes, biscuits, sweetened drinks ...) as these foods promote an increase in blood sugar, another risk factor for heart and blood health.
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Healthy lifestyle and elderly: attention to alcohol
Alcoholic and spirits should be consumed very moderately as they can do a lot of damage to the body, especially the liver.
A glass of red wine, during meals, is part of our culture and can go well, indeed it can even be healthy, but you should never exceed the recommended limits.
Elderly and physical activity
A sedentary lifestyle is the enemy of man, at any age. As seniors you must continue to move, obviously carrying out a physical activity appropriate to your health conditions. In general, when it is not contraindicated by the doctor, they are exercises suitable for senior citizens: walking, cycling, swimming and gentle exercise.
The duration of the exercise depends on age and your physical condition; the exercise, however, should be constant and regular, so it should be done at least three times a week . Physical activity, in addition to promoting body health, helps that of the spirit.
Even as an elderly person it is very important to maintain body weight in the norm; to avoid cardiovascular risks, but also to prevent fractures caused by osteoporosis and, in general, to live in a more healthy and active way.
Elderly, cultivate social relations
Cultivating one's social relationships helps one to live well and to age better. The third age can be the ideal time to live a new youth: the children are great, you don't have to go to work anymore, you can dedicate yourself more to yourself.
Yes to travel, to days with friends, to old and new friends . An active social life promotes good humor and, consequently, helps the body to remain healthy and active.
