It is a universal truth that the number of pills that you take every day increases as you get older. Most people tend to consume more medicines than actual food. Besides the usual medication for high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, old people may rely on pills even to have proper bowel movements. If you are over 50 or 60, follow these five tips to avoid depending on too many medicines to stay healthy.
1) Inoculation aka vaccination
Vaccines are not just for children; they are also given to old people as their immunity begins to diminish with age. Poor immunity may lead to pneumococcal diseases, influenzas and shingles, which then result in severe infection.
Diseases like shingles could be extremely painful and may last for months or even years. Besides, pneumonia could lead to long hospital stays. So, vaccines would save you from diseases that break you physically, mentally and financially. Booster doses for diphtheria and severe cough should be taken, as the effectiveness of these vaccines which are usually administered during childhood, may have disappeared. You could stay away from viral infections and other diseases by discussing with your doctor and getting vaccinated.
2) Antioxidant-rich diet
Fruits and vegetables in various colours as well as fish, seeds and nuts that are loaded with antioxidants and protein help prevent skin damage and memory loss during old age. Protein, calcium and vitamin D are essential for maintaining the strength of bones and muscles. You could consult with your doctor before designing a meal plan or taking supplements.
3) Exercise
Aerobic exercises increase heart rate and help the body utilise oxygen up to maximum levels. Cycling, dancing, mountaineering, jogging and swimming are some of the popular aerobic exercises that you could try. Such workouts are excellent for maintaining heart health and regulating blood sugar levels. Besides aerobic exercises, doing strength training twice a week keeps your bones and muscles stronger. However, always seek a doctor’s advice before trying a new form of exercise.
4) Health checkups
Regular health checkups help to diagnose diseases like heart ailments, hypertension, diabetes, kidney ailment and cancer at the earliest and begin treatment. If diagnosed at early stages, these diseases are completely curable.
5) Mental health
You could suffer from stress, anxiety and depression even in your fifties and sixties. So, focusing on your mental health and well-being is as important as physical health. If there is no one to share your emotional problems with, then do not hesitate to seek the service of a professional mental health counsellor.