Promoting Wellness in Older Patients

Most people are aware that two of the best ways for older adults to keep healthy are regular exercise and good nutrition.  But, what are some specific tips that are beneficial and easy to practice?

Regular Exercise

It’s been proven that regular exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, colon cancer, and breast cancer. It also decreases the risk of falls and fall-related injuries. Many older adults enjoy water aerobics.

Exercise Tips

1. Set realistic exercise goals and develop an exercise plan The U.S. National Institute on Aging recommends writing yourself an “exercise prescription.” Make it specific, including type, frequency, intensity, and time.
2. Remember, beginning with just a short walk every few days is truly enough to get you started in the right direction. Physicians often suggest to “start low and go slow.” Being sedentary is a lot more dangerous than exercising at any age. Walking just 10 minutes a day, building up to 150 minutes of exercise per week is ideal.
3. Get yourself a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Maybe even make a fashion statement in the process.

Good Nutrition

Though the amount of food we need often declines with age, the need for certain vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, vitamin D, and vitamins B6 and B12, increases with age – especially after 50. Know that your nutrition can affect your general well-being and independence.

Nutrition Tips

1. Consider buying liquid nutrition supplements.
2. Take a multivitamin that fulfills 100 percent of the recommended daily amounts of vitamins and minerals for older people.
3. If you can’t get out, call Meals on Wheels. Programs in your area are provided by the local Area Agency on Aging or Tribal Senior Services. Contact the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 for your Area Agency on Aging.

Other wellness resources include:

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

800-232-4636 – 888-232-6348 (TTY)

www.cdc.gov

U.S. Department of Agriculture                                        

Food and Nutrition Information Center         

301-504-5414

www.nal.usda.gov/fnic

Happy aging!

Disclaimer. We are an information and referral source only. We are not medically trained. All decisions concerning your health should be discussed with your physician.