HealthcareSome Tips For Healthy Ageing

We are all getting older every single day. Over just a few decades the world’s population of elderly persons has increased exponentially, and the trend will continue into the foreseeable future. From the years 2000 to 2050 the number of people over age 60 will double, and those over age 80 will quadruple! It is an unfortunate truth that as we age we can suffer a loss of independence due to physical restrictions on our mobility, increased weakness and frailty, and decreased functional and cognitive abilities. As getting older is inevitable, the best we can strive for is to achieve healthy ageing, maintaining our physical and mental well-being at a high order for as long as we possibly can!

We will discuss methods of promoting healthy ageing shortly, but to begin with, it may be beneficial for a person age 50 or older to consider undergoing a functional capacity assessment in order to see where they currently stand in regards to their current physical and mental capacity and to identify any potential problems early to adjust their lifestyles and make improvements, and also to see if they are in need of any external assistance, such as government care and well being programs.

There are a number of factors that influence healthy ageing. There are some, like genetics, that are not under our control. Others, such as getting sufficient exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, regular medical check-ups, and being mindful of our mental health are within our reach. Research has identified a number of actions we can take to help manage our health, live as independently as possible, and maintain our quality of life as we age.

Taking good care of our physical health is the first thing we must do in order to make ageing as smooth and as healthful as possible. Scientists are actively researching ways to slow or prevent age-related declines in our physical health, and have already discovered multiple methods that can improve our chances of maintaining optimal health levels later in life. Staying physically active, making good food choices, getting plenty of sleep, limiting our intake of alcohol to sensible levels, and proactively managing our health care with the goal of looking, feeling and living our best. Even small adjustments to any of these areas can go a long way to support our healthy ageing.

Exercise and physical activity are considered to be the most important steps in the process. Some people love exercising, some hate it, but physical activity is critical to our continued health and well-being as we grow older. Scientific evidence shows us that people who exercise regularly not only live longer but also live better, enjoying more years of quality life without suffering from pain or disability.

Smart food choices protect us as we age, and can even help us improve our brain function. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins.

For more information check with the Department of Health and Aged Care.

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