Staying Healthy at an Old Age

Much is said against aging, it almost seems like we are against the natural process that all living things go through. A lot of marketing campaigns target aging as something that we must fight against, but despite the collective feeling of negation that this idea promotes, aging is irreversible. All these attacks against becoming old in some way create a negative image of a process that is natural and beautiful. This is an age where humans can have deep knowledge and wisdom to share and despite the negative image often portrayed about old age, it is possible to have a healthy and happy lifestyle at an old age. It has been proved that aging is not a direct trigger for diseases and that keeping healthy habits can make us live better and longer.

It is true, however, that after a certain age, our body does not work like during our youth. For example, in women, after fifty-one, estrogen levels decline in the process of menopause. Similarly, there are many changes in different parts of the body, including the reproductive system, some organs, cells, muscles, and others. This way, having certain healthy habits can help our body make up for these issues and function adequately. Despite these issues, there are some tricks to help our body perform at its best, even during this age.

As mentioned, in women older than fifty years old, the decrease of estrogen can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues, osteoporosis, and other complications. Similarly, the body does not need to compensate for the iron and protein lost during menstruation.

In the case of men, smaller food portions are a good nutrition tip, since at this point, maintaining a good weight is a key goal. In both, man and women, there is more bone loss, especially after seventy years. 

Bearing this in mind, it is essential to make some changes in our diet in order to have a healthy lifestyle during this age:

• The intake of calcium should be higher to compensate for bone loss and other requirements in our body. For this goal, we recommend consulting an expert who will be able to determine what sources you should get your calcium from and how it should be portioned throughout your diet. In many cases, the ingest of calcium through supplements might be advised.
• Trans fats must be replaced for healthy fats. Therefore, foods that contain omega-3 fats, such as avocado, nuts, and fish.
• After seventy, a diet richer in fiber is ideal to help the digestion process. 
• More whole foods including whole grains and cereals are also recommended.

In terms of physical activity, it is crucial to have a minimum of daily exercise, even twenty minutes of walking at different times of the day can be highly beneficial. 

To work on the brain’s health, mental exercises involving activities that improve our memory and coordination will prove greatly helpful.

Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201  Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119