Normally, when you are young, you do not think that the way we live now will reflect our health and our lives when we are older adults. Raising awareness of this is a process in which we must include healthy habits such as a balanced diet and regular physical exercise, which will be decisive if we want to age healthily. 

Here are the key aspects to consider in your healthy aging habits. For those who are already older adults and are looking to improve their quality of life, these tips can give you an overview but remember to consult with your physician about the best options for you.

A balanced diet 

Diet, at any age, is a determining factor for good health. That is why the diet must be varied and balanced with a high content of fruits, whole grains, vegetables, and legumes. If possible, eat organic foods and avoid eating fats, sugars, and processed foods. 

Physical activity 

Experts recommend doing moderate physical exercise every day, and an excellent option is walking. Half an hour of daily walking or the equivalent of 5000 steps a day could be a good start, and for this, there are pedometers or applications to count the steps like Pacer Pedometer & Step Tracker. Physical activity helps regulate body weight and keep muscles in shape. Ideally, these routines start from an early age and are always maintained.

Avoid stress 

Aging healthily includes, of course, enjoying the present and being at peace with yourself. Hobbies such as reading, meditation, and sharing moments with family or friends are excellent alternatives to achieve balance. Alcohol and tobacco pose a severe health risk and are two risk factors for many diseases. If you are a user of either or both substances, consider quitting.

Occupy time 

Just as in childhood, play in old age plays an essential role in keeping cognitive abilities active. The game also allows you to socialize, strengthen emotional ties and build pleasant memories that generate joy. 

As much as possible, participate in community life and avoid isolating yourself. Stay in touch with your friends and family and do activities together. In this sense, remember that even if you are vaccinated against COVID-19, you must wear a mask, keep at least two feet away from others, and wash your hands frequently. Outdoor activities are an excellent option. 

Watching tutorials on the internet and learning new things, going for a walk, and spending time on productive and creative tasks helps a lot to age in a healthy way. 

Aging in a healthy way is possible to the extent that we prepare and adopt healthy lifestyles before reaching old age or adopt them when we are old to improve our quality of life. The earlier we adopt healthy habits, the better quality of life we ​​will have in our golden years.