The Science of Healthy Aging
By Michael Dangovian
July 17, 2015
There’s a science to staying healthy as you age. As your body changes, so do the requirements for diet and exercise. Good nutrition and fitness can play an increasingly important role in how well you age. Low-salt, low-fat diets with plenty of fruits, vegetables and fiber can reduce your age-related risks of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, osteoporosis an other chronic diseases. Exercise has similar effects, and also increases the overall quality of life, making you feel better and enjoy life more.
Types of Exercise
There are four types of exercise to help us stay fit as we age: endurance, muscular, balance and stretching. Endurance activities should be at least 30 minutes of activity most days of the week that make you breathe harder. Muscular activities are those that engage your muscles, which help you stay strong and healthy. Do things to help your balance, like standing on one foot, then the other, or walking heel-to-toe. Stretching helps keep you flexible so you can move more freely. Combining activities like yoga, walking, and some light-weight lifting can help you stay fit.
Eating Properly
As we age, our daily energy needs slow decrease so we need fewer calories. Natural hormone changes also change how our bodies process and store fat. Eating a healthy, balanced diet which limits the intake of saturated fat, along with increasing exercise can help you stay at a healthy weight.
Live Longer & Better
When you’re good to your body, it will work with you to keep you happy and healthy for a longer and better life.
