Balanced Diet: Focus on a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Pay attention to portion sizes and try to limit processed foods and added sugars. I personally like the Mediterranean Diet which covers all the above and more.
Health Screenings: Stay on top of regular check-ups and screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol , diabetes, and cancer screenings (like mimeographs and colonoscopies as recommended by your healthcare provider. In fact I just came back from my bi-annual check with a clean bill of health!
Stay Hydrated: Goes without saying that drinking plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated is essential for overall health.
Mental Health: Prioritise mental well-being through stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga. Engage in social activities and maintain connections with friends and family. For me it is keeping my hours at work down and not overworking myself clocking up hours and hours every week, 40-45 per week, no more.
Quality Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Establish a calming bedtime routine and create a sleep-friendly environment. I love my sleep and I need 8hrs, not negotiable.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Monitor your weight and body composition, and work towards maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise. I am very blessed that my weight doesn’t fluctuate, whatever I eat. A lot is in the balance of diet and exercise. Get this right and you don’t need to worry about weight problems.
Strength Training: This is a new one for me and something I need to work on. Apparently you incorporate strength training into your routine to build muscle mass, which naturally declines with age. My son will probably be able to give me more info on this. Watch this space.
Flexibility and Balance Exercises: Engage in activities that enhance flexibility and balance, such as yoga or tai chi, to reduce the risk of falls. Equally, some good walks every day or even exercise classes will keep you fit.
Limit Smoking: If you smoke, seek help to quit, as smoking can lead to numerous health issues. I managed to quit many years ago and I never looked back. Try it yourself.
Stay Informed: Keep up with health information and trends that are relevant to your age group, and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. I signed up to some newsletters and receive those regularly now.
