by Yaquelin Ramirez, RD
Imagine this: you’ve retired, but instead of slowing down, you’re revving up for a new adventure. Living a healthy, more fulfilling life is possible for all of us in today’s world. And guess what? You can absolutely achieve this, too. As we journey through life and step into our 60s and beyond, it’s natural to want to maintain our energy and embrace our youthful spirit.
Keep reading to learn how you, too, can age like fine wine.
It is inevitable that as we age, things seem to work differently than they did when we were younger, and our lifestyle choices play a big part in the way we feel. And the great thing is, you are in control of these choices. Healthy dietary patterns and regular exercise at every life stage is important to maintain our overall health as we age. Start taking steps today to living a more fulfilling life and enjoy the years ahead.
Eight Great Ways to Build Your Dream Health Age
As a dietitian, I know how important diet and nutrition are to feeling good, but exercise is often overlooked.
Your physical activity plays a significant role in your health as you age. While it’s true that our bodies change with age, a consistent exercise routine can do wonders for your overall well-being. Regular exercise helps improve your physical health, support a healthy weight, flexibility, bone health, energy– the list goes on! Life can get hectic, but small activities like walking, swimming, yoga, or dancing can make a difference.
As we age, everything seems to slow down; our metabolism is no exception.
Make sure that you are watching out for weight gain or sudden unintentional weight loss. That’s not to say that the number on the scale is a tell-all health indicator, consider your body composition as well. An optimal balance between lean muscle mass, body fat, and bone density is important for your overall health.
You might look great on the outside, but that doesn’t mean everything is okay on the inside. Regular check-ups and tests can catch problems before they get worse
We hear it time and time again, but alcohol and smoking are no friends of a long life.
While we may enjoy an occasional alcoholic beverage, this habit can speed up our aging. Alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration, poor sleep, a decline in liver function, and negatively affect your skin health, to name a few. Smoking has a laundry list of cons, not to mention its effects on our appearance, making us look even older!
The sooner we ditch these habits, the sooner we start feeling and looking better.
Believe me when I say beauty sleep is real!
Regular, good-quality sleep is key for overall health and wellness. Sleep continues to be essential for us as we age to allow our bodies to rest and recover from stressful, long days. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night and create a calming bedtime routine.
TIP: Taking the right supplements can also help you get the rest you need!*
Have you ever seen someone who seems out of sorts and can’t help but ask, “Are you feeling okay?”
Stress won’t only manifest itself in how we look but can also impact our health if not managed. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine. This can look different for everyone, whether it’s unplugging from your busy life and breathing some fresh air, practicing meditation, or even practicing some self-care.
I am all for enjoying life, and food is a huge part of life. Living life without our favorite foods is not necessarily fulfilling. Maybe it’s not quite that serious, but you don’t have to give up the foods you love completely to live a healthy life.
I find the “80/20” rule helpful: fill your plate with nutrient-dense food most of the time and indulge occasionally – you’re not expected to be perfect. Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds, lean meats, and lots of water!
Mental acuity and cognitive health are also important for healthy aging.
After retirement, make it a point to keep feeding your curiosity and hunger for knowledge. Learn new things and try new hobbies – creativity, like painting or writing, can keep your mind young and engaged.
Whether your goals for healthy aging include making lifestyle changes to improve your nutrition, sleep, stress management, or cognitive health, Puritan’s Pride offers practical solutions that can offer additional support.*
So why wait?
As we journey through life and step into our 60s, lifestyle habits play an important role in our health as we age. It’s time to start your journey and embrace the years ahead!
| *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
Meet the Author
Yaquelin is a Registered Dietitian with a passion for all things health and wellness. With years of experience in the realm of nutrition and supplements, she’s well-versed in their profound impact on overall health. Currently, Yaquelin is pursuing a Master’s degree in Nutrition at UC Davis to deepen her expertise and stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in the field.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Yaquelin finds joy in maintaining an active lifestyle and baking sweet treats. She firmly believes that good health isn’t solely about nutrition; it’s also about doing what makes you feel good and happy.
