10 Tips for Healthy Aging

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The Shores of Lake Phalen
Lucille Ball found fame playing the red-headed Lucy Ricardo in I Love Lucy. She also earned respect as the first woman to helm a major television studio; Star Trek and Mission Impossible were notable products of her Desilu Productions. When it came to aging, Ball had some witty advice: “The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.” While her sly quip may bring a smile to your face, seniors seeking practical suggestions might appreciate these 10 tips for healthy aging.

1. Manage Your Healthcare

Modern medicine may not manage miracles, but it can accomplish a lot of good. Working with your doctor and other members of your healthcare team to identify your risks and manage them can help catch potential problems before they become major issues. If trouble does strike, a habit of being proactive about your healthcare means that you’ll already have a strong network and the information needed to pave the way toward your best recovery.

2. Stay in Touch

Staying in contact with other people keeps your brain active, which is a must when you want your cognition to remain strong. Interacting with others and being involved with your community benefits your emotional and mental health. These connections will help you stay healthy as the years go by.

3. Don’t Smoke

The messaging has been going out for decades. Smoking is bad for your health. In fact, smoking can cause cancer, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, lung diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As if that wasn’t bad enough, it also increases your risk of tuberculous and various immune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis. With so many ill effects, it’s no wonder that any list of 10 tips for healthy aging includes a call to stop smoking.

4. Stay Active

If you aren’t careful to pace yourself, listing the benefits of exercise is a good way to run out of breath! After all, staying active is a great way to reduce stress. Depending on the activity that you choose, you can build strength, flexibility, stamina, balance, and more. Being active also provides opportunities to have fun, connect with like-minded people, and burn enough energy that you’ll sleep well.

5. Eat Right

Healthy bodies need the right building blocks to maintain themselves. Therefore, fueling your body with a diet full of healthy foods and rich in the necessary nutrients is important for healthy aging.

6. Be Smart About Alcohol

Some individuals may enjoy a glass of wine now and then. However, alcohol can negatively impact judgment. It’s also full of empty calories. Being smart about how and when you consume alcohol is vital for your well-being.

7. Prioritize Sleep

Sleep is an essential function. While humans might be unaware during this period, the brain and body use the time to rest and repair, so cutting sleep short can have drastic impacts on your health.

8. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese increases your risk of a lengthy list of chronic diseases. It can also stress your joints and impact your ability to move freely and without pain. As a result, maintaining a healthy weight is a consistent presence on lists of 10 tips for healthy aging. Fortunately, following recommendations regarding staying active, eating right, being smart about alcohol, prioritizing sleep, and managing your healthcare can all help you maintain a healthy weight.

9. Keep Learning

Lifelong learning is a superpower that may help battle cognitive decline. Keep exploring topics that interest you. Discover new things about hobbies you enjoy. Try your hand at puzzles and games. Spending time with tasks that challenge your brain keeps your mind active, engaged, and healthier.

10. Embrace a Positive Attitude

As WebMD points out, choosing a positive attitude can extend your lifespan. While researchers aren’t sure why, they suspect it may be that people with optimistic outlooks are more likely to be proactive about caring for their health and managing their stress and mental and emotional health. What if you aren’t a natural optimist? To get the benefits, fake it until you make it. Smile. Forming this expression lowers stress, even if it’s faked. Surround yourself with positive people so that their energy can buoy you. Learn how to reframe negative thoughts. And, if you suspect that you are depressed or would benefit from professional help, talk to your doctor.

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There’s no stopping the clock. However, taking steps to safeguard your well-being improves your odds of being healthy and happy in your sunset years. At The Shores of Lake Phalen, we delight in offering a comfortable community where seniors thrive with the right amount of support.

Are you looking for a community that provides a positive, healthy atmosphere where your loved ones can enjoy their golden years? The Shores of Lake Phalen may be just the place. It’s an assisted living and memory care community in a quiet, peaceful environment in Maplewood, Minnesota. Surrounded by a gorgeous wooded setting between two lakes, our residence offers the accessibility of apartment-style housing with the atmosphere and elegance of a resort. We offer numerous health and safety amenities, fun events and activities, a friendly and accommodating staff, and much more. Schedule a tour of the community to explore our spacious apartments and more. We look forward to hearing from you!