A healthy lifestyle could sometimes seem impossible to achieve due to all the misinformation poured out to us. But, if we take all the floating pieces of information and break them down, healthy living always comes down to proper nutrition, regular exercise and mental and social wellbeing.
Nutrition
One of the main aspects of active aging is fuelling your body adequately. Commonly, older adults are deficient in important vitamins such as iron, fibre, vitamin D and vitamin E. These important vitamins are vital in supporting immune function and a healthy gut balance, maintaining muscle and bone strength, as well as improving cognitive function. To avoid deficiencies in important vitamins and minerals, make sure you are eating fruits and vegetables every day. The best practice is to have a variety of fruits and vegetables to maintain a strong balance of all the vital vitamins and minerals the body needs.
Regular Exercise
Daily movement is imperative for aging well. Regular exercise improves strength and mobility, decreases the risk of falls, improves blood circulation, lowers the risk of cardiovascular conditions, maintains healthy bones and supports immune and cognitive function. Daily movement does not have to be difficult. It could be as simple as going for a walk around the community, joining an exercise class or doing a few exercises in your room before you start your day. These small moments of movement can drastically improve your level of independence as you age. The best practice is to exercise both in the morning and at night whenever possible.
Strengthen Your Mental, Emotional and Social Well-being
Maintaining strong mental and social well-being is essential for aging well. Staying mentally active through activities such as puzzles, reading and creative projects helps preserve memory and attention. Similarly, staying socially active with family, friends, community groups or volunteer activities has been shown in research to decrease stress and reduce cognitive decline.
A well-rounded lifestyle that includes physical activity, healthy food and social connections is the best way to age well. Healthy aging doesn’t require perfection; it only requires consistency. When we focus on nourishing our bodies, staying active and maintaining our mental and social well-being, we build a foundation of strength and resilience that keeps us independent and strong.
For those exploring a retirement home in Etobicoke, Toronto or wanting trusted assisted living in Toronto, Delmanor West Village provides the ideal blend of comfort, wellness and community. Join us for lunch and a tour to see what makes life here so exceptional.
Written By: Shaquelle Thomas, Registered Kinesiologist and LivingWell Coordinator at Delmanor West Village
