Well, if you look at the stats you’d say America is getting old-albeit slowly. Experts predict that in 2040 at least 1 in every 5 Americans you meet will be 65 years and above. That’s staggering. For now, the number is somewhat manageable: 1 in every 7 Americans is 65 years and above.
But age has a lot to do with disease. Case in point: COVID-19 cases in America. Another look at the stats will tell you most of the COVID-19 deaths in America involved mostly senior citizens. Indeed, 9 % of people that have died in the US due to the virus were above 50 years of age.
A timely comparison should help us see the implications of the age differences. Sub-Saharan Africa does not have as robust a healthcare system as America. It would be logical if the virus would take a bigger toll on the lagging continent. But, contrary to expectation, sub-Saharan Africa COVID-19 deaths are markedly lower. One of the factors experts point out: the median age there is 18 while the median age in America is 38.1, about 10 years higher.
No doubt, aging in itself is a whole new world for many. It comes with struggles and challenges, and many times, people don’t know how to navigate this season. The good news is there are tried-and-true things you can do to age better. Take a closer look at five expert tips to do just that.
Mind What You Eat and Drink
As cliche as this sounds, it is the truth. And it is vital to adhere to eating and drinking well. Ensure you eat well as you grow older.
Over time, the cells and organs in your body begin to grow weak as well. For this reason, your body can’t fight against diseases just like it used to when you were younger. So you need to constantly boost your body’s immune system to help you fight against diseases. And the way to do that is by eating well.
Your diet should have less saturated fat and low-fat dairy. Opt for fruits and vegetables with oily fish and whole grains. This would help build your body better.
Plus, ensure you take a lot of water. You want to make sure you are constantly hydrated. And the way to do that is by drinking a lot of water daily. If you feel water is too plain, you can add lemon or lime to your water to have some taste. You can also take some tea and coffee as well as fruit juices but stay away from fizzy drinks.
Also, alcohol isn’t the best for you as you age. Stay away from alcohol consumption as much as you can.
Take Care of Your Teeth
According to WHO, about 3.5 billion people in the world have one oral disease or the other. And that’s because many people neglect oral health.
If you want to stay as healthy as can be, keeping your teeth in tiptop shape is a must. Unchecked plaque build-up has been linked to a host of diseases: heart disease, stroke, arthritis, to name a few.
As you grow old, it becomes even harder to keep your teeth in shape and avoid oral diseases. This is why you have to be deliberate about caring for your teeth.
Brush at least two times a day and floss every day. This will help get rid of food pieces that get stuck in your mouth, and that way, you can reduce the risk of having gum diseases.
Go for checkups as often as you can. This will also help you keep your teeth in shape even as you grow old.
Visit Your Doctor Often
Don’t be scared to make use of your doctor. Visit your doctor as soon as you feel uncomfortable. It is also necessary to visit your doctor for regular checkups. With regular checkups, your doctor can tell if there is any problem with your body before it escalates. With this, you can deal with diseases before they gain ground in your body.
If you want to look good, a visit to a derma clinic for some Botox specials and other great deals and services should bid you well. The ability of Botox to reduce facial wrinkles is spot on. And this can be very beneficial to your state of mind and confidence even as you age.
Remain Physically Active
Don’t make the mistake of remaining sedentary when you start to age. You must remain physically active. Staying physically active will help keep the body and mind in shape. You can also reduce the risk of having diseases like stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and even obesity.
You don’t have to go to the gym to be physically active. For one, you can try out things like gardening, taking a walk in the park, climbing the stairs, and jogging. All these will help you stay active even as you age. These activities should be done at least 5 times a week or a minimum of 150 minutes in a week.
Sleep Well
Ensure you get enough sleep daily. Get a minimum of 8 hours of sleep in the day, so that you can function well the next day.
If you have insomnia, visit your doctor so that you can be given medications that can help out. You can also try taking hot milk or chamomile tea just before you sleep. This should be effective in helping you sleep like a baby, not to mention age with grace.
