healthyful life

It's almost impossible these days to avoid all the experts who preach about the benefits of healthy living. Since most of these so-called experts are trying to sell you something, they're easier to dismiss. Seniors should especially try to see through the gimmicks being presented as health advice, however, there is an important message contained in these sales pitches in that everyone should make an effort to stay healthy no matter what their age. By doing this, the quality of your life will continue to improve, even well into your senior years.

The simple fact is that maintaining your health has a lot to do with moderation. There is no point getting obsessive about trying to get healthy when you reach a certain age as this could take all of the enjoyment out of your life. If you have a bad habit you know isn't good for you, try to reduce rather than remove it completely from your life and being miserable all the time. There are specific key areas you should pay particular attention to as a senior if you want to stay healthy:

Exercise: It's recommended that seniors do at least an hour of exercise every week. This can be divided into six ten minute sessions, or three twenty minute sessions and so on. This hour of exercise will give your muscles and joints a work out to help them stay supple and flexible, and reduce the risk of arthritis or stiff joints. Exercise gets your blood pumping, helps boost your immune system and keeps diseases and illnesses at bay, allowing you to enjoy many healthy senior years.

Nutrition: Diet is going to be even more important for seniors than anyone else. Diabetes is a common illness among seniors and must be controlled by diet. Other illnesses, from osteoporosis and arthritis, can also be controlled by a careful diet plan. Though these ailments can't be cured with a healthy diet, the condition a senior's body is in can make a big difference. Maintaining a diet of nutritious, wholesome meals will help seniors gain enough strength to fight off their effects.

Smoking: Everyone knows by now about the dangers of tobacco, yet there are still many seniors who smoke. Since seniors are more vulnerable to breathing difficulties, it's advisable to consider quitting if you still smoke. There are ways a senior can find help if they choose to do so, including clinics, medications and counseling sessions. However, if you've decided not to quit, then it's advisable to at least cut down. Illnesses associated with smoking include lung cancer, pneumonia and poor circulation, so you should ask yourself if it's really worth the health risk the next time you light up.

Alcohol: Consuming alcohol is fine, as long as it's done in moderation. Health guidelines say that men shouldn't consume more than two units of alcohol a day, and women should limit themselves to one. A unit equals a glass of wine or beer, or a shot of liquor. Some types of alcohol, such as red wine, are considered healthier than others. However, any type of alcohol can contribute to certain cancers and liver disease, so consume alcohol carefully.

Medical Checkups: Seniors are advised to get regular health checks, including blood pressure, sight and hearing exams. Blood glucose should also be tested to catch any sign of diabetes at an early stage. Some doctors also do a urine test to ensure their patients are in good health.

Nothing in life is more precious than your health and seniors should pay even more attention to theirs. Seniors are vulnerable to the effects of ill health and should make more of an effort to look after themselves than other age groups. Trying to stay healthy will probably prolong your life and will certainly improve the quality, regardless of how many years you have left