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24 Jul 2018

Celebrating International Self-Care Day (ISD) - Living a Healthy Lifestyle as a Senior

   

Topics: Senior Health, Active Seniors

Celebrated annually on July 24, International Self-Care Day (ISD), aimed at giving focus and public awareness on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and preventing or delaying illnesses around the globe.

Since its start in 2011, it provides a friendly avenue where emphasis is placed on individuals and groups to encourage self-care in the community.

 

What does ISD Stand for?

ISD stands for the benefits of self-care 24 hours a day, seven days a week and the gain of self-care is far-reaching and long-term and is not limited to a single day.

 

6 Ways Seniors can Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle

In light of the day, here are some ways you can embrace a healthy lifestyle and not shy away from it.

  1. Look for the silver lining:
    “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.”  We are bound to face challenges in life. We should not let this singular factor stop us from living a healthy lifestyle. Learn how to face your challenges, reflect on them and overcome it.  

  2. Volunteer:
    As a senior, if possible, giving back is a great way to live well and happy. Along with being a service in your community, you get to bond with new friends and the interaction you have with people, the meanings that come with helping will improve you and enrich your life.  

  3. Be an action taker:
    Challenges will happen and most times, there are some who seems bigger for us to handle.
    Never ignore it; ignoring it doesn’t make it go into extinction. It will only increase your tension and the problem to improve. You should instead take things easily and figure things out. Get a plan, put it to work, take action and win your challenge. After sorting out a problem, imagine the adrenaline it gives to your state of mind and well-being. Never let challenges affect your emotional and mental health.

  4. Make it a duty to connect with your family and friends:
    Always make time out for your loved ones and enjoy quality moments with them. It may even be your next door neighbour who you do light exercises with, a date with a former class or workmate or taking your grandchildren shopping.

    Make sure you always put a call through to them or exchange emails if they are not around you.

  5. Eat more high-fiber fruits, vegetables, and whole grains:
    As you age, your digestive system tends to slow down which makes consuming fiber very important for you.

    Make it a habit by eating fiber-filled foods like fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. They will help provide you with more energy throughout your day and improve your lifestyle, helping to add further give meaning. Health is wealth.

  6. Always be on the lookout for dehydration:
    Due to change in your physical makeup, you as a senior citizen have more tendencies to be dehydrated. Ensure you drink more than enough water even if you think you are not thirsty. Water is very important, and low intake affects the body’s productivity.