How Can You Live Your Healthiest Life as You Age?

Every day is another day we can make healthier choices in order to live a longer, healthier life. That’s especially important as we get older.

Our in-home care providers at Qualicare North York want to offer some tips on steps you can take to boost your health. Let’s take a look at three ways you can improve your health as you age:

Get Plenty of Sleep

When it comes to getting enough sleep every night, not much has changed. Just as you needed to get enough sleep when you were younger to have a productive day, the same is true for getting enough sleep when you are older.

While you can get by with a little less sleep as an older adult, you still need to aim for between seven and eight hours of sleep each night.

Not getting enough sleep as you age can increase your risk of:

• Depression
• Irritability
• Falls
• Memory issues

Therefore, set yourself up for bedtime success by making your room quiet and dark, turning off all electronics at least 30 minutes before bed and avoiding caffeine late at night.

Manage Your Stress

Stress is a part of life. However, chronic stress can lead to depression and cognitive decline. Therefore, it is important to do what you can to better manage stress.

Avoid stress triggers when you can, exercise regularly, get enough sleep (back to point No. 1), meditate or sit quietly with your thoughts, and eat a healthy diet.

Stop Smoking

Smoking is one of the single most preventable causes of death. Think there’s no reason to quit now that you’re older? Think again.

You begin to reap the health benefits of quitting smoking within 24 hours after quitting, and those positive effects continue for years thereafter. Talk with your doctor about a cessation strategy that would work best for you.

Are you looking for someone to help care for your loved one in the comfort of home? Contact our in-home care providers at Qualicare North York to learn how we can help!