Don Kramer | Specially for FLORIDA TODAY
As we get older, we become more interested in staying healthy, fit, and strong.
Unsurprisingly, this has created an industry geared towards longevity, promising seniors longer lives and happiness.
Products are often insufficiently regulated and are advertised through studies by manufacturers or sponsors.
So where do we find the fountain of youth? Continue reading.
Previous One Senior Place columns:
Before you set off, you should know that settling into an assisted living facility is difficult. Here you will find helpful tips
Help Needed: The importance of care managers for aging seniors cannot be underestimated
Get out there and help: Volunteering has many benefits for retired seniors who are looking for meaning
Eat healthy
Numerous (real) studies have confirmed the benefits of a balanced and healthy diet for a long life.
The Mediterranean Diet was named Best Overall Diet for the sixth straight year (US News & World Report).
Rich in fruits and vegetables (except potatoes), fish, whole grains, legumes, and olive oil, it is widely praised for its ability to prevent chronic disease and prolong lifespan.
keep moving
Regular physical activity promotes longevity not only through weight management, but also by reducing the risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer.
Exercise keeps your body AND your mind fit, helping seniors maintain their independence and mental agility.
Regular check-ups
Routine screening for blood pressure, cholesterol levels, heart conditions, vision and hearing problems, cancer, and bone density can lead to early detection and intervention, increasing your chances of successful treatments and healthier aging.
vitamins?
Dietary supplements appear to be a quick way to improve health and longevity.
But some do not live up to their promises – and can even be harmful.
When in doubt, consult your doctor for dietary supplement recommendations tailored to your specific health needs.
Go-Go Gadgets
Apps and gadgets galore claim to contribute to optimal health.
While fitness trackers and monitors for heart rate, oxygen and blood pressure provide feedback, they cannot replace the advice of a real healthcare professional.
looks younger
Medical and cosmetic interventions such as stem cell therapy, hormone injections or surgical interventions promise age reversal, but are often associated with enormous costs and varying degrees of risk.
In addition, the long-term effectiveness of such treatments is still unclear.
be friends
Social commitment is a crucial ingredient for a long life.
The CDC notes that “engagement in enjoyable activities is associated with better physical and mental health.”
Staying in touch with family and friends, volunteering, or participating in activities with others all contribute to longer and happier lives.
Surprised? The most effective and direct path to longer life (at least for now) is based largely on the choices we make every day.
A balanced diet, regular physical activity, regular health checks and social contacts are the way to a longer, healthier life.
One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and providers of information, advice, mentoring and on-site services for seniors and their families. Questions in this column will be answered by professionals in the fields of nursing, care management and home care. Send questions to [email protected], call 321-751-6771, or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.
Don Kramer is the Founder and CEO of One Senior Place with locations in Central Florida in Viera and the greater Orlando area.
