Notice of Financial Incentive<\/span>. <\/div>\nPlease enter a valid email address.<\/span><\/p>\nHaving trouble? Click here.<\/span><\/footer>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWith the number of Americans over age 65 expected to skyrocket by 47% between 2022 and 2050, there is a growing emphasis on living well \u2014 not just long \u2014 into the senior years<\/u><\/span>.<\/p>\n Two gerontologists from Home Instead, a national in-home senior care provider owned by Honor Company in San Francisco, shared their top tips for how aging adults can stay healthy and energized<\/u><\/span>.<\/p>\n1. Checkup from the neck up<\/strong><\/h2>\nLakelyn Eichenberger, PhD, a gerontologist (aging expert) and caregiving advocate based in Omaha, Nebraska, recommends getting a baseline cognitive assessment early on to monitor your cognitive health<\/u><\/span>. <\/p>\n MEN\u2019S ENERGY AND VITALITY PLUMMETS FOR 6 REASONS. BOOST IT BACK UP THIS WAY<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n “Cognitive exams are included as part of the Medicare wellness visit for those over 65,” she shared with Fox News Digital. <\/p>\n
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With the number of Americans over age 65 expected to skyrocket by 47% between 2022 and 2050, there’s a growing emphasis on living well into the senior years.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n“Even if you have no current concerns about your cognition, having a baseline and normalizing the conversation with your health care provider can open doors if issues arise down the road.”<\/p>\n
2. Volunteer and give back<\/strong><\/h2>\nEngaging in volunteer activities can provide a sense of fulfillment and purpose, and it can also promote longevity<\/u><\/span>, according to Eichenberger.<\/p>\n\n“Giving back can lift your mood, knowing you\u2019re making a difference in others’ lives.”<\/p>\n
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“The connections made through volunteering offer important social outlets and opportunities to form new friendships,” she said. <\/p>\n
“Giving back can lift your mood, knowing you\u2019re making a difference in others’ lives.”<\/p>\n
3. Stay social<\/strong><\/h2>\nJenny Munro, MA, a Nebraska-based gerontologist, emphasized the importance of older adults having an active social life and cultivating quality relationships<\/u><\/span>.<\/p>\n “Make a point of connecting regularly with relatives, friends and neighbors,” she recommended in an email to Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n
NEW STUDY REVEALS EXTREME WEATHER’S IMPACT ON SENIORS’ ATTENDANCE AT DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n It can be helpful to maintain social connections with people of different generations, both older and younger, Munro advised.<\/p>\n
“Volunteer at a school or community center,” she suggested. “Focus on the relationships and activities that you enjoy the most.”<\/p>\n
4. Never stop moving<\/strong><\/h2>\nAdults age 65 and over should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).<\/p>\n
They should also participate in at least two days of strength-training exercises<\/u><\/span> and balance-improving movements, the agency recommends.<\/p>\n\n
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Adults age 65 and over should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week, according to the CDC.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n“You don’t need to go to a gym every day, but you do have to move,” Munro said. “Movement can include going for a walk, gardening and climbing stairs.”<\/p>\n
Walking a mile is good<\/span> for you, she said \u2014 and walking fast for a mile is better, as it will raise the heart rate. <\/p>\n“Movement is essential for vitality,” Munro noted. “If you haven\u2019t been exercising, starting today can significantly protect your brain later. It\u2019s never too late.”<\/p>\n
5. Learn and stay curious<\/strong><\/h2>\n“Adopt a learner\u2019s mindset and follow your curiosity,” Eichenberger said. “Mental stimulation<\/u><\/span> is beneficial for brain health and comes in many forms.”<\/p>\n\n“Be open to new experiences and maintain curiosity about the world, leading to a more engaged and fulfilling life.”<\/p>\n
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The expert suggests engaging in activities that challenge the brain, such as completing puzzles<\/span>, reading, learning new skills or playing musical instruments. <\/p>\n“Be open to new experiences and maintain curiosity about the world, leading to a more engaged and fulfilling life,” she advised.<\/p>\n
6. Get proper nutrition<\/strong><\/h2>\nTo manage healthy blood pressure<\/u><\/span> and blood sugar levels, Munro recommends eating a high-nutrient diet that’s rich in whole grains, vegetables, leafy greens, nuts, berries and fish \u2014 and low in red meat, butter and sweets. <\/p>\n\n
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“When you eat a rainbow of vegetables, you eat a more diverse array of nutrients, many of them brain-friendly antioxidants,” an expert advised.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n“Eat a wide variety of different colored vegetables,” she said. “When you eat a rainbow of vegetables, you eat a more diverse array of nutrients, many of them brain-friendly antioxidants.”<\/p>\n
The expert also recommends preparing meals at home<\/span>, as this allows more control over the salt, sugar and fat content than buying prepared meals or food from restaurants. <\/p>\n7. Manage caregiving stressors<\/strong><\/h2>\nMany family members become caregivers for an aging parent or loved one at some point. <\/p>\n
“While caregiving can be rewarding, it can also cause stress<\/u><\/span> and put you at risk of burnout,” Eichenberger told Fox News Digital. <\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP<\/u><\/strong><\/span> <\/strong><\/p>\n“Long-term stress hormones like cortisol can negatively affect health.”<\/p>\n
Finding ways to effectively manage stress can benefit the aging journey, the doctor said.<\/p>\n
“Use resources like home care or respite care to provide breaks from the caregiving role, allowing you to refresh, recharge and tend to your own needs,” she suggested.<\/p>\n
8. Prioritize sleep<\/strong><\/h2>\nLosing sleep will have both short- and long-term consequences on your health, according to Munro.<\/p>\n
“During slumber, your brain clears away toxic waste that builds up early in the development of Alzheimer’s disease<\/u><\/span>,” she said. <\/p>\n\n
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To ensure adequate sleep, an expert recommends sticking to a schedule, waking up to early morning light, eliminating electronics before bed, and sleeping in a cool, quiet and dark place.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n“The body also heals tissues, strengthens memory and even grows during sleep.”<\/p>\n
To ensure adequate sleep, Munro recommends sticking to a schedule, waking up to early morning light, eliminating electronics before bed, and sleeping in a cool, quiet and dark place.<\/p>\n
9. Cultivate a positive attitude<\/strong><\/h2>\nFostering a positive outlook on life has been linked to better health outcomes and longevity<\/u><\/span>, according to Eichenberger.<\/p>\n “Embrace aging and lean into the wisdom and experience you\u2019ve gathered over your lifetime,” she advised.<\/p>\n
10. Maintain a sense of purpose<\/strong><\/h2>\n“A sense of purpose means that you see life as having meaning, a sense of direction and goals to live for,” Munro said \u2014 something she calls “active aging.”<\/p>\n
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Staying engaged in a job, especially one that’s satisfying, tends to keep people physically active<\/u><\/span>, socially connected and mentally challenged, Munro said, which helps to protect cognition. <\/p>\n\n“Embrace aging and lean into the wisdom and experience you\u2019ve gathered over your lifetime.”<\/p>\n
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“Delay retirement as long as possible. And when you retire, don’t quit on life,” she suggested.<\/p>\n
“Find activities that are joyful and stimulating. There’s power to maintaining a sense of purpose by continuing to learn, discover and complete complex tasks.”<\/p>\n
11. Plan ahead to age your way<\/strong><\/h2>\nThink about where and how you want to age, Eichenberger advised. <\/p>\n
For more Health articles, visit <\/u><\/strong><\/i><\/span>www.foxnews\/health<\/u><\/strong><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n “Consider your living environment and how you can make modifications to ensure it\u2019s suitable for aging in place,” she suggested. <\/p>\n
“Also, think about the support you might need to age on your own terms.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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