There is no secret to healthy aging. It’s a matter of compounding habits that add up to age with grace.
For St. George, Utah, resident Jay C., he doesn’t do anything drastic when it comes to his healthy aging. He stays active, eats healthy, gets enough rest, and interacts with people on a regular basis. This routine has allowed him to compete at the Huntsman World Senior Games, which takes place in St. George every year and Intermountain Health is a sponsor, in cycling for the past 11 years.
“I try to balance my life,” Jay said.
The hard work has paid off for the 75-year-old, as he’s reached the podium 25 times with many of them coming in recent years.
“I stayed with it, and it worked,” Jay said. “This last time I was able to get three gold medals.”
Intermountain provider Margaret “Beth” Sweeney suggests that older patients take active steps in building habits as soon as possible to make aging easier. Activities like joining senior fitness classes at gyms or getting on a treadmill or stationary bicycle can go a long way.
“Don’t be afraid of joining the gym,” said Dr. Sweeney, who added joining groups who golf or play pickleball is also an option. “These are things you can actually do in the summer or the winter.”
Another aspect of healthy aging is to train your balance. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one million seniors are hospitalized due to falls. Beth suggests training balance while going to the gym and taking part in smaller habits that can strengthen balance.
“Park as far away from where you’re going, if you can. Take the stairs if you can. Don’t take the escalator. Don’t take the elevator. Walk daily,” Dr. Sweeney said.
As for diet, Dr. Sweeney said it’s important to hydrate, eat vegetables, lean meats and avoid excess salt and starches.
“A lot of older people don’t want to drink water because they have to go to the bathroom all the time, and they have trouble holding their urination,” Dr. Sweeney said. “This is a big deal. They don’t have water. They get dizzy, and that adds to the balance issue.”
The last thing Dr. Sweeney suggests that patients do: accept that aging is part of life and take it in stride as it comes.
“Not being tied up in the number is important,” Dr Sweeney said. “You have a perception of what [aging is] supposed to be. That’s not true. You simply must go by how you feel.”
For more healthy aging tips, talk to your provider for advice specific to your situation.
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