FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTUU/KTVF) – Staying healthy as we age is something that requires dedication and consistency especially as we get older. According to the Anchorage Senior Activity Center, there are three key components to healthy aging which include diet, exercise and brain stimulation.
“We want to make sure that we have adequate protein that comes from nutrient dense sources, so that could be lean meat, fish. Those sorts of things are very important when it comes to protein,” said Celine Kaplan, marketing director for the Anchorage Senior Activity Center. As for fruits and vegetables, she said focusing on brain healthy fruits such as berries is very important. “We just want to make sure we have a good balance of both fruits, vegetables, and then whole grains as well.“
Hydration is key to a healthy diet as well. “[It’s] very important to stay hydrated with healthy sources, water being number one,” Kaplan said. The National Council on Aging adds that older adults should focus on water rich foods and that they should keep a water bottle with them, while avoiding alcohol which removes water from the body.
Exercise is also key to healthy aging, and it’s vital to focus on strength as we get older. “Muscle loss is a concern as we grow older, so we want to be mindful of that,” Kaplan said.
But staying strong simply means being active. “Staying active could mean a lot of different things, it could mean just getting out and about, running errands, really committing to regular physical activity is important,” said Kaplan. That includes stretching. “Also, grip is very important as we age,” she added. “Doing just simple exercises with a ball, squeezing a ball, maintaining your grip throughout your life is very important.”
Keeping the mind sharp is crucial too. That is something that requires brain exercises and socialization. “Brain exercises would be anything like puzzles, playing card games, reading,” Kaplan explained. “Reading is a wonderful way to keep the mind moving and keep us thinking about things and then that can even move into socialization by joining a book club.
“It’s very important that we stay socialized, so we don’t become isolated and that’s been a concern in the United States,” she said.
Younger family members can help older adults with all of these healthy habits by engaging in activities with their older relatives.
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