Doing This After Age 60 is "Unhealthy," Warn Physicians
Bad health behaviors can have a serious negative impact on our overall well-being and not taking care of ourselves as we age is risky since health issues are more likely to occur. Dr. Jacob Hascalovici, the Chief Medical Officer with Clearing, a telehealth platform for chronic pain patients reminds us, "Bodies and minds are often so tough and resilient, but it becomes increasingly important to take care of them as we age." But with a few positive lifestyle changes, you can get your health back on track and enjoy your 60s. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.
Stop Smoking Already
Dr. Hascalovici states, "Smoking may be your chosen way to relax or just a deeply ingrained habit…it's also deadly. It increases the risks of many chronic conditions and can make it harder for you to heal from any injuries, which only gets harder to deal with as you get older. As soon as you stop or slow down smoking, the body starts recuperating."
Stop Sitting and Get Moving
According to Dr. Hascalovici, "Sitting can lead to more problems with your heart health, to lost muscle mass, to weaker bones, to weight gain, and to mood disorders. Though it feels as though it should be relaxing, sitting around or being sedentary actually hurts us a lot. It deprives us of natural mood-lifting hormones and weakens our bodies. The answer is to move more."
Neglecting Your Oral Health
Dr. Rene Armenta, board-certified bariatric and general surgeon with Renew Bariatrics says, "Oral health is often overlooked as we get older, but it's just as important as the rest of our health. Seniors are at an increased risk of developing gum disease and other dental problems, so it's important to regularly brush and floss and see your dentist for regular checkups."
Stop Eating So Much Sugar
"Among all the poor food decisions it's possible to make, sugar is pretty high on the list," says Dr. Hascalovici. "It's nutritionally empty. With time, sugar can lead to poor moods, to diabetes, and to poor health overall. A little bit goes a long way (and should be enjoyed…but only in moderation!) Sugary sodas, many alcoholic beverages, and even some juices should be avoided."
Not Socializing
Dr. Hascalovici explains, "Humans often do well, both physically and mentally, with company. As we age, we often tend to stay home more. We're dealing with losses, with more pain, with the difficulty of leaving home, or simply with loneliness, isolation, and the hassle of figuring out how to make more friends. The more we self-isolate, however, the more we lose track of the big picture and may start to feel terribly alone. This can really damage our physical health as well and keep us chronically stressed."
Eating Junk Food
Dr. Armenta reminds us that, "Just because you're getting older doesn't mean you have to give up on eating healthy. In fact, seniors need to be even more careful about what they eat since their bodies are less able to process and eliminate unhealthy substances. Too much junk food can lead to obesity, heart disease, and other health problems. Try to limit your fast food intake, snack foods, and other unhealthy treats, and fill your diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein instead." And to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
