Health and wellness are paramount. Our bodies deserve loving care, and there are several ways to ensure we achieve this.
In Canada, June 11 to 16th is Men’s Health Week, during which the Canadian government encourages men to care for their bodies and improve their overall health. Here at Seasons Retirement Communities, we care not only about the social well-being of our residents but their physical health as well.
We’ve compiled a list of our top 6 wellness tips for older men.
Prevention is the best cure, so we’ve made it our top health tip. The best way to ensure that you are in optimal health is by maintaining regular visits with your healthcare provider.
This tip is especially true if you have an existing condition or have had any health complications. Even if you’re feeling great, you should visit your doctor at least once annually, as your doctor is formally trained to help you look after your body and keep it in the best possible condition.
Be sure to get screenings to ensure everything works and prevent any malfunction before it starts.
Here is a list of standard screenings for older men:
Remember that this list is not exhaustive and only includes some of the most common health screenings. Talk to your doctor about which screening tests you should get for a more personalized recommendation.
Surveys have shown that compared to women, men are less likely to visit the doctor when they’re not feeling well.
If you aren’t feeling your best, book an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. It may be something relatively harmless and simple to fix. However, it’s always best to catch health issues in the early stages if the issue is more serious.
A short list of common health issues for men over 60:
As previously stated, prevention is the best cure. Visiting your doctor regularly and booking an appointment if you notice something wrong is a great way to avoid and prevent common health issues.
Always consult your healthcare provider before trying any new diets or meal plans. If you are on medications, ask which foods they think would be best for you and your lifestyle.
Healthy eating habits are vital to a healthy lifestyle. Think about it; you wouldn’t give a premium car cheap gas! Similarly, our bodies need the best fuel for the best results, especially as we age. Consuming the recommended servings of fruits, vegetables, protein, carbs, and healthy fats is essential to keeping your body and brain functioning at their best.
Studies have shown that not getting enough sleep can harm your mental and physical health. It is recommended that most adults get seven to eight hours every night. Not getting enough sleep can make you feel groggy and irritable in the morning, which isn’t fun for you or the people around you.
However, there are also more serious effects than just feeling cranky when you wake up. Sleep deprivation can strain your immune system, making fighting sickness and disease more difficult. It can impact your brain’s ability to concentrate and problem-solve; over time, it can also harm your memory and coordination.
Ensure you get enough sleep and rest so your body can repair and restore your energy for the coming days.
Like diets and food plans, always contact your doctor before attempting any new exercise regimen.
In addition to eating well and sleeping well, exercise is essential to a healthy lifestyle. According to the Canadian government, 82% of men aren’t meeting the recommended guidelines for physical activity.
Our bodies are designed to move. Exercising daily is a great way to maintain strength, balance, and coordination and reduce the risk of disease.
Of course, not everyone has to be a marathon runner, but even daily walking has been proven to reduce stress, improve sleep, boost energy and decrease depression.
Moving the body regularly increases blood flow to the muscles, improving cardiovascular health and leaving your body feeling healthy and energized. Exercise also releases endorphins which boost your mood.
Like your body, your brain also needs exercise. Activities like puzzles, chess and learning a language or a musical instrument are great ways to boost memory and cognitive function. Learning a new skill is good for your mind, and you can enjoy it!
Wellness isn’t just about physical health but social health as well. The last but not least tip on our wellness tips list is to get out of your bubble and stay connected.
As social creatures, human beings need human connection. Many retirees join clubs and social groups to stay active in a community of people and friends. Joining a book club at the library or a men’s group at a religious organization is a great way to make friends and engage in meaningful discussions with others.
Like to walk or play board games? Start a walking group or host a regular games night and invite your friends to join.
Overall, wellness is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper sleep play a huge role in keeping our bodies healthy and our minds alert.
It is important to note that health and wellness aren’t limited to physical activity alone. Be sure to include socialization and community to maintain overall health and well-being.
Our team here at Seasons takes great care to ensure our community of both older men and women get the proper care they need to live stronger, healthier lives. If you want to learn more about how Seasons Retirement Communities fosters a supportive environment for wellness, contact us today.