Before I retired I spent many years working in nursing homes for the elderly. I helped look after residents with a variety of mental and physical problems. Now I have reached seventy myself I am trying to put what I learnt into practice.
I remember years ago one of my nursing lecturers saying that if he ever ended up in care and one of us made him throw a beanbag into a hoop or wiggle a parachute he would not be responsible for his actions. Now I attend an exercise class where we do just that.
While we can’t stop the clock there is a lot we can do to improve our chances of leading a longer healthier life. The good news is that research shows that the lifestyle choices we make even well into our seventies remain important for healthy aging.
I have written some posts about keeping as fit as possible.
Easy tips for happy and healthy ageing
Easy ways for seniors to stay healthy this winter
How to make healthy more affordable
Why retirement can be the beginning not the end
Why some people get Asthma in later life
How to reduce your risks of falls
How to live with osteoarthritis
How to keep your nails, strong and healthy
How a healthy muscle mass helps boost longevity
How to spot the silent symptoms of diabetes
Mental health
Since turning 70, I find I have been slowing down mentally as well as physically. For 30 years I was very active raising my five children while following my career. I still try to active and learn new skills. None of us have a guaranteed tomorrow and we all have to expect life to throw us a few curved balls. I am glad that Bill and I have had the chance to grow old together.
In January I will be writing several posts on living with a long-term mental illness, covering subjects like how to ask for help, how to support someone else with a chronic mental illness and what to do when it all gets too much.
Benefits of detox, yoga and meditation
Tips to maintain good cognitive health
Navigating the risks of dementia and cognitive decline
Ways to heal after the death of a loved one
How to maintain a good relationship with your adult children
Accessing mental health services need not be scary
How to support someone with a mental illness
What to do when your mental illness gets too much
Creating the right environment
Our environment and particularly our home plays an important part in helping us to maintain both mental and physical health. A cosy, clean and safe home will help us maintain our independence for longer.