Maintaining good nutrition and adopting daily exercise routine is critical for enjoying a healthy senior citizen lifestyle. The four most common old age problems are discussed below.
Memory loss and cognitive health
The most common problem faced with aging is the onset of depression which is due to hormone disbalance. As the body becomes weak, it fails to coordinate and respond well to the mind. Whereas the mind refuses to acknowledge that the body becomes to age. This situation causes humans to think they can do a certain task. However, the body cannot manage them. Sadly, this mental condition is rarely diagnosed and therefore remain untreated.
Regular cardiovascular and muscular exercises can easily remedy this issue. They are bridging mental and physical coordination.
Exercise also releases an organic chemical in the body known as dopamine. As we age, the dopamine level decreases in the body, which causes many brain diseases. Exercising three to four days a week can give you a great boost in dopamine level naturally.
Memory loss is also linked with depression. All these issues fall under cognitive health. According to various studies by 2050, 50 million senior citizens will have dementia. Hypertension and depression are the main causes of dementia. These can be managed through regular exercise and developing spiritual habits like meditation or yoga.
Immune system and malnutrition
After the age of 65, the muscles and bones of the human body rapidly lose their strength. The condition is known as malnutrition which can lead to a further problem such as a weak immune system. The human body becomes more prone to diseases and illness due to a weak immune system.
There are many causes of malnutrition. For example, unhealthy diet and excess consumption of salt and sugar slow down the digestive system. Good nutrition consisting of vegetables and fruits, will provide much-needed fiber in the diet.
The social and psychological factor is one of the most influencing factors to the malnutrition. Sometimes economic stress, cultural norms, lifestyle, society, and other things will create hypertension, depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Due to these problems, it becomes more difficult for an older person to eat which leads to the malnutrition.
Once the muscles of the body start losing its strength because of malnutrition, the overall immune system gets affected, causing frequent common illnesses like fever, flu and upset stomach. A weakened immune system in old age can trigger many other problems. Therefore, extreme importance should be given to nutrition in old age — foods which contain calcium, vitamins, and proteins cannot be ignored.
Gut-Related problems
A healthy stomach and digestion process are the most ignored factor. However, it is one of the most important factors for overall wellness. The human digestive system is complex and with age becomes very weak. Undigested food can prevent a good sleeping pattern at night. As they age, it becomes difficult to get good quality daily required sleep. Bad digestion is responsible for broken sleep at night, and frequent visits to the bathroom are never a pleasant experience. With age, we need fewer calories, but most elderly adults indulge in overeating.
The solution for having a healthy tummy is to consume less but more healthy food and avoid eating after 8 pm. A fibrous diet consisting of fruits and vegetables is important here. A daily dose of yogurt can do wonderful things for the guts. Yogurt is full of probiotics which are critical for a healthy digestive system according to the international association of elderly health.
Dry fruits and nuts also play an important role in healthy digestion as well as strengthening bones, which gets to our last discussion of bone health.
Bone and joint-related problem
“Nuts, nuts, and more nuts,” this is one of nature’s perfect foods. Mix them with honey and consume them on their own, almonds and wall-nuts and other nuts maintain bones and joints in old age. These problems most probably found in aged citizens.
Foods like nuts, honey, olive oil are rich in healthy oils that lubricate the joints. Numerous studies in European universities demonstrate that chicken, mutton and beef stock all provide gelatin and healthy fats to the skeleton system. Therefore, enjoying these beef stock food and Grains cooked in chicken broth, once in a while can have good effects on bones and joints.
Old age is nature’s time for wisdom and relaxation. Including the above healthy habit can make age make only a number. There is no alternative to old age wisdom and experience society. Whether you want to feel energetic, active and positive or lead a dull and hospitalize life is your decision to make.