As part of the natural aging process, our bodies and faculties decline as we get older and it’s common for various problems to appear, no matter how healthy we might have been in our youth.
However, it’s important to remember that aging need not necessarily mean surrendering to poor health by default. Indeed, there are many things you can do to combat the aging process, ranging from adopting healthy habits to having regular medical checkups and making efforts to stay active.
While Aging Is Inevitable, Health Complaints Aren’t
The desire for eternal youth is as old as time itself but, while you most definitely can’t stop the process of aging, you can still make significant inroads with some sensible lifestyle changes and healthy choices. Below are a few of the more common health problems caused by aging and ways in which you could effectively slow their effects:
Arthritis and ways to combat it: Arthritis is one of the most common complaints among older people and typically develops through a condition that causes inflammation, pain and stiffness in the joints. However, it can be relatively easy to avoid developing arthritis by taking regular, low-impact exercise, such as cycling or swimming, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Osteoporosis symptoms and ways to avoid it: Osteoporosis is a complaint that causes a general weakening of the bones, making them susceptible to fractures and breakages. Some of the best ways to combat osteoporosis include maintaining a good diet, ensuring a high intake of calcium and vitamin D, and doing weight-bearing exercises. These can include exercises as simple as walking and basic strength training that will help maintain bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.
Dental issues: Again, one of the most common health complaints among older people (and even in younger persons), dental problems can include tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Issues with teeth can be relatively easily combatted by following a good diet that’s low in sugary foods, maintaining healthy oral hygiene practices, and taking regular checkups with a dentist that will examine your teeth with equipment cleaned with dental water distillers.
The growing problem with diabetes: Although it can strike at any age, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with age so you should take sensible precautions to reduce the chances of contracting this often-debilitating disease. While diabetes can be caused by hereditary factors, the risks can be mitigated by following a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight for your size, and taking regular exercise.
Cognitive decline: As we get older, it’s almost inevitable that we will suffer some form of memory loss, a decline in cognitive abilities, and a possible reduction in mental functions. To reduce these effects, it’s important to keep the mind active and engage in challenging mental activities, like quizzes, learning, reading, and staying socially active. A good diet can also help with brain health and keeping a high cognitive function. Much like exercising the body, anything that stimulates your brain and demands it to be active will help keep it functioning properly.