Retirement can be a positive time to fully relax and enjoy our elder years. Of course, as we get older, we often have to slow the pace somewhat. None of us want to miss out on our favourite activities- so it can be a good plan to prioritise both our mental and physical health ongoing.

There are plenty of simple things you can do to keep yourself on a healthy path. 

  1. Prioritise Your SleepWhen you’re older, it’s essential to get enough sleep to keep your immune system up. Ensure that you always get at least 8hours a night. If you’re someone who has trouble sleeping, it can be a great idea to try supplements like magnesium.  Additionally, if you’ve noticed numbness or tingling in your extremities, muscle cramps, and mood changes, these could also be indications of magnesium deficiency, in which case taking magnesium supplements will help your body immensely. The trick to getting enough sleep is all about establishing a routine. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time daily.
  2. Try Yoga – Yoga is an excellent form of exercise to try as an elderly person. It can be a great idea to take a slow Hatha class or look for a course aimed at seniors in particular. If you’re not too keen to take a class right away, you can always try buying yourself a yoga mat and practicing a few videos at home. When trying any exercise for the first time, be mindful to take it slow and don’t attempt too much too soon.
  3. Get Your Vitamins – As we age, it becomes increasingly important to get enough vitamins! Ensure that your diet is rich in Vitamin C by eating lots of broccoli, bell peppers, and plenty of citrus fruits too. It can be a great idea to take an extra vitamin C supplement for that added boost. When the weather is cold out, we don’t tend to get enough of the sunshine vitamin (vitamin D)! To up your vitamin D, try foods like salmon and egg yolks. For Vitamin E, try eating some avocados and almond seeds too.
  4. Destress – When it comes to healthy aging, stress plays a huge role in terms of both mental and physical health. It’s important to find our own coping strategies to destress. Plenty of people find that gentle exercise helps them to relax, others find solace in walks amongst nature. It can be useful to try herbal supplements like ashwagandha as these are associated with reducing the effects of anxiety.
  5. Cognitive Stimulation – To keep our brains healthy, lifelong learning is the key. Keep on challenging your brain as you age, whether it’s brain training games like Sudoku or learning a new language. Don’t be afraid to keep on trying those new hobbies to stimulate yourself. As well as this, keep up with your friends as much as possible. As we grow older, we need to ensure that we keep a trusted support network around us.

Life passes us by quicker than many of us would like- one minute you’re 21 and the next you’re celebrating turning 65 years old today! To make the most of our lives and our loved ones, prioritising our health is the key.