Building Healthy Weight Management Practices as You Age: What You Need to Know
As you age, establishing healthy weight management practices can help prevent age-related health issues. Adopting a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and mindful eating habits are key to sustaining a healthy weight and enhancing quality of life in the later years.
Aging gracefully isn't about fighting the clock. It has more to do with embracing the changes that come with time and adjusting your lifestyle and wellness routines, especially your weight-loss approach, to keep you in tip-top shape as the years pass.
Maintaining a healthy body weight is a non-negotiable as we age, potentially reducing the risk of related chronic diseases like hypertension, coronary heart disease, and diabetes. So, what are the steps for catering to overall health as we age?
From intermittent fasting to physical activity to quality sleep, this article looks into core strategies for building the ideal weight-management routine tailored to your needs and the delicate balance of your aging body.
Intermittent Fasting (IF)
Intermittent fasting is a practice that alternates designated periods of eating and fasting. Simply, it involves avoiding your food at particular times of the day. You can shed pounds quickly by employing IF in your weight loss routine. It also has other benefits, such as improving heart health and insulin sensitivity. The different types of IF methods are:
- The 16:8 method.
- The 5:2 method.
- The alternate-day fasting method.
- The eat-stop-method.
- The 24-hour fasting method.
Several studies show that most intermittent fasting plans are safe and tolerable for people of all ages. However, as you age, your nutritional and metabolism needs change, and it is vital to consider these factors when implementing intermittent fasting into your weight routine. Also, an intermittent fasting by age chart was created to make it easier to know the IF method suitable for your age.
The intermittent fasting by age chart is a beneficial tool, offering personalized recommendations for eating and fasting windows based on age group.
Exercise
Engaging in physical activities is a cornerstone in achieving healthy weight goals. Regular exercise helps to boost the body's metabolism process, effectively burning calories. This is important as the body's metabolic rate declines with old age.
Here are a few criteria for establishing a functional workout regimen.
For Cardiovascular Health
You should engage in aerobic activities for at least 150 minutes each week. Ensure you choose activities you enjoy to enhance your dedication to the routine. Likewise, choose exercises that aren't as stressful on your body, particularly as you age, as the added stress can lead to injuries.
For Preservation of Muscle
Perform some strength training exercises that target major muscles. Exercise equipment like resistance bands, strength-training machines, and free weights like dumbbells and kettlebells are great options.
Regarding the number of repetitions per exercise, experts suggest between 8 to 12 reps for strength, endurance, and muscle hypertrophy.
You need to schedule your exercise for two to three times a week. Additionally, to ensure consistency and dedication, you can socialize with fellow gym users, find classes in your community, or find a friend on the same journey.
For Balance and Flexibility
It's pretty common knowledge that aging affects balance and flexibility. You can join a yoga class to start sine stretching exercises, which are great for maintaining and improving flexibility and balance.
Balanced Nutrition
Regarding dietary requirements, aging means prioritizing certain foods over others due to the reduced metabolic rate. Proteins, vitamins, and minerals remain the staple nutritional needs for younger and older people.
A daily consumption of 0.6 to 0.7 grams of protein per pound of body weight is necessary to reduce the onset of sarcopenia, improve skin health, and boost immune function. You can meet your daily requirements by incorporating eggs, lean meat, fish, beans, and low-fat dairy products into your meals.
Regarding vitamins and minerals, vitamins B12, D, and calcium are vital for your health. This is because vitamin B12 helps to maintain nerve function, red blood cell formation, and cell metabolism. It also supports the production of neurotransmitters.
However, it becomes harder for your body to absorb vitamin B12 as you age, as the chemical needed decreases. To prevent vitamin B12 deficiency, nutritionists advise older adults to eat seafood, meat, eggs, and dairy products, as these are good sources of vitamin B12.
Likewise, Vitamin D and calcium play a major role in the building and preservation of human bones and are key for muscle health. Good sources of vitamin D are mackerel, salmon, and tuna, while for calcium, you have leafy green vegetables such as kale and dairy products.
As there are essential foods to incorporate into your diet, there are foods you need to limit or stop taking. Some examples of these foods include:
- Soda pop and sugar-sweetened beverages.
- Pastries such as pies, cakes, and cookies.
- Sweet foods such as chocolate, candy, and ice cream.
- Salty snacks such as chips and pretzels.
- Deep-fried foods such as French fries.
These foods do not provide your body with any nutrients. Instead, it increases your body's fat, sugar, and calorie levels, leading to weight gain.
Quality Sleep
A good night's sleep is an underrated but effective health routine, especially as you age. Quality sleep is a prerequisite for good health, including catering to metabolism, hormone regulation, and emotional well-being.
However, people still suffer from sleep deprivation, so here are some tips to help you get better sleep:
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine. You can start with a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calm music.
- Establish a regular sleep schedule. Ensure you go to bed early and wake up at the same time the next day.
- Make your bedroom comfortable. You can do this by ensuring that your bed and bedding are comfortable and that your room is cool, dark, and quiet.
- Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. This is because these substances can interfere with sleep.
- Lastly, Avoid heavy meals and exercise before bedtime.
By following the above tips, you can easily improve the quality of your sleep and help with weight loss. Remember, getting 7-8 hours of quality sleep is essential for your overall health and well-being.
Bottom Line
Aging comes with its challenges, of which weight gain is one, but by having a positive mindset and commitment, you can maintain a healthy body weight.
To achieve that healthy body weight, consider employing the above-discussed methods in your weight loss routine as you begin your journey. But before that, remember that weight loss is more than shedding pounds; it is about living a balanced lifestyle.
In addition, remember everybody's unique and so is their weight journey. So, celebrate every minor achievement and learn from your setbacks. When it gets complicated, maintain a positive mindset. Aging is a natural part of life, so give your body every love and care it deserves at each stage. And in no time, you'll have that healthier body weight you desire.
About the Author
Marcus Howard is a writer with years of experience in the field of alternative health. He has written extensively on a variety of topics, including CBD, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and the use of alternative health options for older adults.
Marcus Howard
Contributor since July 5th, 2023
Editor's Note
As you focus on maintaining a proactive approach to your health, it's important to understand that while this may improve your longevity, it doesn't eliminate the risk of eventually needing long-term care. Aging, even with the best health practices, often brings about scenarios that require extended care, whether due to physical limitations or cognitive impairments like dementia. The truth is that increased longevity can actually heighten the possibility of needing long-term care services at some point.
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