Living Good and Feeling Good in Your Golden Years - Things You Can Do Now

Aging is a journey we all embark on, but how we age can vary greatly. The secret to aging gracefully often lies in our daily habits. While it's never too early to start fostering these positive habits, it's important to remember that certain external factors, like injuries or illnesses, can still affect our health. Nonetheless, leading a healthy lifestyle can be the difference between truly enjoying our golden years and merely getting by.

So, what habits do you need to start picking up today? 

Improving Your Diet 

The first place you're going to want to look is your diet. What you eat now will have an impact decades from now. If you are already over 60, you can still update your diety and see tremendous benefits.

As we enter our golden years, a balanced diet becomes increasingly paramount. Proper nutrition helps combat age-related ailments, maintains optimal body function, and provides the energy and vitality needed to enjoy this significant phase of life. By prioritizing a nutrient-rich diet, we can bolster our immune systems, enhance cognitive function, and sustain bone and muscle health, ensuring that our later years are not just longer, but also richer and more fulfilling.

Choosing Nutrient-Dense Foods

For a healthier tomorrow, consider making simple substitutions in your meals today. Aim to replace ingredients in your beloved dishes with nutrient-rich alternatives for an easy yet impactful shift towards better well-being. Instead of white rice, for example, you can try out brown rice, black rice, faro, and so much more. Simply prioritizing locally grown and fresh fruits and vegetables can significantly enhance your diet and overall health.

Rounding Things Out with Supplements

Supplements help you receive the necessary daily vitamins and minerals to maintain a healthy body. Although a well-balanced diet is an ideal source of these nutrients, registered dietitian Kate Patton, MEd, RD, CCSD, LD, from the Cleveland Clinic, suggests supplements can provide an extra lift for your well-being.

Vitamins play background roles in our bodies. We need vitamins to break down macronutrients like carbohydrates, fat and protein and help the body function.

Consistently sticking to an ideal diet without it becoming repetitive can be tough, and sometimes, due to allergies or personal choices, certain foods might be off the table. Supplements can be a helpful solution in these situations. They not only ensure you're getting all the necessary nutrients but can also be a source to enhance specific components like NAD+ in your system.

Increase Your NAD+ Levels 

NAD+ repairs DNA, manages energy levels, and even helps boost things like your cognitive function. It's a coenzyme found in every single one of your cells, but there's a catch. NAD+ levels do drop as we get older, which is why the leading theory is that NAD+ plays a significant role in aging itself and why many are now starting to take Nicotinamide Mononucleotide or NMN. NMN works to activate NAD+ in the body, which in turn can help you age better and feel better as you age. 

Your Beauty Routine 

If you want to look your absolute best as you age, then you need hydration and sunscreen. How you hydrate ultimately depends on you, but try to focus on both internal and external hydration. This way, your skin barrier can build up and do its best to keep your skin in good condition. Sunscreen is also essential to protect your efforts from UV damage. 

Staying Active 

In addition to your diet, being active will be very beneficial. However, you need to stay active, but you cannot wear down your joints. The solution is low-impact exercises. One of the best ways to do this is in the water. Swimming is the epitome of low-impact, yet you can also work on building strength, stamina, and even flexibility while at it. You can also try yoga, hiking, and even some types of dance. 

Be Proactive

As we age, our decisions surrounding our health take on even greater significance, directly influencing our ability to enjoy our retirement years. Our diet is the cornerstone of this health foundation. 

Consuming a balanced diet rich in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, ensures our bodies receive essential nutrients to function optimally. Not only does this provide energy and vitality, but a proper diet can also reduce the risk of chronic diseases, maintain a healthy weight, and even improve our mental health – factors that can greatly impact the quality of our later years.

Equally crucial is maintaining an active lifestyle. Regular physical activity, whether it's walking, swimming, yoga, or even dancing, enhances muscle strength, boosts endurance, and increases cardiovascular health. More than just the physical benefits, staying active can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve mood, and boost overall well-being. It's not just about extending our lifespan but enhancing the quality of life as we age.

However, even with a stellar diet and active lifestyle, it's essential not to overlook regular health check-ups. Being proactive with our health means scheduling routine doctor's visits, undergoing recommended screenings, and being vigilant about any changes in our health. 

Early detection and intervention can significantly affect outcomes for many health issues. These visits also offer an opportunity to discuss any concerns, get vaccinations, and receive guidance tailored to individual needs. 

A balanced diet, consistent activity, and proactive health care create a triad that can pave the way for a fulfilling and vibrant retirement. However, be sure to include a strong financial plan, so you have the financial resources to enjoy good health in retirement. 

You don't want to run out of money once you retire. Good health leads to longevity and increases the risk of needing long-term care. Long-term care costs will adversely impact your family and finances. 

Be sure to include a plan for the consequences of aging. Remember, you don't have to be "sick" to need long-term care. People need long-term care due to chronic illness, mobility difficulties, accidents, dementia, and the frailty of aging. 

Many people include Long-Term Care Insurance in their 40s or 50s as part of a comprehensive retirement plan. You are now ready to start feeling good and enjoy your future or current retirement years.