In upcoming years, it’s estimated that people over the age of 65 will outnumber those under the age of 18 for the first time in US history. As a result, it’s more important than ever to live a healthy life, both physically and mentally. In order to make healthy habits stick, you should ideally start from home. Here are some tips to achieve that.
Perform Easy Exercises
Experts recommend that adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. That’s just shy of 22 minutes every day. Or, for five days, it’s 30 minutes each round. If you have joint pain, some exercises that can help include walking, strength training, cycling, yoga, or Pilates. You can go for a regular walk or do strength training for 20 minutes. You can also do basic exercises like Pilates for 15 minutes and then walk for the remaining 15 minutes. Throughout the rest of the day, create a habit of getting up periodically and walking around for a couple of minutes to keep your body from becoming too sedentary.
Create a Home Gym
Transforming a spare room into a gym is a great way to help you maintain healthy habits. It’s also useful when the weather is bad. Since gym memberships can be pretty costly, having a home gym can save you quite a bit of money. According to Forbes, you don’t need to shell out for lots of expensive equipment. Instead, buy a step or a jump rope for cardio activities. You can also get resistance bands or dumbbells for a decent price.
Don’t try to keep anything else in your home gym, as the clutter can be a tripping hazard. Instead, try out a storage unit if you don’t have the space. For example, if you’re looking for a cheap 5’x5’ unit in the Phoenix, Arizona, area, you can find one for $33.50 at US Storage Centers in Glendale, at 5801 West San Miguel Avenue.
Apply Safe Home Modifications
Major research shows that for many people, applying principles of universal home design can promote the overall quality of life. Safe and inexpensive home modifications fall under three categories: safety, accessibility, and convenience. Some suggestions include grab bars for the bathroom, a ramp for outdoor stairs, and anti-slip carpet coverings.
Build a Healthier Diet
A lot of convenient food is inconveniently healthy. One way to eat healthier is through meal delivery services. The food they deliver is unprocessed and natural. You’re a lot less likely to waste food, as well. If you calculate the cost of a meal kit per serving, it can be as low as $5. Most meals are for two people, so if you live with someone else, this is a good way for both of you to eat healthfully.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep may sound like it belongs in the physical health category, but sleep problems can be associated with depression. You might struggle with getting enough sleep or having high-quality sleep. Turn off all of your technology at least an hour before bed. Exercise during the day so you’ll sleep better at night. If some of your activities or responsibilities are exhausting you and disrupting your sleep, try to find someone who can take them on or reduce them. This can help you feel less stressed, too. You might also try investing in a sound machine (you can find one for around $19.99 at Bed, Bath, and Beyond) that can help relax you enough to drift off to sleep.
Stay Social
Technology is making it possible for seniors to connect more than ever. Having a robust social life is just as important to your health as exercising regularly. You don’t need a lot of friends, but having at least one quality friend will make a difference.
Clean Your House Weekly
Cleaning is a proven destresser. You’ll get cleaner air in your home and feel more cheerful afterward. Not having clutter can help you relax in your own home and appreciate the benefits of being around what makes you happy. Of course, if you don’t have time to clean, you can always hire a professional to tackle these tasks for you, though this can run you between $8 and $17 per hour.
Taking care of your physical and mental health is the key to a long and healthy life. Exercise regularly, eat healthy, sleep, talk to people, and maintain a safe and clean environment. You’re the only you out there, so treat yourself well.
