Hi lovelies,

As you get older, it's vital that you are looking after your health by any means necessary. After all, the older we get, the more at risk we are of developing certain health conditions.

Taking good care of your health can help to prevent these conditions or at least lessen the impact they have on your life.

Keeping that in mind, here are some strategies you can use to take care of yourself (mind and body) as you age! You may also find them useful if you are currently caring for an aging relative.

Schedule regular health checkups.

Regular health checkups can help you stay on top of your health as you get older. For example, if you're dealing with a pre-existing health condition, such as heart disease or diabetes, these check-ups can work to ensure your treatment plan is as effective as possible and your best interests are protected.

This diligence relating to your health also means you can gain access to both support and treatment right away should you begin to show any signs of illness.

Visit a hearing specialist.

According to data gathered by the National Institute on Deafness, one in three people in the US aged between 64 and 75 have some degree of hearing loss. While you may be willing to accept this as a natural part of aging, hearing loss can have a profound impact on the affected individual's mental and physical well-being.

There are many ways in which you can begin to take better care of your auditory health, including wearing ear protection in noisy environments.

You should also familiarise yourself with the symptoms of hearing loss, such as being told you are shouting when you believe you are speaking at a normal volume or finding it hard to follow along with conversations.

If you notice any changes to your hearing, or it's been several years since your last audiologist visit, be sure to book an appointment right away. For peace of mind beforehand, check out these hearing specialist appointment tips.

Fall in love with working out.

If you are worried about maintaining your independence as you age, then now is the perfect time to focus on falling in love with working out. After all, this ensures that you remain agile and mobile for longer.

Regular exercise is also the key physical changes for a healthier mind, which means you're also investing in your emotional well-being each time you build up a sweat.

Moving forward, try to dedicate a few hours a week to working out, even when you are busy. You'll find this task is a lot easier if you're doing something you genuinely enjoy, so don't be afraid to try out a wide range of exercise activities until you find the right fit.

Leave smoking behind.

Quitting smoking is no easy task, but it's hard to deny the benefits it brings - not only for your wallet. Studies have shown that when you quit smoking:

Within one month, your breathing will improve, and you will no longer feel as out of breath.
Within 3-9 months, your lung function will increase by as much as 10%.
Within a year, your chance of a heart attack will drop by half.

If you've tried and failed to quit before, don't let this discourage you. Set your eyes on the prize and ask your healthcare provider for further tips and advice.

Keep socializing.

As we get older and perhaps less mobile or no longer spend time at work, it's easy to feel cut off and isolated. However, as this can have a terrible impact on your mental health, it's important you work to maintain an active social life as you age.

For example, you may want to pick up a new hobby or join a community group that meets each week. This way, you can make new friends and have a reason to get up and get moving. By choosing your activity carefully, you can also ensure that you're connecting with like-minded individuals.

Change your diet.

Following a healthy diet can strengthen your immune system, which means it's a useful way to prevent illness. It can also increase your energy levels so that you're able to stay active for longer.

However, it's important your diet is healthy, not restrictive. Otherwise, you'll feel more inclined to cheat and stray away from healthy eating. It's also crucial to remember that you're allowed to enjoy a treat from time to time, say once a week.