CANDY WASHINGTON

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Practical Self-Care Tips For Seniors

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Hi lovelies,

When you think of self-care, you may think of a young person catching a break from the stresses of life in a nice bubble bath. But what about the elderly? Well, the practice of self-care has no limits. Both young and old need to take time to take care of themselves. It is what you do to ensure your physical, mental, and emotional well-being is in a good place. So, what self-care habits can you indulge in as an older adult? Here are a few.

Socialize with friends and family
Socializing is a part of human nature, which is why spending time with friends and family is usually a great way to improve your physical and mental health. However, the sad truth is as you get older, the more likely you are to live alone. Although this may mean living independently, it also means dealing with the feelings of loneliness that negatively impact your health. Therefore, it is advisable to connect with loved ones often. Studies have shown that being in the presence of people and being in physical contact with them can increase the body’s production of oxytocin, the happy hormone, and reduce stress. 

Take your physical health seriously
Physical health is important, but it is even more so with older adults. Remember that you are what you eat. It is important to treat your body to good healthy food. This would ensure you are fuelled on the right nutrients, have enough energy, and provide your body the strength to fight off various diseases. In addition to a healthy diet, you must consider exercise. Being active also helps your body fend off various age-related diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and colon cancer. 

Regular visits to the doctor are also another way of taking your physical health seriously. Schedule monthly appointments with your health professionals to ensure that you are in good shape. Being consistent would help doctors try your progress, give you the right advice, and even detect option health threats or resolve others on time. During such visits, be sure to get various upgrades if necessary. For example, if you wear hearing aids, you may want to consider using the new and improved smart hearing aids that connect to your phone (you can learn more about that here). 

Go outside
Being outside of the walls of your home to enjoy some fresh breeze or the warmth of the sun can do a lot for you! According to research, spending time outdoors can reduce your blood pressure and reduce the creation of the stress hormone cortisol. Therefore, you should consider setting up a backyard garden to spend some time outdoors. You can also create an outdoor lounge area to enjoy a book outside in your home. 

Practicing self-care is a vital aspect of senior living. It helps manage various chronic illnesses, improves mental and physical health, and improves one’s quality of life. Therefore, if you are a senior, you should consider practicing a few of the above routines or recommend them to a family member or friend. 

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