Introduction
As we age, our bodies become more susceptible to health issues and our dietary needs change. After age 60, it is important to be mindful of the foods we eat and the habits we form in order to maintain our health. Experts recommend avoiding certain unhealthy habits and foods in order to stay healthy and active. Eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones can help us stay healthy and active as we age. Eating This Not That is a great resource for finding healthy alternatives to unhealthy foods. Here are some health habits to avoid after age 60, according to experts.
Health Habits to Avoid After Age 60, Say Experts — Eat This Not That
As you age, it’s important to be mindful of your health habits. After age 60, experts recommend avoiding certain habits that can have a negative impact on your health. Here are some of the health habits to avoid after age 60, according to experts.
1. Eating Too Much Processed Food
Processed foods are often high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic health conditions. Instead, focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
2. Not Getting Enough Exercise
Regular physical activity is important for maintaining a healthy weight, reducing your risk of chronic diseases, and improving your overall health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as walking, swimming, or biking, five days a week.
3. Smoking
Smoking is one of the most dangerous health habits to avoid after age 60. Smoking increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit.
4. Skipping Out on Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining good health. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about ways to improve your sleep habits.
5. Not Drinking Enough Water
Staying hydrated is important for your overall health. Aim for eight glasses of water a day. If you don’t like the taste of plain water, try adding a slice of lemon or lime for flavor.
6. Not Seeing Your Doctor Regularly
Regular check-ups with your doctor are important for maintaining your health. Make sure to schedule regular check-ups and screenings to stay on top of your health.
By avoiding these health habits after age 60, you can help maintain your health and reduce your risk of chronic diseases. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your health.
After age 60, health challenges may start to pop up. But they don’t have to. Many of us are undermining our own health by engaging in some common habits. Avoid these health mistakes that can tarnish your golden years. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You May Have Already Had COVID.
Maintaining a positive outlook can have a positive effect on your health as you grow older, particularly on the brain. Research done at Yale University found that people who had positive self-perceptions about growing older lived 7.5 years longer—and had lower rates of Alzheimer’s disease—than people with more negative views.
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Loneliness has been a silent epidemic for years, particularly among older people, and it can seriously affect your health. Studies have found that being lonely can have negative health effects similar to smoking 15 cigarettes a day and may increase older adults’ risk of developing dementia by 50%. Do everything you can to stay socially connected: Socialize regularly with friends and loved ones, join activity or support groups, or volunteer.
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Binge drinking among people over 60 is booming, particularly among women, and it’s a dangerous trend. Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancer and heart disease. And older people are more sensitive to alcohol, which can lead to dangerous drug interactions or injury from accidents or falls. To stay healthy, drink moderately: No more two drinks a day for men, and no more than one drink for women.
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When it comes to quitting tobacco, it’s never too late. Even people who quit smoking between the ages of 65 to 69 can add one to four years to their lives. But continuing to smoke after 60 raises your risk of chronic health conditions—such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and cancer—that are increasingly seen with age.
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Got your COVID vaccine and booster? Good. Now don’t forget to talk with your doctor about other routine vaccinations recommended for people over 60. The CDC says every adult should get an annual flu vaccine, especially people over 60. The CDC also recommends two pneumococcal pneumonia vaccines for people 65 and older, and two doses of shingles vaccine for people over 50. And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don’t miss these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.