Introduction
As we age, our bodies change and our health needs become more complex. As a result, it is important to be mindful of what we eat and how it affects our health. Eating the right foods can help us stay healthy and active, while eating the wrong foods can lead to health problems. In this article, we will discuss some of the foods that you should avoid if you are over 60, as well as some healthier alternatives. We will also discuss why it is important to talk to your doctor about your diet and what you should never say to them. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to make healthier food choices and how to communicate with your doctor about your diet.
Don’t Ever Say This to Your Doctor — Eat This Not That
If you’re over 60, you may be more likely to experience certain health issues than younger people. That’s why it’s important to be aware of what you say to your doctor. Here are some things you should never say to your doctor if you’re over 60.
1. “I’m Too Old for That”
It’s never too late to make lifestyle changes that can improve your health. Even if you’re over 60, your doctor may still recommend certain treatments or lifestyle changes that can help you stay healthy. Don’t dismiss these suggestions just because of your age.
2. “I Don’t Have Time for That”
Making time for your health is important, no matter how busy you are. Even if you’re over 60, you should still make time for regular check-ups and screenings. These can help catch any potential health issues early, which can make them easier to treat.
3. “I Don’t Need to Exercise”
Exercise is important for people of all ages, including those over 60. Regular exercise can help improve your overall health, reduce your risk of certain diseases, and even help you maintain a healthy weight. Talk to your doctor about what type of exercise is best for you.
4. “I Don’t Need to Eat Healthy”
Eating a healthy diet is important for people of all ages, including those over 60. Eating a balanced diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of certain diseases, and even help you stay energized. Talk to your doctor about what type of diet is best for you.
5. “I Don’t Need to Take My Medications”
If you’re over 60, you may be taking medications to help manage certain health conditions. It’s important to take your medications as prescribed by your doctor. Don’t skip doses or stop taking your medications without talking to your doctor first.
Bottom Line
If you’re over 60, it’s important to be aware of what you say to your doctor. Don’t ever say that you’re too old for something, that you don’t have time for something, or that you don’t need to do something. Instead, talk to your doctor about what lifestyle changes or treatments may be best for you.
Being honest with your doctor is incredibly important; by not voicing your health concerns or being candid about your lifestyle habits, the only person you’re hurting is yourself. (Plus, doctors say they know when you’re lying anyway.) But if you’re over 60 and tell your doctor these things, they’re unlikely to respond with unbridled enthusiasm. So why not avoid these habits and make your next visit a breeze? Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Got your COVID vaccine and booster? Excellent. Now ask your doctor about getting other routine vaccinations recommended for people over 60, who are at increased risk of serious disease, hospitalization, and death from any respiratory disease, including flu. The CDC says every adult should get an annual flu vaccine, and older people are a priority group. The CDC also recommends two doses of shingles vaccine for people over 50, plus two pneumococcal pneumonia vaccines for people 65 and older.
If you tell your doctor that you’re regularly drinking alcohol because studies show moderate drinkers live longer than abstainers, they’re unlikely to be thrilled. First, experts have never recommended that people take up drinking for health benefits. Second, new research has shed potentially clarifying light on those much-publicized studies claiming that people who drink moderately outlive teetotalers. A German study published this month in the journal PLOS Medicine found that a majority of teetotalers were previous alcohol drinkers who were more likely to have engaged in risky health behaviors, like smoking, that—you guessed it—can shorten life. 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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A 2018 review of studies found that marijuana use is booming in people older than 50, at least partly driven by perceptions that it’s harm-free. And although it’s true that marijuana use has not been linked to lung cancer, research has found that pot’s potentially negative effects seem to be more acute in older people. Several studies have found that regularly using marijuana is linked to higher rates of depression, cognitive disorders, drug interactions, and accidents in people over 50.
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It’s an old wives’ tale that people need less sleep in their golden years: We never outgrow the need for a good night’s rest. It’s too important to overall health: Getting too little sleep has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, cancer, dementia, and even increased skin aging. Older people might get fewer Z’s because issues like chronic pain, sleep apnea, or medication side effects are keeping them awake. If you’re not getting seven to nine hours of quality sleep a night, be candid with your doctor; solutions are available.
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Researchers at Yale Medicine recently discovered that in the later years, social isolation may raise your risk of becoming seriously ill or dying. They looked at older patients who had been admitted to an ICU and found that the most socially isolated had a 50% higher “burden of functional disability” in the following year and a 119% greater risk of death. Make socializing as fundamental a part of your routine as physical exercise. And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don’t miss these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.