Introduction
As we age, our bodies and minds change, and so do our dietary needs. After age 60, it is important to make sure that we are eating the right foods to keep our bodies healthy and strong. Unfortunately, many people make dietary mistakes that can have a negative impact on their health. In this article, we will discuss some of the things to never do after age 60, according to experts. We will also provide some tips on what to eat instead of unhealthy foods. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are getting the nutrition you need to stay healthy and active.
Things to Never Do After Age 60, Say Experts — Eat This Not That
As you age, it’s important to make sure you’re taking care of your health. That means eating right, exercising regularly, and avoiding certain activities that could be detrimental to your health. Here are some things experts say you should never do after age 60.
1. Don’t Smoke
Smoking is bad for your health at any age, but it’s especially dangerous for those over 60. Smoking increases your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and cancer. It also increases your risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If you’re over 60 and still smoking, it’s time to quit.
2. Don’t Drink Too Much Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can be dangerous for anyone, but it’s especially risky for those over 60. Heavy drinking can lead to liver damage, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of certain cancers. It can also increase your risk of falls and other accidents. If you’re over 60, it’s best to limit your alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day.
3. Don’t Skip Meals
As you age, it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough nutrients. Skipping meals can lead to nutrient deficiencies, which can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to illness. It can also lead to fatigue and weight loss. Make sure you’re eating three meals a day and getting the nutrients you need.
4. Don’t Neglect Exercise
Exercise is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for those over 60. Regular exercise can help you maintain your strength and balance, which can help you avoid falls and other accidents. It can also help you maintain your weight and reduce your risk of certain diseases. Make sure you’re getting at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.
5. Don’t Ignore Your Mental Health
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. As you age, it’s important to make sure you’re taking care of your mental health. That means getting enough sleep, staying socially connected, and engaging in activities that bring you joy. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Conclusion
As you age, it’s important to make sure you’re taking care of your health. That means avoiding certain activities, such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, skipping meals, and neglecting exercise. It also means taking care of your mental health. If you’re over 60, make sure you’re doing all of these things to stay healthy and happy.
Youth may be wasted on the young, but as we mature, some of us make our bodies age faster than they should. It’s all too easy to slip into unhealthy habits that soon become comfortable patterns, and their familiarity belies the fact that they can seriously take the shine off your golden years. To achieve optimum health, these are five things experts say you should never do after age 60. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Being lonely doesn’t just feel bad—it can degrade your body’s most important systems. Research has found that loneliness can increase older adults’ risk of dementia by 50%. And brain health isn’t the only threat: A recent Finnish study found that men who reported feeling lonely over two decades were more likely to be diagnosed with cancer—and faced a worse outcome. Loneliness seems to cause a stress response in the body, which can lead to inflammation and an impaired immune system. Make an effort to socialize regularly with friends and loved ones, join activity groups, or volunteer.
Get your COVID booster ASAP when eligible, and make sure you’re getting all the other recommended vaccines for people over 60. (The chance of being hospitalized or dying from illnesses like influenza or pneumonia increases with age.) Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated against the flu, pneumonia, whooping cough and shingles. The CDC says every adult should get an annual flu vaccine, and people over 60 are a priority group. The CDC also recommends two pneumococcal pneumonia vaccines for people 65 and older, and two doses of shingles vaccine for people over 50.
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Your blood pressure is one of the most important sets of numbers you need to know (and have rechecked regularly). The American Heart Association says it should be 120/80 or below. (According to Harvard Medical School, that means more than 70 percent of men over age 55 technically have high blood pressure.) Over time, high blood pressure can weaken the walls of blood vessels, vastly increasing your risk of stroke, heart attack and dementia.
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As we age, most of us tend to become less active, at the exact time our bodies need us to move more. Experts say that exercising regularly improves muscle tone and mass, decreases bone loss, improves memory, increases metabolism, and improves sleep. On the flipside, a sedentary lifestyle increases your risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise) each week. Some examples of moderate-intensity exercise include brisk walking, dancing, or gardening; vigorous exercise includes running, swimming, hiking or biking.
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A recent study found that 10 percent of people over age 65 engage in binge drinking, defined as having four or more drinks in one sitting. Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancer and heart disease at any age, but as we mature, there are even more reasons to moderate. With age, lean body mass decreases and bones weaken; a tipsy fall at 60 can cause a lot more damage than it did at 40. And being older brings a need for long-term medications that may lead to dangerous interactions with alcohol. To stay healthy, drink moderately or abstain. Experts say women should have no more than one alcoholic beverage per day, and men should limit themselves to two. And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don’t miss these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.