Seniors: It’s never too LATE to prioritize your health

Are you among the two-thirds of Americans 65 and older who wish they’d taken their health more seriously when they were younger?

Or better yet…

Do you feel this way no matter your age?

After all, you’re never too old or too young to start taking your health seriously.

So, let’s look at how we can keep you on track—or get you back on track—just in time to ring in the New Year…

The long road

Recent research reveals that our behaviors and environment can modify our genetic material, which impacts our health outcomes.

In other words, choices made earlier in life—like neglecting one’s health—can absolutely have long-lasting effects on our well-being. (That falls under the epigenetic category.)

And that’s an important message to share with your children and grandchildren.

However, it’s impossible to go back and change the past. And the goal here is NOT for you to dwell on any past mistakes—rather, to shift your focus so you can enjoy the years yet to come.

Because here’s the reality…

In a survey of 2,000 U.S. seniors, researchers examined fitness and health goals. Here’s what they found:

• 46 percent did not have any health goals
• 40 percent were proactive about their health
• 32 percent will seek out medical assistance when feeling unwell
• 22 percent will “watch and wait,” with the hopes of feeling better on their own
• 42 percent will try home remedies before mainstream intervention

And finally, 81 percent of seniors believed their health could be better. (Whether that was ambition or wishful thinking, it’s a good attitude to have.)

Not too shabby overall, but let’s talk more specifically about how you can start making healthier choices—TODAY—to better your health and well-being…

Get back on track

One of the few good things to stem from the pandemic is the rise of telemedicine. Because now you can see a doctor without even leaving the comfort of your own home!

This is especially helpful when you’re feeling exceptionally crummy, have limited mobility, or no reliable transportation options. (My patients love this convenience!)

So, really—when you need that extra support, I encourage you to reach out to your physician and decide on a plan to get you feeling better, together.

Next up, let’s talk about movement. I was happy to see that the average respondent exercised about five times per week—mostly at home or outside, with a smaller percentage going to a gym. (This is great! Way to go, boomers!)

How do you fit in? Do you focus on step counts, lift weights, attend a cycling class, or something else? Remember, every little bit counts. You just have to get up and do it!

I encourage you to look at exercise as a way to maintain strong social connections. Exercising can be a community effort, and often people will maintain a regimen for longer if they do it with a friend. (That friend can be a full online community or someone you meet in person at the gym, park, or swimming pool.)

And finally, to keep tabs on overall health outside of the doctor’s office, you can always turn to wearable technology. (In fact, it’s reassuring to me that many seniors are adopting this approach!)

These nifty devices can monitor daily activity levels, heart rate, sleep patterns, and more! They’re great for providing real time data and health insights that can be tracked overtime. (Perhaps this can help you catch something that’s “off” sooner?)

At the end of the day, we’re living in a different world where we don’t always die from diseases that happen to us, but from diseases we bring on ourselves.

In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), these noncommunicable diseases, including those associated with unhealthy behaviors, account for approximately 70 percent of deaths worldwide.

That alone should be enough to kick some healthy habits into high year, starting with 2024!

P.S. Looking for additional ways to “age younger”—and feel better—every day of your long, healthy life? Check out my Ultimate Anti-Aging Protocol. To learn more about this innovative, online learning tool—or to enroll today—click here now!

Source:

“Senior regrets: 2 in 3 older adults now wish they cared more about their health sooner.” StudyFinds, 10/20/23. (studyfinds.org/senior-regrets-care-about-health/)