Enjoying a happy, active and healthy life after 60 depends as much on your health time as it does on your age. While many factors are out of control (for example, genetics), simple lifestyle changes and habits can positively affect health at any age, but especially for older adults, according to Eat This Not That.
“In the past, once you became very ill, you could have died,” says Daniel Lieberman, a professor of human developmental biology at Harvard University, “But with today’s treatments, we can keep patients alive for decades.” . The average life span in the US is 77 years, while the average healthy life span is 63 years, stating that “we need to stop focusing so much on the life span and focus more on the healthy period.”
“Between 65 and 74 years old, about 18% have at least one disability, while almost 25% of people aged 75 and over have some type of disability,” explains Professor Linda Schneider. “. Focusing on healthy habits and eliminating harmful habits is essential to enjoying years of good health “free from chronic disease and aging barriers.”
“It may seem logical, but maintaining a healthy balanced diet with moderate and regular exercise and no smoking is the surest way to promote longevity and reduce the occurrence of most diseases,” says Professor Tim Peterson, noting that “The Mediterranean diet has some broad support in the literature.
1. Laziness
Allowing yourself to slip into an increasingly sedentary lifestyle as you age is horrific for human health, with some experts even claiming that continuous sitting is just as much a health threat as smoking. Not moving enough is linked to premature aging at the cellular level.
2. Weight gain
Interest in maintaining a healthy weight can make a decisive comeback after age 60. The kilograms can accumulate with age and lead to weight gain or even obesity, says Diana Likalzi, a nutritionist. Therefore, eating more protein and committing to exercise are among the key factors in supporting musculoskeletal health at any age.
3. An unhealthy diet
Whatever a person’s age, a healthy and nutritious diet can prolong life. Research shows that the Mediterranean diet can help reduce heart disease rates and extend life.
4. Acceptance of declining brain function
Many people over 60 are either retired or trying to slow down. While this can offer many benefits (such as spending more time with friends and loved ones), it’s crucial to keep your brain health from deteriorating during this time. Studies show that retirement can turn the brain to “mush”: A British study that monitored 3,400 government employees found that their short-term memory declined 40% faster after retirement.
5. Isolation from friends and family
Maintaining healthy relationships with friends and family as we age is important for health and happiness. Scientific studies confirm what many instinctively know, that being part of a community is crucial for mental and physical health. Psychologist Bonnie Bates says: “Positive relationships can be just as important as nutrition and physical activity to our health and well-being. While relationships with others can develop over time, maintain a strong social network as we age can contribute to a longer and healthier life.
