5 Healthy Habits for Seniors to Make

It seems like we all have one or two so-called “bad habits”,whether it’s biting our nails or tugging at our hair. As much as we’d like to get rid of them, there are some good habits, like making your bed every day or of course, brushing and flossing your teeth each morning and night, that make your life so much easier.

In fact, there are quite a few healthy habits seniors and their caregivers can embrace as well! Whether it’s paying attention to your health care benefits, to simply being aware of various things to check up on to ensure that you can improve your quality of life!  

Here are are few “healthy habits” you can incorporate into your daily routine, especially your loved one’s routine:

1. Free physicals – Did you know that once you go on Medicare, you can receive free senior physicals for the first year, and following that, free annual wellness visits?
2. Take extra steps to prevention – Did you know that many seniors need vaccinations to prevent not only flu, but pneumonia? Take advantage of preventative care visits that can check up on cholesterol and colon cancer on Medicare.
3. Go to the dentist more often – Did you know that as we get older, we are more prone to developing cavities? Plus, any sudden changes to your breath or mouth can signal chronic health issues, even heart disease,
4. Socialize – Did you know that you can lose up to 4 pounds a year if you laugh each day? That’s burning around 40 calories just from just 15 minutes of spending time in good company.
5. See an eye doctor frequently – Did you know that so many of us still wear the wrong prescriptions glasses or contacts, which amongst seniors, can contribute to a higher risk of falling?

Don’t be a stranger to taking extra steps to take better care of yourself or your loved one, and hopefully, you’ll get used to it. Soon enough, it’ll just become second nature! It’s never too late, and especially if you’re a caregiver, to help yourself become more conscious about these positive habits.

Do you have any positive habits you don’t take for granted that have helped you avoid a more serious health problem? Comment below!