New age, new ways how to stay healthy

There are more ways than ever for seniors to keep track of their health, exercise and enjoy social time with friends and family. Read on for exciting ways to boost your well-being and more no matter your age.

Stay in tune with your health

Your first order of business is to make sure that you are properly covered. Unless you have plenty of money in the bank, it may be wise to invest in a Medicare Advantage Plan (also known as Medicare Part C). It can be a helpful tool for older adults who want to live healthy lives. Medicare Advantage Plans provide Part A and Part B benefits, which includes coverage for prescription, dental and vision. Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7 of each year.

Being properly insured is one of the best ways to ensure that you visit your doctor for preventative care. If you are eligible or nearing the age of eligibility, it’s necessary to review the requirements and dates for the enrollment period.

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Speaking of doctors, the Internet has made it easy to receive medical care from the comfort of your own home. Services such as Doctor on Demand can help you deal with urgent issues such as colds, rashes and urinary tract infections. It also helps you manage chronic conditions including diabetes and high blood pressure.

Keep your brain active with online games and puzzles

Your computer or tablet can be used to do more than talk to your doctor. There are plenty of online games you can use to keep your mind active. Guide for Seniors lists a number of free games you can play right now. If you’re thinking this is child’s play, think again.

A multitude of studies have shown, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, that playing games – specifically crossword puzzle – can delay memory loss in people diagnosed with dementia. Further, these brain-training activities offer long-lasting benefit of memory preservation and enhanced cognitive function.

Work your body

No matter how close a relationship you maintain with your health care provider, it is still up to you to keep your body strong and healthy. One of the best ways to do just that is by exercising. Unfortunately, if you were to put you and three of your closest friends in the same room, only one of you would exercise regularly. The benefits of exercise are of special interest for those in the 65 and over crowd. Exercising can boost your confidence, delay the onset of diseases, increase bone density, and may even reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.

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So what, exactly, is the best type of exercise for seniors? Bodybuilding.com asked the same question this summer. The best answer: it pretty much depends on your age current level of physical fitness. Review this guide for examples of a fitness routine depending on age group.

A note for family members

If you’re the child or grandchild of an elderly individual, you can encourage them to keep up with their health. By including them in different activities you will support their mental as well as physical well-being. While they may not be able to keep up with all of your adventures, there are still many multigenerational activities that will help you share memories together.

Cooking, crafting, walking, watching movies and playing board games are all recommended. If your loved one is still fairly mobile, you can even include them on the family vacation. A weeklong cruise or weekend getaway to a national park are exceptional ways for extended families to enjoy one another’s company. See Smarter Travel for more vacation ideas for everyone in your family.

The above ideas, coupled with eating well and limiting alcohol, tobacco and other unhealthy indulgences, will help keep you – or your senior family member – in tiptop shape for the long haul. And since the average senior is expected to live at least 20 years past retirement, the sooner these become priority, the better.

Karen created ElderWellness.net as a resource for seniors who wish to keep their minds, bodies, and spirits well.  

To stay connected and keep an eye on your senior’s well-being, download Oscar Senior.

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