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Older Adult Health

Healthy after 50

We’re all aging—it’s an inescapable fact. But for people 50 and older, it’s especially important to stay physically and mentally active. Eating right, participating in some form of exercise and taking preventative measures against a variety of chronic diseases helps people maintain daily activities of living, age gracefully and maintain independence. Make the years after 50 some of the best of your life!

Testimonial

"At 69, I have enjoyed a healthy life largely because I quit smoking back in the 1960’s when President Kennedy encouraged fitness. In recent years, I have competed in the Memphis marathon, the Shelbyville triathlon, and finished 10th at the world games decathlon. I also play basketball once a week in a league for 30 year olds."
~Rex, Clay County

Nutrition

For good health, your body needs 40 nutrients best provided by food. Fiber is a very integral part of the diet, especially as we age. Fiber can be found a variety of fruits and vegetables. Calcium is also needed more as we age so it’s important to select milk products of the low-fat variety. Consuming lean meats, poultry or dried beans supplies the body with protein needs. But as always, complex carbohydrates need to make up the majority of the diet. Whole grain breads and cereals are both great sources to suffice your carbohydrate needs. The links below provide additional information on good nutrition for the older adult.

Physical Activity

Older adults can benefit from regular physical activity. You can obtain significant health benefits from a moderate amount of physical activity, performed daily. But don’t limit yourself to only aerobic activities. Older adults benefit greatly from strength training and flexibility exercises. The many benefits to being physically active at an older age include: reduces the risk of falling and fractures, allows for continued independence, reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk for diabetes, reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as fostering feelings of well-being! Just remember, it is important to see your health care provider before beginning and exercise program! Feel free to explore the following links for more information on physical activity for the older adult:


"To maintain your good health, regular exercise is one of the most valuable things I could recommend—along with healthy eating and no smoking. You can start exercising at any age. INShape Indiana can help you find places like the YMCA, where I work out, so that you can have a safe place to go to be cared for and supported. Go get moving today so you can lead a long and healthy life, like me."
~Annabelle Hartman, age 90.

 

Additional Resources

Many websites provide excellent information about the importance of maintaining health throughout the lifespan. The following found under this link are great resources to go to for more information about health living after 50.

Explore websites linked below on everything from assessing your food intake to preventative measures for chronic disease!