#1 Embrace Low-Impact Exercise

As you age, your joints can’t handle as much pressure as they used to. High-impact exercises—like running or HIIT workouts—can damage cartilage and leave you unable to continue your fitness routine.

Although you may not need to rule out high-impact exercise entirely, it may be helpful to incorporate some low-impact workouts into your routine as well. 

A few examples include:

• Swimming and water aerobics

• Walking or using an elliptical machine

• Cycling

• Pilates

• Yoga

It’s important to remember that everyone’s body is different. Two people of the same age can have vastly different limits when it comes to physical exercise. 

With that in mind, many older adults find these low-impact exercises extremely beneficial—so they may be worth a try.

#2 Take Care of Your Immune System

As you age, your body’s immune system response begins to slow down.

This isn’t to say that your immunity has completely vanished. However, it is important that older adults take care of this vital system more than before. Some easy ways to do this are:

• Receiving your annual flu vaccine

• Eating foods that are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C

• Incorporating a multivitamin into your diet

• Washing your hands regularly and avoiding contact with germs

#3 Keep Tremors at Bay

Essential tremors occur in about 5% of people, with higher rates for those 65 years or older.

Tremors can disrupt daily life, make everyday tasks more difficult, and often get worse over time. Fortunately, there are options for essential tremor treatment, including:

• Lifestyle changes – Cutting back on coffee, tobacco, and alcohol can help keep tremors at bay. Stress management has also been known to decrease symptoms of this condition.

• Medications and injections – Anti-seizure medications, tranquilizers, and BOTOX injections have all been shown to help reduce tremors. It’s always important to consult a doctor before starting any medical treatment, as you want to determine what’s safe for your body.

• Physical therapy – Many people find relief from essential tremors through physical therapy. Building muscle mass with resistance training can help decrease the severity of involuntary shaking. The latest innovations in non-surgical therapy also make it possible to use wearable medical devices to help with your tremors. 

#4 Focus on Fiber

While kids may be able to eat almost endless amounts of sugar, older adults require more fiber from their carbohydrates. High levels of fiber have been shown to lengthen lifespans and reduce these health problems in adults:

• High cholesterol

• High and low blood sugar

• Constipation

• Extreme weight gain and loss

Incorporating more fiber into your diet isn’t a difficult task. The best way to do this is by swapping out your normal carbohydrates for their whole-grain alternatives. This includes brown rice, multigrain bread, and whole wheat pasta.

Some people also use a powdered dietary supplement for an additional boost of healthy, soluble fiber.

Healthy Aging is Possible

If anyone has ever told you that healthiness and aging can’t coexist—they were lying. In their later years, many adults find a new sense of motivation when it comes to their health.

Remember to listen to your body’s needs, find exercise that feels good, and don’t be afraid to seek medical help when needed. If you stick to these healthy habits, you’ll be feeling better in no time.

Just don’t be angry when you realize you didn’t feel this good in your twenties!