How to stay active after 65: Wellness tips for senior citizens

Does the idea of staying physically active after 65 seem either far-fetched or intimidating to you? As you start ageing, health issues seem inevitable in your 60s or 70s. But regular workout can guard your body against various age-related illnesses such as hypertension, heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and even certain cancers. While the younger generation hits the gym regularly for aesthetics or performance, seniors have more pressing reasons to maintain a regime of physical activity. Being physically active not just helps you look young, but also helps you feel young from within. So, let us help in telling you why and how to stay active after 65.

How to stay active after 65?

People who reach the age of 65 should not automatically be labelled as senior citizens, elderly, or classified as old. It is just the age at which most people retire from their work and there is a change in the routine pattern. It is important to remain physically active at the age of 65 and above. An active lifestyle lowers critical health markers, such as blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and cholesterol levels.

Internal Medicine specialist Dr Dinesh V Kamath  tells us how seniors can remain physically agile and mentally active.

1. Go out for walks daily

It is essential to encourage people to prioritise activities such as daily walks or consistent exercise sessions for approximately 40 to 45 minutes each day. “People should also focus on being generally physically active in life,” says the expert.

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2. Maintain physical fitness consistently

Maintaining physical fitness emerges as a key advantage, enabling individuals to sustain their overall well-being and capacity to perform everyday tasks with ease. Additionally, it addresses the common issue of reduced flexibility and discomfort in ageing joints through regular exercise.

3. Timely check and control of weight

Great emphasis is laid on the promotion of weight management, as indulging in any form of physical activity aids in calorie expenditure, resulting in both the prevention of weight gain and support for weight loss alongside a healthy diet. This is particularly significant in reducing the risk of various chronic conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.

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4. Lifestyle modification and other health factors

The ultimate emphasis is on the enduring significance of lifestyle modification as individuals grow older. Being cognisant at this age will keep people fit, improve joint health, help with weight management, and lower blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol levels.

5. Proper nutrition and dietetics

A proper diet may also be required based on health conditions, particularly for those who are overweight or obese or have diabetes, hypertension, or high serum cholesterol. Following a diet restriction will help improve or maintain health conditions and prevent serious complications in the future.

6. Maintain an active mind

In addition to the above, people must keep their brains active. This can be achieved by catching up with the things they were passionate about but were deprived of due to work routines and other priorities. Get your mind running the same as you would exercise your body. Practice healthy mental habits that will help you and empower you.

Also read: 5 engaging mind games to boost concentration and focus

Finally, people at this age should make ways to interact and make friends with people closer to their age, indulge in stress-reducing activities such as planning trips together, joining laughter clubs, and have mindful conversations to keep family and financial stress at bay. A stress-free life is very important at the of 65 and above.