What Are Protective Factors for Seniors?

Did you know that some lifestyle factors, like isolation and loneliness, can be detrimental to your physical health? There are even studies reported by the CDC to support this.

Feeling unwell in your senior years can have a negative impact on your retirement, leaving you with less energy and independence to enjoy your later years in Kingwood, TX.

So what are protective factors? In this article, we'll look at simple lifestyle changes that can help support health and longevity in seniors.

Physical Activity

Regular movement and exercise routines are the best way to care for your body in old age, and they offer numerous protective benefits.

Cardiovascular workouts are fantastic for heart health, lowering your risk of heart disease. Strength routines with accessories like resistance bands can help keep your muscles strong, which tend to weaken and shrink as you age if you don't continue exercising.

You can also incorporate routines like yoga and tai chi, which help improve your balance and flexibility. This can help lower the risk of falls, and the extra flexibility in the body will reduce stiffness and protect you from joint aches and pains.

If you are new to exercise, start slow and gradually increase the frequency and intensity to get the most benefits. It's also essential that you get proper training from an instructor who knows how to adapt exercises to senior bodies, so that you can do routines safely.

Healthy Aging Strategies: Eating a Balanced Diet

A nutritious diet will give you the calories you need to get through your day, and also protect you against a number of diseases. For example, a healthy, balanced diet can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

When planning your meals, focus on the following:

• Ensure you get plenty of lean proteins
• Eat whole grains and avoid too many simple carbohydrates
• Choose healthy fats like olive oil, avocados, and oily fish

Additionally, aim to reduce your intake of highly processed snacks and meals that are high in sugars and sodium. Instead of processed foods, increase your portions of unprocessed foods and try to cook meals from fresh ingredients whenever possible.

If you are a resident of our senior living community at Cypress Woods, this task will be easier for you. We offer healthy, chef-prepared meals cooked with fresh ingredients and balanced to provide a nutritious diet for all our seniors.

Social Connections for Senior Mental Health

Maintaining strong relationships with friends and family is protective for both your physical and mental health. It helps lower the risk of isolation, a common concern for seniors, which can lead to problems such as an older person taking a fall and being unable to alert anyone for help.

Equally important, however, is the emotional support for seniors who have strong social connections. Talking to loved ones and close friends can help protect against depression.

For seniors in the community, it's also worth signing up for senior social activities and events that allow you to get to know your neighbors. You'll likely forge new friendships by getting involved in activities you enjoy, such as a yoga class, a book club, or a painting workshop.

Keeping the Brain Healthy

Any holistic approach to health must extend beyond physical and mental health to encompass cognitive health. Your brain needs support and exercise when you get older, as age-related decline can set in, leaving you at risk of memory loss and conditions like Alzheimer's.

You can protect brain health by completing simple activities each day, such as:

• Playing an instrument
• Reading a book
• Painting or sketching
• Following a recipe when cooking
• Completing a crossword or Sudoku puzzle
• Challenging a friend to a game of chess

Any activity that gets you thinking is enough to keep you sharp, so that includes learning new skills and enjoying fun cognitive games. Playing a card or board game with a friend is also an excellent way to stay socially connected.

Improve Your Sleep Habits

When sleep troubles hit, the health impact is profound and noticeable.It leaves you with a foggy brain, an exhausted body, and makes you more prone to viruses as you have a weaker immune system. That's why good sleep habits are central to protecting your health in your senior years.

Here are some simple ways you can do that:

• Buy a good quality mattress, especially if you suffer from back pain
• Sleep in a quiet, cool, dark room
• Avoid screens before bedtime
• Avoid caffeine before bedtime
• Go to bed at the same time each night
• Wake at the same time every day

If you try these simple changes and still find you are having trouble with insomnia, speak to your doctor. They may be able to provide you with additional support, such as medication.

Preventive Medicine

Ensure you are working with a doctor who is dedicated to preventive medicine. If you have recently moved to a senior living community and need a new healthcare provider, ask community staff for their recommendations.

A proactive doctor will screen you for specific conditions, such as certain cancers and diabetes. Early detection can be vital as it often means faster and less invasive treatment. They can also do standard checks to monitor your health, such as cholesterol and blood pressure.

Doctors will also oversee your medication and ensure you are on the correct dosage and not experiencing side effects.

In addition to regular medical screenings, be sure to attend annual eye and hearing tests. Eyesight and hearing problems can increase your risk of falling.

What Are Protective Factors and Why Do They Matter?

What are protective factors for staying healthy in retirement? In short, they are a combination of lifestyle changes that support your physical, mental, and cognitive health. Staying active and getting the proper support can help you enjoy a long and happy retirement.

The first smart step is joining a senior living community that prioritizes health and wellness.

At Cypress Woods Senior Living, you'll find independent living benefits such as a team of friendly care staff, a range of on-site activities, and stylish surroundings. Book a tour today to discover more about us.