Sometimes well-intentioned healthy habits miss the mark.
Who hasn’t embraced lifestyle changes in the hopes of dazzling results? We all want to enjoy the best quality of life. Unfortunately, things don’t always go according to plan.
Watching your weight
We all know obesity can have health implications. But sometimes, the scales go too far the other way, slipping below what’s best for your system. Did you know that being underweight as you age can lower immunity, increase risk of infection and shorten your life span?
More bad news – turns out cake isn’t the best way to gain weight. You have to keep it healthy by snacking on lots of nutritious treats. As we get older, the risk of malnutrition increases for a variety of reasons, so a balanced, nutrient-rich diet is important.
Exercise
Exercise is recommended at every stage of life. What isn’t recommended is over-exercising. We’ve all been there. Feel-good endorphins make it hard to stop. Older bodies don’t appreciate additional strain, and health conditions require changes to your exercise routine.
Working out hard, yet getting sicker more often? There’s a good chance your immune system is under pressure. Is your exercise schedule leaving you fatigued, with sore muscles and increased difficulty sleeping? Now would be a good time to reduce intensity.
Supplements
Quality supplements are designed to enhance your health. The right daily dose of what your body needs can do wonders. Unfortunately, too much may do more harm than good. For example, extreme levels of vitamin D, zinc and iron increase the danger of toxicity.
Take a pass on unpleasant surprises, and stick to the suggested dosage. Side-effects depend on what you’re (over)taking: headaches, nausea, muscle pain and kidney stones are a few possibilities in a very long list. For extra nutrients, try mixing up your menu.
Gardening
Gardening is a great way to stay fit and can be wonderful for reducing stress. Be realistic about your capacity, and clock potential hazards. Are you spending too much time in the sun? Pushing past your energy limit? Both place unnecessary strain on the body.
Just under half of injury hospitalisations in Australia result from falls, so watch for uneven or slippery ground when tired. Consider a garden kneeler and stool. Wear a mask when working with materials like potting mix, compost and mulch to avoid inhaling bacteria.
Red wine
Fans of a glass of red will tell you antioxidants in the wine contribute to reduced risk of heart disease. But alcohol downed around bedtime can mess with sleep patterns and sleep quality. Best to leave a few hours between drinking your wine and lights out.
Love that merlot too much to give it up? Keep to moderate consumption. Older people experience higher blood alcohol levels, and slow metabolising can be hard on the liver. Be aware, wine interacts with quite a lot of medications. It also exacerbates gout.
Being independent
Enjoying your own company and knowing how to take care of yourself are healthy habits. Acknowledging the difference between independence and loneliness is another important life skill. The benefits of social interactions and connections are far-reaching.
Statistics show around one in every five elderly Australians feel socially isolated. If spending most of your time alone, consider getting out there; new connections are waiting. Join community groups – in real life and online – for opportunities to forge local friendships.
Eating healthier food
In theory, improving your diet always sounds like a good idea. However, changes in the body as we age can make us more sensitive to certain foods. For example, while most Australians don’t eat enough fibre, adding too much to meals can be rough on your stomach.
The elderly can be hit harder if raw fish and meat cause a bacterial infection, due to weaker immune systems. Watch for healthy foods that impede specific medications: grapefruit, kale, dairy, liquorice and fermented favourites like kimchi are among the offenders.
What healthy habit of yours has proven less than healthy over time? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also read: These common foods can be poisonous
Disclaimer: This article contains general information about health issues and is not advice. For health advice, consult your medical practitioner.
