It’s a fact: older people live longer. Some variables that have made possible this increase in longevity include advances in medical sciences, better eating habits, more physical activity and healthier lifestyles.

Because we also want you enjoy a good quality of health, so you can in turn enjoy a longer life, we want to talk to you about three important areas of improvement.

Nutrition

The relationship between nutrition and health is undisputed and that is exactly why it is important for you to maintain a balanced diet that adds to the prevention of health conditions that might arise.

• Follow a balanced diet that includes all food groups:

Carbohydrates: 60% sugars, pastas, bread, flours
Proteins: 15- 20% meats, milk, eggs, soy
Fats: 20-25% canola oil, grapes o corn

• Increase you water intake. Use your imagination and get the fluids that you need through shakes, teas and fruit juices. That way you will avoid the dehydration that can be so common at this stage in your life.

• Increase your intake of fiber such as vegetables, to promote bowel movement.

• Increase your vitamin and mineral intake such as Vitamin B and calcium. In later age there is a tendency for decalcification and Vitamin B deficit.

• Reduce your salt and sugar intake to a minimum

It is important to consult your doctor on what you may or may not eat so as not to affect your health conditions.

Active Lifestyle

The secret for a long life for people in the latter stages of life is exercise. A regular exercise routine that includes walks, water aerobics, stationary bicycle, among other activities, holds many benefits for your health.

Some of the benefits that exercise adds to you life is:

• Helps to maintain flexible joints.
• Decreases the risks of developing diabetes.
• Decreases the risk of heart attack.
• Helps in maintaining moderate blood pressure levels.
• Helps the endocrine system.
• Improves moods.
• Improves sleep.
• Strengthens muscles, articulations and bones.
• Increases life expectancy.

It is important that you consult a doctor before initiating any type of exercise routine.

Mental Health

A healthy mind is essential to enjoy and maintain the tranquility and peace that this stage in your life has to offer. One option to help ensure good mental health is keeping your mind occupied with activities that enrich your life, such as

• Join community groups, walking groups and social clubs to make new friends and acquaintances.
• Visit recreational centers for the elderly.
• Be an active member of your church.
• Take up and nurture healthy pastimes such as knitting gardening or baking, among others.
• Read during your free time.

Summer suggestions

We live in constant exposure to the harmful rays of the sun. That’s why it is extremely important that you take into consideration the following suggestions to protect yourself against the intense summer sun.

• Keep hydrated.
• Drink plenty of water, juices or eat cold fruits.
• When going out during the day always apply sunscreen.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun by wearing a hat outdoors during the day.
• Exercise early in the day when it is much cooler.