We all want to live long lives, and we also want to be as healthy as possible as late into our years as possible. Healthspan is the part of a person’s life during which they are generally in good health.
These 8 tips will give you the best chance at not only lengthening your lifespan, but also expanding your healthspan.
1. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet
Eat whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and the fatty fishes. Limit or eliminate processed foods, refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and red meat. This is basically the Mediterranean diet.
2. Incorporate movement every day
Even if all you can manage is to stretch for 10 minutes or walk the dog, do some form of exercise every day.
It doesn’t have to be the gym or something grueling. Have fun with it. Do something you enjoy. Play basketball, go swimming, go dancing, putter around in the garden. Just get moving.
3. Make sleep a priority
There are so many benefits to getting a good night’s sleep. It’s when your body repairs itself. It’s good for your brain, your mood, and your gut. Insufficient sleep can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, memory issues, and increased risk of accidents and injuries. Good quality sleep is important self-care.
4. Be social
An important part of living a long and happy life is to share it with others. Loneliness and isolation can be as detrimental to your health as smoking and obesity. Get out and meet people.
5. Manage stress
Stress is a killer. Learn healthy ways of dealing with stress. Take a nap, learn to meditate, or go for a run to blow off steam. Unhealthy ways would include things like smoking, drinking, eating a pint of ice-cream, over shopping. Those types of activities will just make you feel worse.
6. Spend time in nature
Get outside and get some vitamin D from the sun. Talk a walk in the park, listen to the breeze rustling through the trees, sit by a lake, go fishing, take a dip in the ocean, or do some gardening. Get outside and get some fresh air.
7. Keep your mind active
Use that brain. Read books, do puzzles, teach the younger generation your skills, be creative, do some arts or crafts, write a poem. Exercise your brain as you would any muscle in your body.
8. See your doctor regularly
Collaborate with a good personal physician. They can recommend healthy activities specifically designed for you. Get your blood work done and all of the recommended health screenings. Prevention and early detection are key to living a long and healthy life.
Take an active role in your health and well-being. Think about your healthspan as well as your lifespan.
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