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6 Best Tips for Senior Physical and Mental Health
It’s no secret that seniors experience some physical and mental changes, but the good news is that it’s never too late to take control of your health and feel better than ever before. Whether you’re an active senior or you need to get moving, below are six tips to help you to live your best life, brought to you by Resilient Martial Arts.
1. Try Martial Arts for Seniors
Martial arts classes are great for seniors because they help you reduce stress while staying active. They also improve your flexibility, coordination, strength, balance, and endurance. As a bonus, martial arts can even help prevent falls in later life. You can find classes for all ages in Midlothian.
2. Downsize Your Home
You may not need a large living space anymore once the kids have moved out. Plus, a smaller home may be easier to clean and maintain and may save you money on taxes and utility bills. Decide where you want to live, how much room you need, and begin your quest to downsize your home.
3. Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to keep mentally sharp, and, as a bonus, it can also help you stay physically fit. By helping people in need, you may just find that you’re beginning to help yourself as well. By connecting with others in a community setting, seniors can often combat anxiety and depression.
4. Eat Better Food
Getting older can mean weight gain, so you need to make good choices when it comes to eating. Start your day with protein, fiber, and whole grains. Choose lean proteins, such as fish, and load up on vegetables while staying away from sugary drinks. You may also have to adjust your diet to help control medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
5. Learn to Play an Instrument or Paint
Music and art therapy reduce depression and anxiety. Boredom, it turns out, is a major factor in senior moments — memory lapses caused by age-related cognitive impairment. Keep your brain active with a new hobby or skill, such as learning to play an instrument or paint.
6. Start Your Own Business
Many seniors are starting their own businesses to stay busy and fulfilled. Carve out some time to take steps toward starting your own business. At first, it may feel overwhelming to take on a project with lots of different tasks all at once. Instead, start small by doing one or two small things that help you along your journey to becoming an entrepreneur.
If you’re starting a new business, apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from your local IRS office. It’s free, quick, and easy to do online. You need an EIN to start your business so that your business can submit its tax forms with the IRS each year. So, make sure you get EIN online registration out of the way as soon as possible.
Live Your Best Senior Years Possible
The choices you make help keep you active and happy well into your golden years, so take some time to think about what makes you happy and how you can incorporate more of that into your everyday life.
If you think you want to give martial arts a try, visit Resilient Martial Arts for more information about martial arts classes in Midlothian.
Written by: Jason Lewis is a personal trainer by day and the primary caretaker of his mom after her surgery. He writes for Strong Well and enjoys creating fitness programs that cater to the needs of people over 65.