Aging well: Here are 4 ways to get there

The path to healthy aging is no secret. If you want to remain fit, you need to eat healthy, get enough sleep, engage in daily activities and enjoy life. However, knowing what to do can be easier than getting started. The best plan is to begin with small changes each day that can lead to a better quality of life in the years to come. Here are some tips on how to get started.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT

Dietary changes aren’t easy, but they are important. Basically, strive to lower your intake of saturated fat and sodium and increase your fiber. One way to make fruits, nuts and veggies more appealing is to portion them into bags so they are a convenient snack. Instead of a cookie, feast on a bag of grapes or nuts. Slip beans into salads and soups to add protein and fiber. Try having a fruit smoothie instead of a milkshake. Add fruit to your cereal and pile veggies on your sandwich. Even small changes can make a difference in your energy level and health.

RETHINK YOUR SLEEP HABITS

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Making your bed every morning will make it more welcoming, according to a survey by the National Sleep Foundation. Changing your sheets once a week can reduce the buildup of allergens, which can interfere with sleep. Face your alarm clock toward the wall and keep your cellphone facedown to reduce light in your bedroom. Turn a fan on low or get a sound machine to reduce noise disruptions. Finally, keep to a regular bedtime routine to have the soundest sleep.

FIND SOMETHING TO DO THAT YOU LOVE

Deciding to start your day with pushups won’t last long if you hate doing them. Find a variety of things you love to do and do them regularly. Mall walking, gardening, biking, ballroom dancing or bowling are all ways to keep active. Try to fit in some resistance training exercises to keep muscles strong and increase bone density. Talk with a personal trainer to get some ideas for an easy, 15-minute daily exercise routine. Once you start moving, start increasing activity by a few minutes each week. The more you move, the more energy you will have.^{Image used licensed by Shutterstock}

ENJOY LIFE

Isolation can be an issue during aging. Make an effort to connect with others by joining a club, attending a place of worship or volunteering. Disconnect from your phone as much as possible. A Swedish researcher found a strong link between mobile phone use and depression and sleep issues. Turn off the notifications and reduce the number of times you check your messages each day. Try to accomplish something every day, like cleaning out a drawer, organizing a closet or sweeping the front porch. There is comfort in completing a chore each day. Come up with a way to address stress when it occurs, whether it is calling a friend, taking a walk or enjoying a cup of tea. Staying connected with others will help ease feelings of depression.

STAY POSITIVE, EVEN DURING RECOVERY

When a surgery, an illness or other medical event lands you in the hospital, it can feel like an impossible hurdle. Instead of trying to tackle recovery alone, consider staying in a short-term care facility where experienced therapists and other staff can guide you through the process and get you back on your feet as quickly as possible. Glenview Terrace is one of the finest short-term care facilities on the North Shore. Not only will recovery be effective, it will also be elegant. From the fountain on the landscaped outdoor patio to the delicious restaurant-style meals, every effort is in place to make you feel welcome. When life gives you medical challenges, let Glenview Terrace give you the solution you need to get back to the active life you desire.

At Glenview Terrace, the focus is always to safely and quickly get you back to your active life after surgery, a hospital stay or a medical event. Focusing on healthcare excellence and safety, Glenview Terrace provides the latest infection-control precautions. Glenview Terrace has been ranked among the top 1% of all Illinois post-hospital rehabilitation and nursing care centers by Newsweek — and has earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval certification for post-hospital and post-surgical care. For additional information or to arrange a personalized virtual tour, visit glenviewterrace.com or call 847-729-9090.