How to live a longer, healthier life

If you can make it to 65, the likelihood that you will live to 85 is very high, according to the National Institutes of Health. And if you do celebrate that 85^th birthday, there is a fairly good chance you will make it to 92. Life expectancy in the United States has gone from the age of 54 a century ago to an average age of 79 today. This doesn’t mean that natural aging changes such as arthritis and decreased energy no longer occur, but the knowledge of how to reduce the progression of these changes has improved. Here are eight ways to keep healthy and active as long as possible.

Keep moving

Even though your knees may be stiff and you tire easily, it is important to keep moving. A sedentary lifestyle increases your risk for a range of diseases and disabilities. Getting started with regular exercise can significantly affect your quality of life. Consider trying high-intensity interval training, which simply means repeating short bursts of intense exercise followed by longer periods of recovery. Studies at Mayo Clinic found that interval training led to changes in muscles at the cellular level, which means that the exercise helped reverse some of the natural decline that comes with aging.

Lose a few pounds

Instead of setting a goal to lose a large amount of weight, start small with a goal of just a few pounds. If you are able to take off just 5% of your body weight, you will reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes. You will also experience improved metabolic function in your liver, fat and muscle tissue.

Pass on the sausage

Meats that have been salted, cured or smoked like hot dogs and sausages are not good choices. A Harvard study found that eating these processed meats daily increased the risk of heart disease by 42%. There was no increased risk found in eating unprocessed red meat even though red meat and processed meat both contain saturated fat and cholesterol. The difference is that processed meats have about four times the sodium and about 50% more nitrate preservatives than unprocessed meat.

Eat colorful meals

Darkly colored fruits and vegetables like blueberries, cherries, spinach and kale are not only visually appetizing, they also are filled with nutrients, fiber and cartenoids. They have a variety of health benefits from lowering blood pressure to decreasing diabetes risk so enjoy them often.

Trust your doctor

When a doctor prescribes you a medication, it seems obvious that you should take it. However, between 20 to 30% of medication prescriptions are never filled, according to a study reported in the National Institutes of Health. About 50% of medications prescribed for chronic disease are not taken properly. For better results, try following the doctor’s instructions and take your medications. Be wary of taking a do-it-yourself approach by relying on over-the-counter supplements. Many supplements have been shown to have no benefit. Trust you doctor, not advertisements.

Exercise your creativity

A study by the National Endowment for the arts found that being creative is good for your health and mind. Creating something gives a person a sense of control and slows down the natural progression of aging, so pick up a camera, a paint brush or whatever creative endeavor you find appealing.

Slip on dancing shoes

Dancing is great exercise for the body and the mind. Learning a new dance routine while moving strengthens important connections in the brain. Dancing can also help improve balance.

Find a purpose

Having a reason to get up each morning is important. If you have retired, consider volunteering or even working part time to help establish a social network. Being connected to others is good for both your physical and mental health.

Overcoming obstacles

Sometimes the path to a better quality of life involves addressing medical issues like undergoing a hip replacement or dealing with an unexpected medical event. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by these events, take every step possible to overcome them by taking advantage of the best care available following your hospital stay, such as choosing to stay in a short-term rehabilitation center. Dedicated therapists and an experienced medical staff can help you return to the healthy lifestyle you desire as quickly as possible during a stay at a short-term care rehabilitation center.

One of the smartest choices for short-term recovery is Glenview Terrace. You can be assured that all your doctor’s instructions will be carried out during your stay. Therapists will work with you one-on-one to get you up and moving at a pace that will move you safely toward recovery. All incision care and infection control is performed by experienced staff. Pain and other symptoms can all be managed quickly to keep you as comfortable as possible. Glenview Terrace also has two main gyms filled with the latest equipment designed to assist you in regaining your strength, balance and flexibility.

All of this highly-qualified care is delivered in an elegant setting featuring meticulously landscaped grounds and spacious, well-appointed rooms. During a short-term rehabilitation stay guests can choose to relax in their rooms with an array of amenities, including attentive concierge service, gourmet coffee and newspaper delivered every morning and dozens of cable channels with an exclusive channel featuring new movies.

Glenview Terrace has also received Medicare’s highest five-star quality rating, demonstrating their staff’s superior rehabilitation services, expertise and clinical outcomes.

When you need quick and successful recovery after a hospital stay, turn to the professional staff in an elegant setting at Glenview Terrace. For additional information or to arrange a tour, visit glenviewterrace.com or call 847-729-9090.