Despite feeling young at heart, you might find your joints hurt each day, you’ve become forgetful, or you’re a little accident-prone as you’re growing older.
While aging doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to struggle with mobility or an illness, it does mean your healthcare requirements might shift, especially once you leave your 60s behind.
If you want to feel fit and healthy throughout your golden years, you must proactively care for your mind, body, and general wellbeing. Find out how to care for your health in your 70s.
Monitor Your Heart Health
People over the age of 65 are more likely to experience a heart attack, coronary heart disease, or a stroke. It is often due to a build-up of plaque in the artery walls, arrhythmia, or stiff arteries. You can protect your heart health with a:
- Blood pressure check
- Inflammation marker blood test
- Cholesterol fasting blood test
If a doctor suspects you have a problem, they may refer you for an electrocardiogram (EKG) or an echocardiogram.
Protect Your Bones
Your heart health will not only be at greater risk during your 70s, but you also might develop weaker bones, which can increase your risk of a painful fracture. It is often due to a loss of bone density over time and lower vitamin D levels, which is essential for calcium absorption. Therefore, the smallest of falls can cause serious health consequences.
It is believed 87% of fractures among those over 65 are caused by falls, which can impact the:
- Hip
- Wrist
- Femur
- Vertebrae
- Pelvis
Therefore, you must aim to protect your bones by taking a calcium and vitamin D supplement, enjoying a healthy diet, and looking for ways to prevent falls within the home, such as removing rugs or loose wires.
Live a More Meaningful Life
If every day rolls into one, it is a sign you’re not living a purposeful life. Keep your mind and body fit and active to prevent depression, loneliness, and cognitive decline, which are common in seniors.
For example, you could embrace a creative hobby, socialize with others, or exercise daily. You could even find more meaning by moving into an assisted living community. As they often run daily programs, social events, and happy hours to help you remain fit and active, you could enjoy a more meaningful life in your 70s and beyond.
However, don’t delay if you think it could be the right option for your needs. According to Brightview assisted living in Baltimore, some senior living communities you’re considering may have a waitlist, so it’s important to start researching your options as soon as you think you might be ready.
Adopt Better Sleep Habits
A drop in melatonin can make sleep difficult for people over the age of 65. Once you reach your 70s, you might struggle with insomnia or disturbed sleep, which will impact your physical and mental health.
Ensure you enjoy plenty of shut-eye each night by adopting better sleep habits. For example, you must:
- Skip daytime naps
- Only drink small amounts of caffeinated drinks, such as coffee or tea
- Avoid using electronics or watching TV an hour before bed
- Maintain a strict bedtime routine
If you follow the above top tips, you could protect your health in your 70s and beyond. Also, don’t forget to attend regular medical check-ups with your doctor to prevent the development of various health issues.