Updated: 09 May 2020

Getting Back On Your Feet In Old Age

Getting older affects the mind and body in many ways. Some people welcome ageing with both arms, while many find it difficult to cope. Ageing and getting older requires adapting to change; it can get tough if you do not understand the changes that the body is going through. The skin, bones, teeth, digestion, respiration, nervous system, cardiovascular health, cognitive ability, and even your sex life can change in the span of a few years. Most senior citizens will speak of a profound change in their energy levels from the ages of 50 to 65. 

Maintaining a healthy mind and body is imperative once you cross 50 years of age. Healthy ageing does not only involve seeing a few bodily changes, but also mental agility and strength. Practising a few healthy habits like dental hygiene, eating less oily foods, and regularly exercising as you grow older is ideal. However, if you have not made these changes so far, it is never too late to start. 

Let us look at a few ways you can get back on your feet as you get older. 

Getting Regular Exercise

Regular exercise and fresh air are imperative to maintaining a healthy life. While senior citizens are not expected to run marathons, a brisk walk or some yoga will help improve respiration, agility, and flexibility, and will also increase energy levels. Many elderly citizens also prefer taking slow steps around the park with like-minded friends or grandchildren. 

Many exercises can benefit senior citizens. Some of these are:

• Yoga
• Stretching
• Walking
• Jogging
• Twists
• Slow cycling
• Breathing exercises
• Cross-training machines
• Stair-climbing
• Light/moderate weight lifting for muscular development
• Tai Chi for slow, graceful movements

Avoid the Mobility Scooter where Possible

While it may not be possible for all elderly citizens to move about freely due to their advanced years, they could also invest in a mobility scooter. Mobility scooters are used as auxiliary wheelchairs and come with four wheels for smooth movement from one place to another. Most older adults prefer using these scooters to move about freely. These scooters are power-operated and can also be electrically charged. 

Non-motorized options are also available but are not as comfortable as battery-powered and power-operated ones. Mobility scooters make it easy for senior citizens who use wheelchairs to move around quickly and independently.

Eating a Well-balanced Diet

Eating smart is a necessity at all ages. As you grow older, protecting the brain, and feeding the body healthy foods is imperative. According to a 2013 study, dementia in Europe rose to over nine million cases. Eating healthy foods and avoiding excessively oily and fatty meals can make a remarkable change in the body. 

Foods like fish, olive oil, green vegetables, watery fruits, whole grains, nuts, low-fat dairy, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids should be consumed daily. Eating healthy foods can keep diseases like Alzheimer’s, Cancer, Parkinson’s, and heart-related issues at bay. Seniors should also ensure that they are getting a fair amount of Vitamins D, B12, B6, and Calcium in their system. 

Avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, and eating junk food laden with harmful salts and fats. 

Remain Socially Active

Loneliness can be extremely harmful to health. Most elderly citizens are prone to depression and dementia due to isolation. Seniors who are not active and do not meet friends and relatives regularly are known to find even the smallest tasks (like walking from one room to the other) to be strenuous. Lonely people can find their lives to be extremely stressful and can become prone to arthritis and diabetes. 

The best way to avoid this is to join a volunteering service. Many elderly citizens find great joy in tutoring younger children in life skills like cooking, cleaning, tuning old cars, gardening, painting, and so on. Not only does doing this ensure that you have a hobby but also ensures that you interact with people of all ages. Some senior citizens also find it engaging to join a book club or a stand-up comedy club. 

Get enough Sleep

Most senior citizens complain of insomnia. While this may not happen to everyone, it is a cause for concern. Having a regular sleep cycle is imperative for good mental and physical health. Insomnia disrupts the ability of the body to recuperate. It also disturbs the circadian rhythm of the body and causes further complications. Make sure you prioritise comfort and check out our guides on mattress toppers and wool mattresses.

Sleep helps the mind and body remain alert and active. Elderly citizens wishing to get back on their feet need the energy to stay awake the entire day. Taking regular naps (no longer than 30 mins twice a day) also helps improve overall mental and physical health significantly.