Improve Your Health.
It is never too late and you are never too old to find ways to improve your health.
Better Hydration
- Drinking more water, and good hydration improves our overall health. If you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated. Many older people don’t enjoy drinking plain tap water so sugar-free squash or flavoured waters are still healthy alternatives. Tea and coffee are known for their diuretic qualities (they make you need to pee) however they still count towards your aim of 2 litres per day.
In colder months hot drinks are important and herbal or fruit teas can be a good way to help stay well-hydrated. Bovril is also a great Winter warmer. Try adding a drop of milk to it! It looks like tea but doesn’t taste like it. Hot squash is also a nice choice, especially if you are struggling with a cold. Add some honey for a soothing drink.
Try To Get More Sleep
- Good restorative sleep is vital to our health. Try to keep your bedroom fairly cool, aim for under 18 degrees as this is a good temperature to help you sleep. If you do use a mobile phone or iPad, don’t use it in bed as the ‘blue’ light from the screen can help keep you awake when you are trying to nod off. Instead, read a book or listen to some calming music or audiobooks.
Smile
- SMILE more! A smile releases serotonin the feel-good chemical in our brains. Even if you think you don’t have much to smile about, try smiling to yourself. It is surprising how it lifts your mood. Maybe watch a good comedy to lift your mood and make you laugh.
Exercise
- Exercise is known to be good for the mind and body and will increase circulation and all-round well-being. A little exercise is better than nothing and there is a range of exercises that can be done from an armchair. There is no need to be putting on the lycra unless you want to.
Rosie’s Armchair Exercises is a book packed full of great exercises you can do whilst seated. Exercise helps maintain your muscle strength and can improve your mobility and reduce your risk of falls.
Sunshine
If you can get a little sunshine. It’s needed for the production of Vitamin D. It is more difficult in the winter months but when it’s shining even the Winter sun provides the best way to get your daily dose of this important element. Plus the sun always makes us feel happier. Consider taking a supplement as Vitamin D regulates the calcium and phosphates in our bodies which protect bones, muscles and teeth.
Fresh and Fibre.
Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables. As people age and cooking becomes a chore they tend to eat a diet containing less fresh fruit and veg which are essential for vitamins and minerals as well as an important source of fibre. Fruit smoothies are a tasty way of adding more fruit and homemade soup is a good way of packing more veggies into an easy meal.
