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Taking control of your health and overall well-being can be a very liberating thing when you’re a senior, especially if you’ve had major health issues in the past. When you’re living with a debilitating injury, illness, or disease, it can be extremely difficult to get back to a place where you feel mentally and physically good again. When you have to rely on friends, family, or caregivers to help with everyday activities, it can be a long wait. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to take back your health and feel strong and vital.
Looking for a Better Quality of Life?
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to keep in mind that your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Getting enough sleep, reducing stressors, and spending time with people you enjoy are all great ways to focus on yourself and your emotional needs. It’s also a good idea to make it a priority to take ownership of all your health-related quality of life; talk to your doctors about any questions you have, do some research on any diagnoses you receive, and keep track of all medications and paperwork. When you are able to fully understand and take control of your own care, you’ll feel much more capable.
A few more things to think about include:
Finding the Right health insurance
The right health insurance for you may be very different from what’s best for someone else. Your plan should cover your specific needs, so be sure you go over all the details of your policy. When it comes to Medicare, you may need a little extra help paying for the things it doesn’t cover, such as dental care or vision exams, and a Medicare Advantage Plan can assist with that. You can learn more about the plans offered through Aetna and choose the right one for your needs.
Understanding That Your Time is Valuable
Many people feel guilty for taking time for themselves, but it’s actually good for your health to do so. Whether you choose to take a day trip, learn to do something new, or simply sit with a good book, learning not to feel guilty about focusing on self-care will help boost your mental health and can even positively affect your self-esteem. In fact, if you pair your self-care routine with something active, such as hiking or taking a fitness class, you’ll feel better all the way around.
Keeping Good Company
It’s a good idea for seniors to spend time with the people they love and enjoy being around, so make it a point to set lunch dates with friends or visit with family members often. Staying active by attending church, taking a class, or joining a club is a great way to remain vital in your community and make new connections and friendships, and remaining social will help you stave off boredom, loneliness, and depression.
Changing Your Diet
Staying healthy involves many moving parts, and a good diet is one of them. Talk to your doctor about the best changes you can make for your personal needs; for instance, you may need a calcium or iron boost that certain foods can provide. If you need to lose weight, have a
conversation with your doctor before making big changes; weight loss is a more serious issue for older adults than for younger ones, and it should be monitored by your physician.
Taking back your health isn’t an overnight process, and it often involves making life changes that can be difficult to get used to. Keep communication open with your loved ones and your doctor so they can help and support you along your way to the highest quality of life.