12 Things to Avoid for a Longer and Happier Life After 70
The number of your birthday candles is growing, and you are getting smaller, but it does not mean you still don’t have a great life ahead once you hit 70. To maintain health and overall well-being after 70, you have to replace the remaining unhealthy habits, adjust your expectations, and avoid these traps that will bring you nothing but grief.
Sedentary living
Spending time in nature and exercising will do wonders for your body and mind. Being inactive can be harmful to those in their 20s, and it only increases or worsens heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. That’s why you need a routine involving doctor-approved exercises, long walks, and getting busy with your loved ones or doing house chores.
Skipping immunization
The immune system drops with age, and while in the 70s, vaccines will not work as well as they did 20 years ago, skipping immunization can be highly harmful. Regular flu and pneumonia shots are necessary since a weakened immune system makes you more prone to viruses and infections. You need flu shots each season and pneumonia vaccines, but only one to three doses will be required for the rest of your life.
Self-isolation
The more you isolate from the world, the more likely you’ll become lonely, which will hurt your mind and body. Isolation and loneliness can lead to depression, further cognitive decline, and even weaken your heart. Get involved with the community, volunteer, organize book clubs, and try to seize every day.
The retirement trap
Many seniors fail to see their purpose once they are retired. It takes time to adjust and reorganize your life. Humans are not wired to be idle, but just because you are no longer in the workforce, it doesn’t mean that you can’t contribute to society. Allow yourself to be creative, get involved with like-minded people, and do things that make you happy, as long as they don’t include sitting on a couch and watching TV all day.
Sleeping too much or not at all
Insomnia is common for people in their 70s, though it may arise at any age. You need sleeping habits that give you enough rest and energy to tackle a new day. Proper sleep hygiene includes healthy nutrition, exercising, and keeping a sleep schedule. If you have troubles, talk to your GP because you might need medication or hormone replacement to keep you sleeping throughout the night.
Eating junk food
As we age, our metabolism slows down, so cutting calories is necessary because weight gain is more than an aesthetic issue. Replace junk food with fresh veggies, fruits, nuts, and lean proteins, and check your vitamin and mineral levels. You might need supplements but do not need food without proper nutritional value.
Engaging in risky behavior
What was risky in your 20s is likely impossible in your 70s. But, there are some behaviors that are common among seniors, and they come with gloomy consequences. Many 70-year-olds take some medication, and mixing it with alcohol can be extremely dangerous. Even if the combination is not fatal, you’re risking a fall, which can lead to injuries and disabilities.
Hanging out with seniors all the time
When we’re kids, adults take care of us. At work, we hang out with people of all ages. Your friends might be the loveliest people, but to avoid monotony and shake things up, find people, your neighbors, grandchildren, or random strangers, who will awaken lust for life. Young people are lonelier than ever, and since you got to your 70s, you certainly have plenty of knowledge to share, so it might be a friendship made in heaven.
Forgetting your brain
Your mind needs to exercise as much as your brain. Staying mentally active will help with cognitive decline, and instead of choosing one, it is preferable to choose several activities to engage your grey cells. You can play chess and cards, read, do Sudoku or puzzles, play music, or at least try to. Keep challenging yourself, and the best thing is that many of these activities require company, and you don’t have to do them at home.
Using bed only for sleeping
The American Association of Retired People (AARP) found that around 40 percent of seniors still enjoy getting busy and enjoying physical pleasures. It may not look as it did 40 years ago, but emotionally and physically, it may bring unmeasurable benefits. Kissing and touching are especially important for seniors as they increase life enjoyment immensely.
Getting lazy
Exercising regularly can help you maintain weight, strengthen your joints and muscles, increase your social skills, and improve your brain functions and sleep. Exercising also enhances energy levels, but before you start, talk to your doctor about the best activities for your body. Once you get a green light, find a club or a physical therapist and get moving.
Spending days in the past
Nostalgia boosts positive emotions, but spending too much thinking about the past leaves you unhappy with the present. You likely miss the days when you were more vibrant and had a large group of adoring friends, but you know you can’t turn back the clock. Try mindfulness meditation to ground yourself in the present, and if you notice that you are feeling sadder than usual, talk to your doctor. Depression is common in older people, especially if you experienced loss, so you might need help from a professional to deal with these feelings and accept that you still have plenty to look forward to.
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