I don’t know why it has become so hard and expensive to live a healthy lifestyle nowadays. For us seniors to grow old gracefully, we need to exert some effort into it but one look at how much this endeavor will cost us is enough to make us cringe and grow more wrinkles in the process! The food we eat and the activity we engage in are the most important factors in maintaining a healthy lifestyle however these things can be costly if we don’t find other ways to still meet the “healthy” requirements without breaking the bank.
Below are some of my tips and tricks to leading an affordable but healthy lifestyle:
· Get screened as much as your insurance permits! Take advantage of your health insurance and whatever there is that will allow you to get these screenings without having you to dip into your pocket at all – or take out just a little money out of your pocket, if need be. Health screenings help you and your doctor to monitor your health especially those that are not visible i.e things that are mysteriously happening inside of you. Some of your local pharmacies do blood pressure for free as well as cholesterol checks — if you are really lucky, even sugar level checks! Check with your local authorities for free immunizations to prevent you from getting viruses and such.
· Prevent falls by fallproofing your home. Take note that the most painful experience a senior may get that could last a lifetime and bring about other complications is breaking your bones? Especially around the hip area, that is. This is why it is absolutely necessary for seniors to prevent falls and slips as much as possible. Install grab bars and rubber mats inside the bathroom to help you maintain balance whenever you need one.
· Put together your help line. Since mobile phones are just about everywhere, it’s high time you get one too. This will not only ensure that you get help when you need them the most, but it will also have all your help lines in one easy, accessible place when the people around you need to reach them. Don’t be intimidated by monthly bills, instead shop around for best deals!
· Quit smoking. And keep drinking alcohol to a minimum. These things have profound effect on your health: smoking and excessive drinking. They make your life a lot shorter and your quality of life a lot poorer. Also, it makes diseases and illnesses harder to cure.
· Challenge your mind on a regular basis. Active mind is sharper mind. Make it a point that you “exercise” your brain every single day by doing puzzles and/or engaging on projects that will make you think.