The International Day of Older Persons is observed on October 1 each year. Dr. Luis Sandoval, Geriatrician of our clinic, gives us some basic advice to reach this stage under the best possible conditions.

Reaching old age in good health conditions may be achieved by forming certain habits to make your mind and body feel good. The World Health Organization indicates that these include a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and avoid risky situations that can endanger life and mental health care.

Likewise, our specialist explains that for healthy longevity it is necessary to care for health from the first years of life. In this way, the body and mind will remain in optimal conditions for longer.

Balanced diet

Having a varied diet is essential. Eating fruits and vegetable frequently is very helpful, as well as, regulating the consumption of carbohydrates and sugars and reducing the consumption of saturated fats and processed products as much as possible because they are not good for health and lead to the accumulation of plaques in veins and arteries.

Physical exercise

Highly beneficial for the body and mind as long as it is practiced regularly. Ask a specialist if you wish to train after a period of inactivity so you may receive the most appropriate routine, considering your physical condition, age, and underlying pathologies. Walking at a good pace is always a good alternative.

Medical check-up

Preventive control may help to identify any pathology timely. Don’t pass it on or underestimate it, especially if you have risk factors.

Take care of your mind

Reading, solving crosswords, or writing are very beneficial activities to keep the brain active. Whenever possible, avoid stressful situations and/or learn to handle them. Have a positive and optimistic attitude towards life. Keep in touch with your loved ones.

Interaction

The pandemic should not be an excuse to stop interacting. You can use your social networks to reconnect with your loved ones, even those who live on the other side of the world. Also, take advantage of your time to take virtual classes of that course you always wanted to study or view virtual tours of galleries and museums around the world. Today, there are multiple options.

Recondition your house

Make some modifications to your house to make it safer. For example, replace your tub with a shower tray or attach a handrail to the side of the toilet for easy getting up. Put a more powerful light in the passageway to move more safely.

Enjoy this stage

Learn how to get the most out of those gray hair. Now you have more experience and wisdom; enjoy life more intelligently and in different ways.

Don’t smoke or consume alcohol

Several studies show that quitting smoking reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Alcohol can also be a trigger for liver-related diseases.

Dr. Luis Sandoval
Geriatrician at Clínica Ricardo Palma