Growing old does not preclude you from enjoying life, and it's just a new beginning with a new way of life. Here are a few proactive health tips for veterans looking to uphold their lifestyle and stay young.
SEVEN TIPS FOR VETERANS KEEN ON MAINTAINING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
The second half of any veteran's life can bring some of the most fulfilling decades. You may be more self-assured and patient than your younger self, and heck, you may even be happier.
However, this kind of kapow energy and health only tags with if you choose to take care of yourself as you age and spend time on the field.
Those who tend to blow off the idea of practicing healthy habits end up falling prey to more visible signs of aging, a slouched back, wrinkles, grey hair, and, worse, the need for reading glasses.
It is fair to say that if you don't take care of your health, you might turn into a cranky old adult who buys a far-off cabin in the woods and blames the government for everything. Not cool!
Thankfully, it is not too late. In fact, it is never too late to start fresh.
As a veteran, there are still a few habits that you can adopt to live a life laced with wellness and longevity.
Here are a few proactive health tips for veterans looking to uphold their lifestyle and stay young (at heart):
1. Identify potential injuries and seek help ASAP.
Veterans may be more prone to injuries both during and after service. It is critical to treat these bumps and bruises as soon as possible.
For instance, if you worked in an industry or served in a place where the involvement of asbestos fibers was prevalent, you shouldn't skip medical attention.
You might not have noticed it then, but asbestos is a potentially harmful mineral that could lead to a deadly form of cancer called mesothelioma. The point is that you shouldn't wait for something terrible to happen and find help before it's too late.
Similarly, if you have PTSD, seek help right away. The treatment may differ, but you should be able to recover from it all.
2. Prioritize prevention
Many preventive care visits, such as health screenings for colon cancer, cholesterol, heart problems, and other issues, can help veterans avoid missing a serious diagnosis.
According to several studies, women over 40 should have annual mammography screening for breast cancer, and men over 50 should consider regular testing for prostate cancer.
Moreover, veterans can also be vaccinated regularly to help prevent pneumonia and influenza.
3. Consume whole foods
It's more of a way of eating than a diet. You must consume a lot of fruits, vegetables, nuts, low-fat dairy, and whole grains, and consume less sugar, fatty meats, salt, butter, and processed foods.
Many studies have found that this diet can help you live longer and protect you from Parkinson's, heart, and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers believe it works by physically altering parts of your chromosomes associated with age-related diseases.
4. Let the bad habits go
Tobacco is lethal, and it damages nearly every organ in your body. Cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and other nicotine-containing products cause various health issues.
It is never too late to break a bad habit. Within 20 minutes of your last cigarette, your body begins to heal.
Your chances of having a heart attack immediately decrease, and chances of developing heart disease are cut in half in a year.
In the same way, too much alcohol can damage your liver and cause certain types of cancer.
5. Develop new habits for a stronger brain
Staying mentally active and developing new habits may lead to improved thinking.
Veterans should keep their minds sharp by participating in various brain games and other enjoyable activities, such as the following:
- Completing crossword puzzles
- Reading
- Yoga and meditation
- Writing
Trying a new hobby can help stimulate the mind and help you engage with your surrounding, preventing cognitive decline.
6. Be a social butterfly
Loneliness is a common complaint regarding old age, but you can change that. Open up and make new friends. There are many veterans in your situation who would welcome a new friend.
Even just a couple of new friends can make a huge difference in your life. To meet new people, join a veterans' group, volunteer, attend religious services, and participate in other social activities such as bingo.
7. Maintain as much activity as possible.
Exercise improves coordination, balance, circulation, breathing, and mental acuity. Increased physical stamina aids in the preservation of healthy bones, joints, and muscles.
Exercise for the veterans helps lower your blood pressure, lose weight, and enables you to avoid injuries by reducing your chances of falling.
More so, regular exercise does not have to be strenuous to benefit one's health. A moderate amount of physical activity, preferably daily, can provide significant health benefits to veterans.
Balance exercises can also be performed at home to improve health and mobility. These activities can be done alone or with others as part of a lifestyle-appropriate exercise regimen.
Conclusion
Growing old does not preclude you from enjoying life, and it's just a new beginning with a new way of life.
The key to aging well is to be open to the subtleties of the challenges and opportunities that come your way.
By incorporating any of these suggestions today, you can kickstart your journey toward wellness and become the person you've always wanted to be.