5 Ways Retired Women Can Improve Their Health
Sep 13, 2022
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Retirement can be a beautiful experience if you take charge of your health. When done correctly, you can reduce trips to the doctor and spend more time on things that make you happy. But how can you go about it?5 Methods to Enjoy Retirement to the Fullest
Now that you don't have to pop into the office, you want to enjoy life. Health goes hand-in-hand with that. The PureHealth Research team has put together five ways you can maximize your wellness as a retired woman.
A Healthy Diet All the Way
As you grow older, you are more prone to food poisoning or other illnesses caused by unsafe foods. It's important to be wary of what you consume. Also, eating a balanced, nutrient-packed diet is an excellent way to improve your immune system. Your meals should include, at the very least, vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
As you can't get all you need for your immune system from one kind of food, you can eat a healthy variety. Some must-have nutrients include:
- Vitamin C
This vitamin is abundant in vegetables and fruits, especially citrus fruits like oranges, grapes, tangerines, and so on. Sometimes, supplements are unnecessary as a lot of people can get enough vitamin C from food.
- B Vitamins
There are over seven types of B vitamins. Vitamin B12 deficiency is common among the older population. You can get vitamin B from beans, grains, dairy products, eggs, and meat.
- Zinc and Selenium
You can obtain zinc by eating oysters, cheese, and lentils, while selenium is obtained in small amounts from meats, nuts, and grains.
- Fiber-Rich Foods
To boost your gut health, add fiber-rich foods like whole grains, seeds, and fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut to your diet. Stay away from antibiotics except when it's necessary.
Use Your Medications Correctly
It's not unusual for you, as an older female, to need medications to improve your health. However, it can be dangerous to misuse or take them with interfering meds. Medicines include prescription drugs, over-the-counter pills, liquids, creams, dietary supplements, eye drops, and vitamins.
Ensure that you keep your doctor up to date on what medications you are using, including those prescribed by other doctors. For instance, it can be dangerous to use aspirin alongside blood-thinning medications. Tell your doctor about your allergies as well as any other health conditions you may have.
Take note of the side effects. Don't drive when you take medications that could make you drowsy. The side effects range from minor ones like mild headaches to serious ones like damage to the liver or kidneys. Lastly, keep track of your medicines. You can make a list of each drug alongside the dosage. Follow the instructions and consume the right amount.
Manage Your Health Conditions
There are no two ways about this – you need to deal with health conditions effectively and efficiently. Work with your doctor on conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, or anything else that ails you. You should also reach out to your healthcare provider to help you cope with menopause and memory loss.
It's impossible to live a life devoid of stress, so it pays to learn how to manage it. Along with stress come headaches, sleeping problems, breathing problems, and muscle pains. Anxiety could also lower your body's immune responses, leaving you vulnerable to many diseases. To manage it, you can try various meditation techniques or exercises.
Getting a hobby can also improve your mental health. Most importantly, get plenty of sleep to boost your brain function, memory, and concentration.
Go Outside Often
Engage in exercise and other physical activities like gardening. You don't need to go to a gym to work out. You may consult your healthcare provider about safe ways to remain active.
Keep moving, as it's essential as you get older. Physical activity can keep you strong and agile. Plus, it boosts blood circulation, has anti-inflammatory benefits, and drives your body's immune function. Yes, being active can help your body detect harmful elements! If you're not used to an active lifestyle, start slowly.
Staying outdoors can also drastically reduce stress. Additionally, you can obtain vitamin D from moderate sun exposure, which can help prevent many infections. You can consider getting a vitamin D supplement if you live in places with little sunlight, have a certain skin type, or can't spend too much time outdoors owing to health reasons. However, consult your doctor first.
Never Shy Away From Getting Screened
Screening is an important way to detect certain health conditions even before you start showing symptoms. So, visit your healthcare provider frequently to screen for medical issues, assess your risk for future health problems, get tips for a healthy lifestyle, and keep your vaccinations up to date. Here are some screenings you can go for:
- Breast Cancer Screening
You should go for a mammogram every 1 to 2 years. However, you can perform a breast self-examination every month.
- Cervical Cancer Screening
You can get Pap and HPV tests. Although, if you're above 65, your health provider may stop you from having a Pap test if your results have been consistent within the past 10 years.
- Blood Pressure Screening
Have your blood pressure checked every year. However, if you have underlying health conditions like kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, or any other health condition, you should have it done more often than that.
- Other Screenings
For cholesterol screening, have that done every five years, but only if you don't have any related health condition. Other screenings include those for colorectal cancer, infectious diseases, diabetes, and dental and eye exams.
Conclusion
Keeping healthy as a retired woman is a lot easier when you take the proper precautions. Don't put off those medical examinations. Make sure to drink enough water daily, nourish yourself well, and stay connected with family and friends. As for your supplement needs, PureHealth Research has got you covered. Finally, engage in a hobby or learn something new as you have more free time on your hands. Enjoy!
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