Stay Healthy With These Proactive Aging Tips

Arthritis: This can occur when the cartilage between your joints wears away over time. It may result in aches and pains in areas like your back, hips, knees, hands, and feet. Common causes include overuse, obesity, previous injuries, genetic predisposition, and smoking.

Osteoporosis: The process of your bones breaking down at a faster rate than they can repair themselves, often leading to a higher risk of broken bones. As symptoms are not always apparent, you may not know you have it until a bump or fall causes a break or a bruise. Common causes include gender (women are more prone than men), lifestyle, and low vitamin D or calcium levels.

Diabetes: A disease that occurs when the body cannot produce enough—or any—insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Symptoms may include extreme hunger or thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, or tiredness. Common causes include genetic predisposition, obesity, diet, and lifestyle.

Vision Impairments: This can come in many forms, including conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma, but can be generally summed up as the break down of eyesight over time due to aging. Symptoms can include blurred or double vision, spots, floaters, sudden pain, or redness. Common causes include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and trauma to the eye.

Depression: Seniors tend to have smaller circles of close friends and family as they age, which can sometimes lead to negative emotional repercussions based on fewer interactions with the outside world. Symptoms may include listlessness, self-imposed seclusion, stress, and anxiety. These can all lead to feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, boredom, or sadness.

Regular check-ups with your doctor. Increase your chances for early diagnosis by visiting your doctor on a regular basis. If you notice changes in your body or habits, it might be worth it to book an appointment. A yearly physical can also help you track changes from year to year so that your physician has a better chance of catching signs of disease early. Additionally, if you or a loved one are currently working with elder care services, be sure to let care providers know about any symptoms that arise, so records are always up to date.

Engage in healthy eating habits. A diet can be a critical preventative measure for some aging-related diseases. Making healthy choices can help your body in all sorts of ways. Ensure you are eating foods that are rich in nutrients and best for your digestive health.

Maintain close connections. It's unfortunately all too easy to lose track of friends and stop calling family. By keeping those you love close, you're better set to live a happier, healthier life. And don't be afraid to make new friends along the way by joining social clubs or taking up a new hobby.

Break bad habits. Vices like cigarettes and alcohol can have serious negative consequences for your health. By quitting smoking or limiting alcohol consumption, your risk for health problems decreases. Say goodbye to lung and liver issues, and put your health first.

Build a routine. It's easy to fall into a rut if you let time slip away from you. By building a manageable regimen, you can prevent your days from blending. Time doesn't need to be scheduled to the second, but make sure to mark time on your calendar for the things that matter. Whether it's your weekly trip to the grocery store or a phone call to a friend, pencil it in and hold yourself to it.