Growing older doesn’t have to be hard; in fact, growing older can come with the best years of your life! There are small changes you can make now that could really benefit your health in the future. These healthy lifestyle habits will also ensure you stay independent for much longer, whether you’re living at home or in a senior community. Adopting just a few of the tips our independent living team has compiled below will make you feel great as you grow older.

Get enough sleep! Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Getting a solid 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep has been proven to improve your memory, focus, and concentration. If you’re having trouble sleeping soundly at night, try establishing a consistent bedtime routine and making your environment optimal for sleep by keeping it cool and dark.

Limit alcohol consumption. Drinking too much alcohol on a weekly (or worse, daily) basis can negatively impact your sleeping habits and your health. More specifically, consuming too much alcohol can lead to the following issues: high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, cancer, learning disabilities, and memory problems.

Go for regular checkups. Scheduling regular checkups with your doctor and other medical professionals can help you catch health issues early and treat them before they’re too severe. Another important factor to consider is starting to see a geriatric doctor who specializes in treating older people with more complex, chronic conditions.

Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Coupled with daily exercise, the single most important lifestyle habit to adopt is eating healthier as you age. Eating whole foods that are high in fiber and low in saturated fat will ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs, while also lowering your risk of developing chronic conditions.

Manage your medications. This may seem like common sense, but we’re here to remind you of how important it is to take medications exactly as prescribed by your geriatric doctor. Overdosing or skipping medications will only put your health in more jeopardy. It’s also worth it to schedule monthly medication reviews with your doctor to keep track of what medications are still necessary for you to take. To better keep track of correct doses, you should also consider downloading a medication reminder app.

Healthy, independent living at JCHC

At JCHC’s senior living communities in New Jersey, our aim is to ensure that each resident maintains their health, quality of life, and independence. Our social programs encourage residents to get involved in their communities at a level they are comfortable with, while our personal care services ensure each resident receives the support they need every single day.