What Do Seniors Want The Most?

What Do Seniors Want The Most?

Health. This is one thing seniors want the most.

Good health means freedom, mobility, and independence.

High cognition is a byproduct of good health. With a good measure of alertness, seniors know how to take their ever-increasing medicines, manage their doctors’ visits, exercise, schedule social outings, and otherwise stay engaged with a vibrant life.

Not surprisingly, there are many moving parts to achieving and maintaining good health.  It is far from polishing one silver bullet.

Let’s keep it simple and use a familiar refrain: food, water, exercise, rest and friends.

Food

The Mediterranean diet is by far the oldest and most validated regime available. Don’t reinvent the wheel. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish are hard to beat.

Water

No two experts agree on how much water is needed.  Listen to your thirst. Error on the side of a little more than moderation.  Your body will eliminate surpluses in a healthy and efficient way.

Fresh fruits and vegetables can often be found in season. Frozen fruits and vegetables are not the scourge of the earth. But, sure, fresh is better.

Exercise

Start slow.  Your body will gradually ask for more and thrive. Nurses will take patients for a walk the day after surgery.  The body will not accept zero exercise. Moderation wins the day. Regularity has a large reward.

Don’t strive to be Superman.  Just be a nimble, flexible you.

Rest

Nothing is more recuperative than sleep.  Naps are your friend. Prepare your body for a good sleep.  Strive to go to bed at the same time each night.

Turn off the TV and lay all electronic devices aside one hour before going to bed.  Contrary to folklore, nightcaps can work against you, making it difficult to go back to sleep in the middle of the night.

Friends

We are social beings. One study shows that isolation is like smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and it can reduce your lifespan by 14 years.

Cultivate close friendships.  Call friends often. Eat with buddies. Don’t drink alone. Be a good friend. Work at it. Few things in life are better alone. Craft a strong network.  Enjoy life to the full. Thrive.