ADOPTING NEW HABITS The Covid-19 pandemic has the nation thinking, more than ever, about health issues and how they impact on our lives. People understand this virus can be extremely debilitating, even deadly, especially when it comes to the elderly. Perhaps we feel safe in some form of lockdown but for many people this is also a frustrating time, and one in which it is easy to let bad habits take hold. But rather than become downhearted why not reflect on, and perhaps change, lifestyle choices which may significantly influence one’s health and longevity? Often, habits that need to be implemented in order to live a longer, more satisfying life are easier to adopt than one thinks. While the adjacent will assist the elderly in particular, everyone can benefit from this advice either while being largely confined to the home or when greater freedoms occur.
ADO PTIN G NEW , HEA LTH IER HAB ITS CAN HAV E MUL TIPL E PAY OFF S, ALL OW ING YOU TO REA P SUB STA NTIA L BEN EFIT S AND ENH ANC E THE QUA LIT Y AND LEN GTH OF YOU R LIFE . Don’t smoke. Smoking can (and in may cases does) contribute to severe and potentially fatal health problems. Stay active. While regular exercise is known to enhance body and mind, it’s important for older adults to engage in at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity every week. In addition, regularly stretching helps maintain mobility and prevent falls. Eat healthy. Your diet should be rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Avoid overeating, opt for plant proteins and eliminate saturated and trans fats but don’t avoid ret meat altogether.
Keep learning. Challenge your mind with problem-solving activities and puzzles. This will keep the mind active and interested. It can also reduce the risk of dementia and improve cognition in the elderly. Build friendships. A strong social network helps prevent depression, loneliness and cognitive decline. While club activities and larger gatherings may be on hold, it is still possible to gather with family or, perhaps, neighbours while keeping physical distancing in mind. Younger people should ensure they stay in touch with older members of the family. The likes of Skype and Zoom may be an option for daily chats. Be proactive. Always contact your doctor if you have a health concern even if its seems ‘like nothing’ – preventive care may forestall a bigger problem! A regular doctor’s visit will also help manage a problem should it turn out to be serious.
Get outside. Sunshine is good for mood and health. Being outdoors also encourages activity
Dental care. Poor oral hygiene can lead to mouth cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Remember to brush teeth twice a day, floss daily and visit a dentist regularly.
Sleep well (or try to!). Seven to eight l hours of quality sleep every night is crucia ng heali and ion funct cell ating regul for your body.
Mitigate stress. Stress and anxiety increase the likelihood of heart disease, stroke and depression. Counter these risks with optimism and laughter.
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26 | south | september 2020
www.southmagazine.co.nz
