As a person ages, the body undergoes many changes that take time to adapt to. However, growing older doesn't have to be challenging. By enlisting the help of senior care services and practicing the healthy habits below, you can maintain your physical and mental wellness.

Do: 

Stay active.

Working out helps lessen the effects of aging and lower the risk of heart disease. Maintaining a healthy weight can also aid in the prevention of heart disease, stroke, and colon cancer. 

While regular activity is beneficial, you should take measures to remain safe. Sticking to low-impact aerobic exercises, like swimming or walking, will place less strain on the joints. At a minimum, you should exercise five days a week for 30 minutes.

Stay social. 

Isolation is a common problem for seniors that affects self-esteem and causes distress. Luckily, staying connected to family and friends benefits your cognitive and emotional health, helping you battle feelings of loneliness. 

Whether meeting up for lunch with old friends, joining a church group, or doing water aerobics at the senior center, the activity you partake in doesn't matter. Simply interacting with others will help boost your mood and ease stress, which can cause inflammation.

Don't: 

Keep smoking. 

If you are a lifelong smoker, make a plan to quit the habit with a doctor. As you age, you become more susceptible to heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and lung damage. These are all conditions that smoking exacerbates. Breaking the habit will also help strengthen the immune system—which becomes less efficient when growing older— because tar and nicotine no longer affect the body.

Lose sleep. 

Adults over 65 need seven to eight hours of sleep every night to function properly. Your sleeping schedule often changes when growing older. However, it's not unusual to go to bed early and wake up sooner than expected. There's no cause for alarm as long as you get the recommended hours in. 

To ensure a long, peaceful rest throughout the night, avoid taking naps during the day, and limit your consumption of alcohol and coffee. Winding down an hour by reading a book and putting away devices before turning off the lights also helps promote sleepiness.

If you need assistance maintaining a healthy lifestyle as you age in place, trust COMPASS Homecare in Anchorage, AK. This company offers a range of senior care services to help you from the comfort of your own home, including cleaning, cooking, and grooming. They will create a personalized plan for you to meet your specific needs. Call (907) 276-6960 today for any questions, and visit their website to learn more about their senior care services.