Helpful LInks

Your golden years can be the best years of your life. Yes, your body will change, and with it, certain tasks may be more difficult to do at the level you once did them. But aging also comes with acquired wisdom, patience, and self-confidence that you lacked in your younger years.

To take full advantage of your life as a senior, it’s critical that you take care of yourself. This article will discuss two ways you can do that: routine and technology. Each of these can be applied to your everyday life to improve your health so that you thrive in your golden years.

Routine

Establishing a healthy routine is half the battle when it comes to living a fulfilling life. Just as some of your desires will likely change as you get older, so will your needs. With that in mind, here are some quick tips for establishing a good routine.

Schedule Your Checkups

Checkups become even more important in your golden years. So, be sure to go to your physician and optometrist for an annual exam, and go to your dentist every six months. Also, ask your doctor about any health screenings that could benefit you.

Review Your Insurance Coverage

Every year, review your insurance coverage to ensure your needs are being met. For example, many seniors find that an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan provides many services they need. If preventative care, dental, vision, and/or hearing coverage is something you require, check into these plans. While they will cost more up front, these plans can save you money in the long run. If you’re ready to switch your plan, be sure to enroll between October 15 and December 7.

Check Your Diet

Nutritional needs change with age. Generally speaking, seniors can benefit from a diet that centers around vegetables, fruits, lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts, and seeds. Also, be sure to monitor your sugar and sodium intake.

Keep Moving

As with eating well, regular exercise is key for all age groups, but it becomes more essential during our golden years. So, find a physical activity that you enjoy (or, at least, don’t hate), and do it five or six times a week. Whether you walk, jog, hike, swim, or do any other kind of activity, try to do it for 30 minutes each workout day. Some seniors find it helpful to break their workouts into 10- or 15-minute segments throughout the day.

Technology

Technological innovation offers seniors a plethora of different benefits. One of the best ways to foster your health through tech is to get a smartwatch or fitness tracker. These devices can make it easy to monitor and manage your exercise routine and overall health. The Apple Watch Series 4, can detect when you fall, quickly connect you with emergency services, monitor your heart rate, and even generate an electrocardiogram (ECG). Another great fitness tracker to look at is the Fitbit Versa, which includes heart rate monitoring and guided workouts.

Along with getting a smartwatch or fitness tracker, there are apps for smartphones and tablets that can benefit your overall health and well-being as a senior. Here are a few to look into:

● Map My Run

● Elevate Brain Training

● Pill Monitor

● ShopWell

● Words with Friends

Being proactive about your health and well-being is key to making your golden years your best years. So, be sure to make any necessary changes to your routine, such as going to checkups, switching your insurance, eating well and exercising. Also, look into technology that can help you manage your health, such as smartwatches, fitness trackers and apps. Take charge of your health now so that you can thrive in the years to come.

Numerous websites have valuable information about

aging and aging-in place.

Check these out and let us know of others that may be helpful!

Send links to agefriendlyenglewood@gmail.com

General Information about Aging and Services

The Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation posts several helpful links on their website. Click "resources" on the menu bar.

Bergen County Division of Senior Services

Senior services/Aging and Disability Resource Connection.

New Jersey Advocates for Aging Well (formerly New Jersey Foundation for Aging) - promotes services that enable older adults to live in the community of their choice with independence and dignity.

The Boomer’s Roadmap for Aging in Place: How to Prepare Today for Your Senior Years

Age Wave - thought leader on issues related to an aging population

Economic Security

Economic Security for Seniors - Facts

Handling Debt for Older Adults

How to Identify and Avoid Scams Targeting Senior Citizens and the Elderly

Legal Resources for Seniors

Guide to Safe Online Shopping

Money Management:

tips for seniors to manage money and avoid scams

Senior Care Costs-Managing Life Transitions

Common Scams Targeting Seniors