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The population of the United States is facing new challenges
as the baby boomer generation ages. With a large percentage of
the nation's population reaching the elderly range, the number of
people experiencing a decline in health and quality of life may
reach a historical high. However, aging adults can enjoy good
health for a much longer period than generations before them.
Choosing an active lifestyle and eating nutritiously are key
strategies for maintaining good health.
Increasing physical activity, or even adding more simple
movements to your daily schedule, can increase life expectancy,
according to Jennifer Anderson, Colorado State University
Extension food science and human nutrition
specialist. Increased activity slows muscle loss, and muscle loss
may trigger other problems. Muscle in elderly people is just as
responsive to training as muscle in younger people. The more
active you are, the more energy you'll have to enjoy life to its
fullest. Increasing your physical activity doesn't have to mean a
full-fledged exercise routine; simple activities such as
housework or walking count, too.
Eating well is often difficult to fit into many lifestyles,
especially for those people who don't like to prepare their own
meals. You don't have to cook to eat well, but do use the USDA's
food guide pyramid to make healthful food choices when you plan
menus and shop. A registered dietitian or a Colorado State
University Extension office can provide you with a
copy of the food guide pyramid, as well as suggestions for foods
that are healthful and easy to fix and eat.
One of the most common pitfalls to healthy eating is getting
into a meal routine. Often out of habit, people eat the same
foods meal after meal, such as just toast and coffee for
breakfast every day. Getting a variety of foods, not only each
day, but also from day to day, is an important part of eating
healthily. Eat foods you enjoy and be sure to get enough calories
to avoid malnutrition. Some people experience a loss of
appetite with aging, often because they have difficulty chewing
or swallowing food. However, as you age, your body may need more
vitamins and minerals than before, making a balanced diet even
more important. Medications also can affect the way your body
processes food, vitamins and minerals.
Living alone poses challenges, too. Many who live alone do
not eat as well as those who have someone to eat with or prepare
meals for. To avoid eating alone, invite a friend to share a meal
with you, or make a standing date with someone to eat out
together every week. Buy smaller packages of food to avoid
boring leftovers, and freeze leftovers to eat a few weeks later
when you don't feel like cooking. Or join a lunch program at a
community or senior center and enjoy someone else's cooking while
making new friends.
Changing your lifestyle can help reduce many disease and
health problems that commonly ail the aging. Gain power over your
health by managing your lifestyle. Enjoy the benefits of
increased activity and good nutrition, and delight in your longer
health span.
For more information, contact your local
Colorado State University Extension office.
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