Seniors: Take Control of Your Health for a Better Life 

This month’s Legal Brief focuses on how to take care of your physical, mental and emotional health as you enjoy your golden years. We reached out to Jason Lewis at Strong Well for some tips and strategies to control your health and make the most of your life through retirement and beyond.

Quite a few seniors struggle with health challenges post-retirement. In addition to run-of-the-mill aches and pains, many develop chronic health conditions like diabetes. It doesn’t help that it takes a significant amount of extra work to be fit when you’re older – it’s easier to just sit on the couch and watch TV! 

Being in poor shape makes it hard to have a happy, rewarding life. If you’d like to improve the quality of your life, you must take control of your health. Good health gives you the energy you need to pursue fun activities and, generally, lead the life you’ve always wanted. 

Following are some practical suggestions on how seniors can take control of their health for a better quality of life: 

Exercise more 

Exercise offers incredible benefits. As Everyday Health can confirm, exercise…

You don’t need to exercise hard to enjoy these benefits either. Try low-key activities like walking, gardening, cycling, and playing golf! Do whatever you enjoy and you’ll do more simply because you are having fun.

Maintain a beautiful living space 

Your living space has a massive impact on your mood and overall health. Living in a dirty or cluttered home may increase stress and unhappiness, not to mention make it harder for you to look after yourself. On the other hand, living in a well-maintained space is good for your mental wellbeing and makes it easier to look after yourself. If your home needs work, you can clean, declutter, and redecorate. Downsizing for easier maintenance is also an option.  

Start an enjoyable hobby 

Hobbies are much more than fun pastimes – they can teach you things, bust stress, keep your brain in top shape, and some can even be great exercise. Everydays offers 40 hobby ideas for seniors. Some interesting options include bird watching, metal detecting, dancing, getting a pet, photography, fishing, volunteering, and bicycling.  Find some that interest you and a group for some companionship.

Eat better 

They say you are what you eat – and they’re not wrong! According to Harvard Business Review, food fuels your body and also impacts your mood. Switching to healthier foods – ones high in protein, vitamins, calcium, minerals, and dietary fibers – can go a long way toward keeping you in good shape. Some examples of foods you may want to consider adding into the mix include oatmeal, nuts, mushrooms, kiwis, and greek yogurt.  

Stay connected to your family and community 

Humans are highly social creatures needing a significant amount of social interaction to remain healthy. Spending time with your family and members of your community, whenever you can, is a great way to tune up your mental and emotional health. There are several ways to get the socialization you need – joining senior groups, finding a hobby, volunteering, playing group sports, taking classes, participating in family activities, and more. 

Organize your life

A well-organized life can help you feel emotionally secure and stable. This involves several things – having a financial plan for the future, having chronic health conditions (if applicable) under control, and having a healthy routine to follow. Estate planning and making a will are also things you should look into – knowing your affairs are in order and your loved ones taken care of can give you peace of mind. You can reach out to Stone Law  for convenient estate planning. 

Starting a business to stay busy 

Many seniors start their own businesses these days. It keeps them busy, makes for a constructive way to pass the time, and can be very fulfilling. If you’re interested in starting a business, it’s a good idea to know what you’re getting into. When you have an idea, think about how you’ll get started, and how you’ll operate. Writing a business plan can help you stay organized. 

Once you have a plan, check with an attorney at Stone Law to ensure you get everything set up correctly from the start. One of the most common ways to set up a business is by registering as an Limited Liability Company (LLC). An LLC limits your personal liability as business assets are separate from personal assets. If your business is ever sued, only business assets are at stake. Other benefits include easier paperwork and organizational flexibility. While you can file the paperwork yourself, getting help from Stone Law you can be confident your business is set up correctly with all the proper paperwork in place from the beginning. You can rest assured that we know all the legal ins and outs of setting up an LLC or other business so you don’t have to worry.

Good health is your ticket to a happy, rewarding life post-retirement. When you’re in good mental and physical shape, you have the enthusiasm and the energy you need to live life to the fullest. Following a self-care schedule, staying connected to loved ones, and staying busy can all help you remain in top shape.