As Americans are living longer than ever, it appears necessary to remember that age is a state of mind. It may be harder for our bodies to bounce back as they did in our youth, but we can enjoy our elder years in a healthy, active and productive way by adjusting our lifestyles. Vigorous physical and mental activities are key to feeling young at any age.

Stay Busy

Retirement is a boon for many, but for some endless free time can be hard at first to handle. Staying active every day provides sustenance for the mind. Devote yourself in full to your hobbies and pursuits. If you have never had the time for a hobby, retirement provides a great opportunity to discover one. Hobbies are also a great way to get out of the house and meet other people with similar interests. Whether it involves travel, joining a club, attending conventions or making arts and crafts, get out there and do it! Staying busy also helps in warding off negative emotions.

Stay Active

Regular exercise is good for all ages but becomes particularly important for seniors. Keeping active lowers the risk of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and dementia. Flexibility, mobility, and balance are also enhanced. Finally, exercise enables a more restful, deeper sleep. Seniors should get one to two hours of exercise per week, depending on how vigorous the activity. You should find some exercises that are especially beneficial to seniors. Start with a program of light walking and easy calisthenics.

Stay Curious

Seniors should stay not just physically active but mentally as well. Studies suggest that working in social-oriented and cognitive-demanding professions can forestall the onset of dementia. Seniors can emulate these healthy activities by taking a night course at the local college or community center. It doesn’t have to be a formal academic course. Consider learning a new language or taking music lessons. Perpetual learning keeps the mind supple and the brain active. Setting learning goals also gives you a way to challenge yourself. Making and meeting goals forms the essence of a purpose-filled life.

For some, age is just a number. They naturally feel young even as they age. When tempted to start “feeling your age,” remember the benefits of thinking young. You are less likely to succumb to illness and more likely to get the most of these wonderful years of your life.

Here’s another article you might like: Unlock the secret to healthy aging by improving your health in three key areas

Over the past few months, fighting the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has been the number one issue being focused on by the world. Scientists around the globe are racing to develop a vaccine to stop this dangerous virus, but, for now, there are a few things that cities are doing to mediate the spread of COVID-19. The following includes three things cities in the US are doing to fight the COVID-19 virus and protect their citizens.

Daily Updates

In a time of crisis, such as right now, people are going to be looking to their government leaders for direction as to what to do next. Thus, many of the larger and even medium-sized cities in the United States are holding daily updates to inform their citizens. This is done to keep the population calm during these uncertain times and inform people about what to do next and how. Although the data is sparse and very new, it seems that these daily updates are actually helping to inform people properly.

Stay at Home Orders

One of the top recommendations presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization is for people to remain at home as much as possible. This, of course, is to limit the spread of the virus, which can lead to the overcrowding of local hospitals if too many people become sick at once. Cities across the United States have taken this recommendation very seriously and have even applied it to laws. Violating these orders carries harsh penalties in California. Although a controversial move, it has been seen by many as a necessary tactic to encourage people to remain indoors.

Mandatory Use of PPE

Many of the ordinances being placed in cities include restrictions on leaving home. People should stay in unless they need to go out for an essential reason, such as shopping for food, filling up the car tank, or assisting someone who is elderly. Many cities across the United States have also added an additional requirement, which includes the mandatory use of PPE in a public building. PPE, or personal protective equipment, includes gloves, medical face masks, or anything that covers your face. These new orders also come with hefty fines for non-compliance.

As COVID-19 continues to spread across the United States, many cities are hoping to implement the recommendations of the government while also being progressive with their preventive measures. Some of the information above contains recommendations already being made by these organizations as well as those yet to be recommended, such the required use of medical face masks.

Here are some more great tips: Tips to Beat Back the Cold or Flu

Staying physically healthy can help prevent certain medical issues. It can also help you live a more active life and accomplish your goals. Here are a few ways to improve and maintain your physical health.

Get Regular Checkups at the Doctor

Don't wait to see your doctor until you are sick. Regular checkups ensure you receive appropriate tests and are checked for any possible issues before they get out of control. Preventative care is necessary to maintain your health.

If you are avoiding checkups because you don't click with your doctor, find a new one. There are different reasons to get a new doctor. If your doctor doesn't listen to you or doesn't follow up when you need help, find someone who will. Don't skip checkups just to avoid an encounter with a doctor you don't like. This can put your health at risk.

Eat Healthy and Balanced Meals

What you eat matters. Eating healthy meals that have a good balance of all the major food groups is essential to your overall wellbeing. A good diet can benefit your physical and mental health.

Make sure to include vegetables and fruit. It's also wise to get enough healthy protein and to include certain carbohydrates. Eating well doesn't have to be complicated. Avoid processed products and make sure you eat food that is whole and will go bad over time. If a food can sit on a shelf indefinitely and never rot, it's probably not great for your health.

Keep Moving

Many people live sedate lives because they sit at their jobs all day. Unfortunately, this can do major damage to your physical health. Working out regularly can help improve your health and maintain your wellness over time.

It's important to get 30 minutes of exercise at least five days a week. However, movement shouldn't be limited to a specific workout time.

Look for ways to stay active throughout your day. These may include taking the stairs, parking away from an entrance, or getting a standing desk. Even spending your breaks taking a brisk walk instead of simply staring at a screen can help you be more physically fit.

If you want to improve and maintain your physical health, it is important to have well checkups with your doctor, eat a healthy well balanced diet, and exercise frequently. By practicing healthy habits you can maintain your health as you age and keep doing the things you like.

Related: How to Reduce Your Risk for Another Heart Attack

Choosing a diet for quick weight loss won't lead to long-term health unless your weight loss plan includes proper maintenance. That being said, diet and exercise changes can be easier to stick with if you experience results quickly. Before settling on a dietary plan, get expert help.

Ask Your Doctor

Your primary care physician can help you determine the best diet to focus on. If you don't currently have a primary care physician, consult like-minded people for their recommendations on a physician that can best help you move forward with a healthy lifestyle. Also, check out online reviews. Approximately 94% of patients use online reviews before choosing a doctor to visit. Big changes in diet and lifestyle will be easier with the guidance of a doctor you feel comfortable with.

Pick One That You Can Stick With

Punitive or inflexible diets may work for a short time, especially if you see a rapid drop in the scale numbers. However, spending your days starving or bored with your food options will likely lead to an unhealthy binge. Make up a party tray of fresh vegetables and a yummy, low-fat dip. Store this at eye level in your refrigerator, or put it on the coffee table on movie night and leave the chips and buttered popcorn in the cupboard. If you love something warm and comforting for breakfast, try hulled barley for fiber. Make it easy to make healthy choices and figure out treats that are both comforting and good for you.

Consider Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting comes in two primary forms. You can either avoid food for eight hours each day or consume a limited number of calories twice a week. If hunger has derailed your diet in the past, try the 16/8 avoidance plan. Allowing food for 16 hours a day and taking an eight-hour break is quite manageable. The 16/8 plan also means you'll actually be hungry at breakfast, so make time and plan for a hearty meal at the end of your fast. You will need to make smart choices during the 16 hours you're allowed to eat. A diet of whole grains, plenty of vegetables and lean meats can make weight loss easier when combined with intermittent fasting.

Choosing a healthy diet is about more than weight loss. You need to provide proper nutrition to your body with each bite. Avoid bringing home unhealthy choices, and work to nurture your body with simple, filling and nutritious food.

Need help finding an exercise you enjoy? Click here to check out the latest in fitness trends!