International Day of Older Persons is celebrated on October 1, annually, to act to the opportunities and challenges of the elderly people. It also highlights the necessity of the community for conferring better healthcare for the ageing population. This event was first organised by the United Nations General Assembly (UN) in the year 1990 with an intention to support the older populace across the globe, to overcome several taxing situations faced by them.
The COVID-19 Pandemic have badly hit the senior citizens, as they are highly vulnerable sections with age-related health problems. In these times, the mental health status of elderly people needs special care and attention.
As per the recent reports, there are around 700 million people above the age of 60 and by 2050 this figure will raise up to 2 billion, wherein a span of 30 years there will be more older people than young adults and children. This increasing number has created a lot of attention and several steps have been implemented to address the grievance of the senior citizens. On this day, let’s acknowledge the remarkable contributions made by elderly people to the society. This day also focuses on the well-being, rights and specials needs of the elderly people and enable people in the society to be able to grow old with dignity.
This year’s theme is” Digital Equity For All Ages”, which encourages the need for access and meaningful participation in the digital world by elderly people. Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, it has even become of utmost importance to understand the problems aged people face and necessary steps must be taken to raise awareness of their special needs.
Simple Ways To Age Beautifully
To age gracefully isn’t about trying to look youthful, but it’s about living the best life and having optimal physical and mental well-being to enjoy life. Read on to find out what to do on your quest to age happily.
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1. Love Your Skin
The skin is the body’s largest organ, if one can handle it with good care, skin can safeguard the system from detrimental elements, regulate body temperature and sensation.
To maintain its functions at best:
- Always wear sunscreen and protective clothing while going out
- Get screened for skin cancer yearly
- Go for mild skincare essentials
- Stay well hydrated
2. Get Regular Exercise
Being physically active and engaging in regular workouts can remarkably lower a person’s risk of developing diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and aids one to maintain normal mobility. Additionally, exercise also eases stress, improves sleep, skin health and mood.Older adults should involve in activities like balance training, together with aerobic and muscle strengthening exercises.
3. Practise Mindful Eating Habits
Wholesome foods are the ideal way to go when it comes to ageing gracefully. The dietary recommendation elderly people should follow include:
- Include fresh, seasonally available fruits and vegetables
- Add lean proteins like fish and beans
- Choose at least 3 servings of whole-grain cereals like brown rice, oats, wheat, or millets each day
- Have about 450ml of low-fat dairy and dairy products that are fortified with vitamin D
- Prefer healthy sources of fat like nut and seeds, olive oil, sesame, groundnut oil in moderate amounts
- Steer clear of solid fats for cooking and avoid processed foods, refined sugars and trans fats
- Limit salt intake and avoid extra salt in the food to maintain blood pressure
4. Good Mental Health
Being happy and reducing your stress goes a long way in supporting life and age well.
To boost your mood:
- Spend quality time with loved ones and friends
- Maintain a positive attitude about ageing may help one to live longer and recover well from any disability
- Ageing is inevitable, thus learn to embrace it and see the magic
- Do things that interest you such as spending time in nature, take up new hobbies and do whatever brings you happiness
5. Get Sound Sleep
Good sleep is essential for optimal physical and mental health, while it also keeps your skin rejuvenated and nourished. Aim for at least 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep every night. Getting adequate sleep has proven to:
- Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
- Combat stress and depression
- Reduce the risk of obesity
- Lessen inflammation
- Better focus and concentration
