So what is successful aging? Dr. McCloud pointed out that "successful", just like aging, is highly individualized. What is important to me and defines my success in aging may be entirely different from yours. To Dr. McCloud, quality of life is more important that quantity of years and he does not want to become dependent on anyone for his existence.
He touched on some topics that concern most of us as we age as well as some that are requirements of healthy aging. Here are 3 topics he didn't spend extraneous amounts of time discussing but explained why they are important components of successful aging:
1. Nutrition: Everyone has heard it a thousand times: Burn more calories than you consume, eat your Omega 3s, indulge in antioxidants, avoid trans and saturated fats, minimize sugar consumption, and watch your cholesterol. There's no sense in re-inventing the wheel: eat right, eat healthy, eat when you're hungry and stop when you're full.
2. Improved Sleep Habits. Dr. McCloud also encourages better sleep habits, like getting more of it! We are mammals and we mammals require sleep. Quit trying to deprive yourself, get to bed 15 minutes earlier than usual and you will be more alert, less likely to have an accident and less likely to fall.
3. Exercise. Dr. McCloud recognized exercise as one of the key components of successful aging. There isn't any avoiding it, you need to stay active to stay alive and to stay vibrant. It doesn't have to be strenuous and it doesn't have to involve spandex, but it does have to be consistent! How can you get your gentle, consistent activity?
Take 5 to Exercise! My 5-day series will guide you through effective seated exercises that address the 4 components of an effective Fall Prevention exercise routine. Staying active is a lifestyle choice, a choice that cannot be avoided if you want to live a quality life the remaining quantity of your years.
NO gadgets, no pills, no gimmicks...get moving! We'll get back to the basics as I coach you how to move properly and reduce your risk of a fall. Visit take5toexercise, to order your copy today. Perfect gift for your loved ones.
Your Fall Prevention Lady
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