Senior citizens are taking the game of healthy living to another level. Lately, in social space, we have seen people like 73-year-old Roseline Umar who aired on BBC News Pigin shared her experience of starting a fitness journey: weight lifting and boxing. How it has enriched her in many ways. If our senior citizens inculcate healthy regimens into their daily routine, think of how good it will enhance their lives.
Ageing comes with its baggage. National Institutes of Health opined that ageing can be defined as the time- related deterioration of the physiological functions necessary for survival and fertility. The characteristics of ageing—as distinguished from diseases of ageing (such as cancer and heart disease)—affect all the individuals of a species. To some aging might be hearing loss, cancer, blindness, Alzheimer’s, dementia, loss of kidney and liver functions, heart disease etc.
As Africans the job of caregiving ends up as a major role to one of our siblings, sometimes it goes in circles for every family member. In other parts of the World, it is a job in itself. Irrespective, the job of every caregiver is to give the citizens the convenience of wanting to live one more day without so much pain and aches.
Healthy options to consider for senior citizens:
Exercise: At whatever age, consistency has proven to be key. It’s not about the weights they lift but about the steadiness in doing it. Our seniors can explore different exercise options with a routine check by their doctors and fitness experts on what regimen to follow. Slow and steady would be a catchphrase for them at this point in their life. They do not aspire for medals but to be able to live their old age with less pain and more grace.
Cardio for a good heart, Yoga for balance, weight lifting for strength, and running for all general body functions. Exercises can never be overemphasized.
Healthy Eating: At their age, the digestive system is no longer what it used to be. Our seniors must be reminded of the benefits of inculcating more fruits and vegetables into their daily intake. They are packed with many vitamins and minerals which are important to regenerate cells. The National Institute of Health opined that having a healthy diet can help support muscles and strengthen bones, which can help with balance and independence. A nutritious diet involving a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins also can help boost immunity and lower the risk of certain health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and some cancers.
Inclusive Social Circle: Aging also comes with losing old friends that have come a long way with you, at this time it is imperative that we always check up on our seniors, encourage and support them in all the ways that we can make them socially inclusive with happenings around. A viral video of a young Nigerian, Adenike who included her grandpa in her dance video and got the TikTok village talking about how sweet it was. That is how we make their life worthwhile.
Care Giving: Caringinfo opined that sooner or later most people will be caregivers. Over 53 million people were providing unpaid care in the US in 2020. Many never imagined themselves in that role—it just sort of happened. For some, it was an accident or a serious illness in someone who matters, for others, it was a gradual decline in such a person. For some, that person is a partner, others a parent, others a friend, or even a friend of a friend. Help is wanted (or needed) and people step up. Caregiving is a real thing and at every point, we should consider ways we can step up to offer financial, mental, and fitness support to our elderly.
In conclusion, embracing a healthy lifestyle is crucial for our senior citizens. By incorporating regular exercise, nutritious eating habits, social engagement, and supportive caregiving, we can significantly enhance their quality of life. Let’s champion these practices, ensuring our elders live their golden years with vitality, dignity, and joy. After all, a healthy, happy senior community enriches us all.
