There are many things to reflect on in preparation for a strong and successful 2022. As we enter a new year, the status of one’s health and wellbeing is at the top of every list, especially for seniors. Although many have been vaccinated and boosted, COVID-19 still poses a threat to health due to its multiple variants and contagiousness. Despite this, there are a myriad of ways to strengthen your immune system and maintain good health as you age. Here are 5 important to-dos to ensure a happier and healthier 2022.
1. Schedule Primary Visits & Recommended Screenings
Regular wellness, dental, vision, and mental health exams and screenings are extremely important for individuals to lead a healthier life. Although it is sometimes quite easy to forget to schedule appointments, make sure to mark your calendar for your standard physicals and tests. This will allow you to take preventative measures that will keep you healthy and save money. You don’t want to see the doctor when it’s too late. In addition to your yearly wellness check-ups, it is important to also regularly screen for common cancers, such as prostate, colon, and breast cancer. Regular screenings will identify minor irregularities before conditions worsen.
2. Review Health & Life Insurance Records
As the new year begins, it is essential to review your current health and life insurance plans. Your life is constantly changing so you must make sure that you have all the best plans for your current circumstances and goals. If you are planning to enter a new job this year, make sure to review the health and life insurance policies that are offered. Although many individuals think that the policies their workplace provides are enough, they are not practical due to the uncertainties within work. Additionally, most workplaces offer plans with limited coverage so it’s always good to have your own.
3. Organize Medications & Refill Prescriptions
As you grow with age, you will need to take more types of medications and prescriptions to manage the various health conditions that arise. In addition to reviewing your current health and life insurance records, it is important to regularly review your list of medications and prescriptions to make sure all the items you are consuming are necessary for your health. Reviewing your medication list will allow you to acquire a holistic look into each possible interaction and side effect you may experience. Not only that but being able to stay on top of your refills will lessen the concern of running out of medication.
4. Stay Active
Most of the time, when you start to age, you will experience slowdowns in movement and decreased joint function and mobility. To avoid the physical effects that come with aging, exercise is crucial for seniors. Regular exercise will improve your quality of life and allow you to keep up with your children and grandchildren. Stay active by taking daily walks around the neighborhood, practicing tai chi, and stretching. Remember that keeping your mind active is just as essential as keeping your body active. You can do so by taking classes, reading books, and learning new skills.
5. Build a Heart-Healthy Meal Plan
As mentioned earlier, your health and wellness should be a top priority this year, and any year. In addition to exercising your mind and body, it is crucial that you are aware of what you consume. Building a heart-healthy meal plan is an easy way to improve your lifestyle choices and overall health. A heart-healthy meal plan includes eating more vegetables and fruits and limiting your sodium, saturated fat, and protein intake. Foods that are good for a healthy diet consist of low-fat dairy products, eggs, fish, lean meats, olive oil, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Now that we have outlined which types of food to include in your diet, it is important to create daily meal plans. Check out these heart-healthy recipes to make for yourself and your loved ones.
Key Takeaways
Though seasons become busier with each passing year, making time to stay healthy is essential to living a better and more fulfilled life. This year, put your health and wellbeing at the top of your list. Contact us today for more information on how we help you optimize your health and life insurance policies for a happier and healthier 2022.
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