Getting older is a privilege, and from preventive screenings to understanding the side effects of any medication you are on, you need to be mindful of your health as you get older. If you want to age healthily and you want to do it in one piece, then you need to be mindful of your health now so that you can progress through your elderly years with ease.
They say that you’re only as old as you feel, and while you may not feel as old as someone who needs a care home just yet, you can stave that off for longer by ensuring that you are looking after your health from the moment you start retiring. It’s exciting to get older, not many people are afforded that privilege, but if you are in this time of your life, then you need to pay more attention to yourself now than ever before. Staying well as you age is a lot easier than you think it is, so let’s take a look at some of the things that you should be looking out for in your health as you get older.
- Overdue screenings. Preventative health screenings are one of the best ways to help to identify any potential health concerns. You may not necessarily have any concerns about your immediate health, but something could crop up as part of a screening. At your next doctor’s appointment, you should talk with your healthcare provider about which screenings are recommended for you at your age.
- Your blood pressure. It’s natural for your blood pressure to change over time, but the one thing you don’t want to happen is for your blood pressure to rise and keep rising. Developing hypertension that’s left untreated can increase your risk of developing heart disease and can put you at high risk of a stroke. It’s so important that you check your blood pressure regularly so that you can track it and ensure that you are in the right routines. Through routine monitoring, you and your doctor can look out for the changes and help you to keep your blood pressure at the right level.
- Medication side effects. Yes, your doctor has recommended that you take a new medication, and yes, you are taking it diligently, but you do need to be aware of how it’s going to impact your body in terms of side effects. Sometimes medication side effects can be temporary as your body adjusts, and your doctor should talk you through how long you have to wait for that.
- Mood changes. Adjusting to a routine as you get older is a lot harder than it used to be. Mood changes and feelings of concern because you haven’t adjusted correctly are normal, but you do need to keep an eye on those. Depression is very common in elderly people, so if you notice that you’re more irritable than usual or you’re having difficulty sleeping or eating, then you do need to talk to your doctor.
We’re very proud to bring you this feature in association with Lidder Care. For more features, please pay a visit to our lifestyle page.
