Many of us tend not to give much thought to the Older members of the community, but International Day of Older Persons strives to change that. This day is used to help fight back against age discrimination. The focus this time around is to have more senior citizens use their talents and skills to be a big a part as they can be in their communities and social circles. Listed here today are tips to help us all age in good health so that we can all remain active members of our communities.

Consume a lot of protein

Protein is very important as we age.

Getting an adequate amount of protein every day helps prevent losing muscle mass. Loss of muscle mass can result in a variety of health problems, including a higher risk of falls, mobility problems, and being frail. Lean proteins that are found in foods like nuts, chicken, and fish, have been proven to be much more beneficial to your health than the proteins found in red meats and dairy.

Keep moving

Physical activity has been shown to help improve not only physical health but also mental health. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of declines in cognitive skills and dementia, which includes Alzheimer's. People who exercise more tend to have better physical function and a lower risk of disability as well.

Get enough sleep

Many older people face difficulty sleeping. A lack of sleep largely increases the risk of dementia, heart disease, stroke, depression, and anxiety. Many people turn towards medication to help them sleep but do not consult a doctor first. This creates an extra dependency and can really cause harm to the human body.

Always consult a doctor before taking a medication for sleeping.

Suggested ways to improve sleep without medication are really easy to follow. Two big factors are to be sure that you're getting some exercise and that you're getting outside to enjoy nature. It's also important to dim lights and prepare your body to sleep. Getting up at the same time every day is extremely beneficial to a good night's sleep.

Positivity is key

It's very important to keep your own mentality in mind. Try to view aging as a positive thing. If your outlook towards your age is negative, then you're more likely to have negative experiences. A negative mindset can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses. And after all, there's no reason to be upset with your age. You're still the same person you were before, except now you get senior discounts for being a little older.
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