Ageing is a natural and inevitable stage in life and it is only a matter of time when both me and you reach this stage. While many of us are unclear of what the future might hold for our bodies, it’s never too late to take steps to stave off potential diseases as we age.
The biggest concern when it comes to ageing is the emergence of health challenges which may affect one’s lifestyle. It could start as something insignificant such as the feeling of tiredness after a run, which you can just sit and catch a breather for a minute or two, before hopping onto other activities. But as the years go by and when your body physically ages, a 10-minute brisk walk could bring feelings of tightness in the chest and rapid heartbeats when you are in your late sixties or seventies.
Globally, there are about 962 million people aged 60 and above. This group size is expected to increase to 2.1 billion by 2050. In Singapore alone, the proportion of Singaporeans aged 65 and above is 13%.
What can be done?
While you can’t run away from old age, there are some actions you can take on the path to healthy ageing.
Improve immune system
The prevalence of chronic health problems such as heart diseases, stroke, cancer and diabetes are rising, especially in older adults. To manage, it is important to go for regular health check ups at a clinic or take part in some light exercise routine to keep the body active.
Some essential oils that can help to boost immune system are:
Lower blood pressure
The number one cause of poor heart health is high blood pressure. As we grow old, our blood pressure gradually rises from the normal reading of 120/80 mmHg at ages between 20-24 years old to 134/87 mmHg for seniors above 65 years of age.
To lower blood pressure, try some of these essential oils:
Healthy Diet
Eating healthy also contributes to a healthy ageing path. Having plenty of fruits and vegetables that are high in nutrients will help your body fight the ageing process.
- Calcium and Vitamin D
Calcium promotes strong, healthy bones and teeth. As the elderly are more prone to falls, having weak and brittle bones may also worsen the severity of the fall. Milk and cheese are high in calcium, while green leafy vegetables are rich in Vitamin D. Try to incorporate having foods that are high in calcium and vitamin D in your daily diet to build a strong body.
- Fiber
Fiber-rich foods help to lower blood pressure, heart diseases and prevent Type 2 diabetes. Whole-grain breads, cereals and beans can provide the necessary fiber to your body. Another benefit of fiber is that it promotes healthy digestion by moving foods through the digestive tract.
- Potassium
This nutrient is essential for cell function as it helps to reduce the risk of kidney stones and urinary-related infections. Potassium also helps to regulate fluid balance and muscle contractions. Add banana, prunes, plums and potatoes into your meals to achieve the daily recommended intake of 4,700mg of potassium.
To stimulate appetite, try diffusing some Grapefruit essential oil in the dining area during meal times.
Remember, it’s never too late to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Although ageing can’t be stopped, the measures you take now will affect your ageing process in the future. It is always important to take a step back and keep your health in check by making healthier and wiser choices.