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Some people are able to age healthier than others. There are many factors that have an impact on how well we age. Some, such as genetics, are beyond our control, but we can have an effect on some of the other factors. Making healthy lifestyle choices to care for both our physical and mental health can help us maintain a good quality of life and continue to live independently. Small changes, big difference Taking care of our physical health involves maintaining a healthy weight, being active, eating a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, limiting alcoholic drinks, not smoking, and having regular medical checkups. Small changes can make a big difference in how healthy we remain as we age. Here are some suggestions that can help. Maintaining a healthy weight is important. Obesity raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and disability. But don’t think that thinner is always better. Being too thin can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of a bone fracture. Exercise can help us live longer and better, and it is essential in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, but this isn’t the only reason to be active. Physical activity helps maintain muscle mass and prevent age-related muscle loss, allowing us to retain muscle function and continue to do the things we've always enjoyed doing. For more information on exercising at any age, check out the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guide at https://csepguidelines.ca. Another important factor we can control is eating a healthy diet. Making wise food choices can help prevent the development of some health problems and may even improve brain function. There are a lot of diet programs making all sorts of claims about their benefits, so how can you know what is really a healthy diet? A good place to start is with Canada’s Food Guide, which is available online at https://food-guide.canada.ca. !t recommends healthy food choices and even describes appropriate portion sizes. 22 = FALL/WINTER | 2022 Some things other than food that we take into our bodies can also have an effect on our health, especially tobacco and alcohol. If you smoke, quit. Research has confirmed that no matter how old you are or how long you've been smoking, quitting will improve your health. For helpful tips on quitting smoking, see “When it comes to smoking, be a quitter!" on page 24. Depending on your general health and the medications you take, you should either limit your alcohol consumption or avoid alcohol completely. Your doctor and pharmacist can advise you on whether drinking alcohol is safe for you. Taking prescription drugs can cause problems if you take too much, too little, or take them improperly. If you have any questions about your medications, talk to your London Drugs pharmacist. We can explain when to take them, how to take them (for example, with or without food), and which medicines may interact with each other. A full medication review of your prescription and non-prescription medications can be scheduled with your pharmacist once or twice a year without charge. To learn more about London Drugs medication reviews or to schedule an appointment, visit https://pharmacy.londondrugs.com/ pharmacy-services/medication-review. Getting a good night's sleep contributes to our health as well. Adults need seven to nine hours of sleep daily, but many often don't get all the sleep they need. This can leave them irritable, depressed, forgetful, and more likely to fall or have an accident. Looking after your mental wellness is also important to aging well. The article entitled “Protecting your mental health’ on page 3 will provide you with important information and helpful tips on maintaining your mental and emotional wellness. Continued
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