Key principles for ageing well

There’s no escaping getting older, and sometimes daily life and enjoyable activities can become more of a challenge in later life. However, there are many ways in which most older people can help to potentially not only increase their lifespan, but also their health and wellbeing too, living an independent and fulfilling life in later years.

In this article, we look at some key principles for ageing well, making longer lives healthier and more enjoyable.

Jump to:

• What does ageing well mean?
• Staying as active as possible
• Getting enough sleep
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet
• Looking after dental health
• Looking after feet
• Taking age-related screening and medical tests
• Prioritising social interactions
• How to age well with peace of mind
  
  
  

What does ageing well mean?

‘Ageing well’ is a term that is often used in the media, but what does it really mean?

At TakingCare, we believe that ageing well is all about making the most of later years, experiencing an independent life with the best physical and mental health possible to enjoy it. Finding meaning and joy in later life isn’t always easy, but there are plenty of steps that older adults and those around them can take to help with ageing well.
 

Staying as active as possible

Being active in later life can be a challenge, especially if the older adult has existing health conditions or limited mobility. The good news is that even small changes in activity levels can be very beneficial to those in later life, helping to build strength, balance and fitness over time.

Staying as active as possible can help to lower the risk of developing many serious health conditions in later life, including some cancers, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke.

Getting enough sleep

Sleep is incredibly important to both physical and mental health, but many people find that the quantity and quality of sleep reduces as they get older. It’s recommended that elderly people get at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night, but many older adults find that their sleep patterns do change as they age and it can be difficult to either drop off to sleep or stay sleeping throughout the night. Our sleep tips for seniors might help.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet

Having a balanced diet in later life is important for several reasons, as it can impact mental health as well as lots of areas of physical health. Some older people find that their appetite reduces as they age, and in some cases, malnutrition can even become an issue if an older person isn’t getting the nutrients they need from their diet.

For many people as they age, eating a good balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, lean protein and vitamins and minerals

Take a look at our ideas for budget-friendly healthy eating for elderly people.

Looking after dental health

Many older people have dental issues and some might already wear dentures, a bridge or have missing teeth. Other common dental problems include receding gums and gum disease, the latter of which has been linked with health conditions such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s.

Gum problems especially can sometimes be caused by over-brushing teeth as well as not enough brushing, so regular dental check-ups are recommended in later life to spot any issues early.

Looking after feet

Foot problems in the elderly are very common, and can have a huge impact on quality of life if it reduces mobility or causes chronic pain. It can also increase the risk of having a fall, and causing further injury.

Some older people also suffer from swollen feet and ankles, which can also have an impact on quality of life if not managed effectively. Those with type 2 diabetes also need to take extra care with elderly foot care, as infections can be very serious.

Taking age-related screening and medical tests

There are lots of health checks and screenings offered to those in later life, some of which are especially important for over 75s, which help to pick up any issues early. This can mean that the right treatment and management of many developing conditions can often have the best possible outcome for the older person.

This not only applies to medical tests offered by most GP practices, but also checking elderly eye health and for any hearing loss regularly, as this can have a big negative impact on quality of life if any problems are not spotted early.

Symptoms of dizziness

Many older people struggle with loneliness and isolation, even if they don’t always tell their loved ones that they feel this way. In later life, established social circles tend to shrink and it can have real consequences for mental health and enjoyment of life.

For those older adults who are active and able to go out and about, volunteering can be a great way to meet new people, as can taking up new hobbies or joining a sports team aimed at older people.

Simply talking, whether in person, on the phone or on video calls can also be beneficial for those feeling isolated or alone.

For more ideas, our guide to combatting elderly social isolation might be useful. 

How to age well with peace of mind

There are lots of things that can potentially hold some older people back from making the most of later life. Doing new or different things can often feel daunting. One solution that could make a big difference in terms of having the confidence and peace of mind to try new things and get out and about more could be a personal alarm system.

At TakingCare, some of our personal alarm devices include GPS technology and work anywhere within the UK, so are ideal to wear both in and outside of the home. A single press of the emergency button, at any time of the day or night, means that assistance can be reached. Fall alarms include built-in fall detection. This can bring real peace of mind to those worried about potentially having a fall or accident, knowing that their 24/7 monitored alarm will enable them to reach out for help if it’s ever needed.