Anna K. Gaines, MD
Staying vibrant as we age
Vibrant is defined as "having or giving a sense of life, vigor or activity" and small acts can be incorporated into your daily life so you can age more vibrantly. Critical elements of healthy aging include exercise, mental stimulation, stress management and nutrition:
- Exercise is key to preserving mobility, and just "being active" is not sufficient. Seniors should exercise 150 minutes per week, which breaks down to five 30-minute sessions.
- Adequate mental stimulation is also important, so engage in doing puzzles, reading or learning daily.
- Managing stress with prayer, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques and counseling help counter negative effects.
- Lastly, focusing on
good nutrition plays an important role in the aging process, and following the Mediterranean Diet, which is primarily plant-based foods, can improve your cognitive function and reduce risks of cardiovascular disease.