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Fall is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful times of the year, and a favorite season for many people. But the days are getting shorter and the temperatures are getting colder. For some seniors, that means moving down south to stay where it’s warm. For others, however, it’s important to prepare for the seasonal changes so you can continue to feel your best.
If you want to make the most of this season and get through the cooler months of the year enjoying what they have to offer, keep some of these tips in mind to enjoy fall without breaking the bank.
1. Eat Healthy & Exercise
Paying attention to your diet is important year-round, but in the fall it’s especially important to stay active and to eat a healthy diet. You might be tempted to stay inside as much as possible as the temperatures drop. There’s nothing wrong with that and there are plenty of ways to stay active inside. But if you can get moving and enjoy some of the beautiful scenery outdoors, you can get your blood flowing, and you may even be able to take advantage of nature’s ability to reduce stress and lower blood pressure.
Along with staying active, eating right is essential in the fall. It’s the time of year when people tend to enjoy more comfort foods and spend time inside baking up sweet treats. While it’s okay to indulge in your favorites from time to time, keeping healthy, powerful foods in your diet that are filled with vitamins and antioxidants will help you to stay strong and vibrant through the season.
Comfort foods are often laden with fat and sugar, so balance out your intake by choosing foods that are high in fiber and low in fat like whole-grain cereals. Eating right is especially important if you have existing health conditions, such as diabetes.
2. Spend Time Outside
We briefly touched on some of the benefits of being outside in the previous section, but there are so many more to consider. For one, getting outside can help you to avoid other harmful habits, like spending hours in front of the television or staring at your smartphone. Spending too much time on your phone can be a strain on your mental and physical health, causing potential eye issues, and even making it difficult for you to socialize in person.
If you don’t want to go for a brisk autumn walk or be outside in cooler temperatures, you can still enjoy the beauty of the season by taking a drive. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings. Conditions in the fall and winter can change quickly, and it tends to get darker earlier. Going on a relaxing fall drive is always fun, but if you don’t feel comfortable behind the wheel or you tend to get lost, it’s okay to have someone else do the driving for you.
3. Take Care of Your Skin & Eyes
The sun still shines in the fall, and it can be just as damaging as it is in the summer months. If you’re going to be spending any time outdoors this fall, it’s important to protect yourself as much as possible. Not only does too much sun cause premature aging of the skin, but it can put you at a greater risk of melanoma.
The sun can also damage your eyes if they aren’t protected, leading to prolonged damage and potential vision problems. Wearing sunscreen with SPF protection and contact lenses with UV protection can keep you covered throughout the fall so your skin will stay healthy and your eyesight can stay sharp.
4. Take Advantage of Assisted Living
If you’re worried about taking care of yourself this season, or you’ve been having a harder time getting around and you’re concerned the colder months and shorter days will make it more difficult, it might be time to consider an assisted living program.
Understand your options when it comes to assisted living, and don’t be afraid to have a conversation about it with your family and loved ones. Most assisted living facilities allow you to maintain some type of independence while making sure you have the care you need. Many have regular activities to keep you busy, and it’s a great way to meet new people and socialize.
Fall is a great time of the year and there is no shortage of activities to enjoy the season. But when you take the time to take care of yourself and measure out your priorities, you can continue to feel your best not only through the fall, but through the colder winter months as well. Your health and well-being should always be your top priority, and by utilizing some of the tips listed here, you can make sure you’re putting them first all season long.
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