Holistic Wellness in Brief

Once we reach fifty, our views on health and wellness often evolve due to metaphysical changes . We have a renewed quest to increase vitality and ultimately, longevity.

This is where the idea of prevention over cure shines through. Holistic wellness, includes physical, mental, and emotional health. Taking this approach begins a pattern of self-care that ultimately leads to enhanced wellbeing.

Holistic wellness combines a balanced blend of body, mind, and spirit. It focuses not just on being illness free, but on thriving through preventive actions, and healthy lifestyle choices. A holistic perspective and its benefits for health and wellness 50 plus, cannot be overlooked. The choices we make now will directly influence our future quality of life.

By utilising prevention-oriented strategies centred around fitness, nutrition and relaxation, we can cultivate a vibrant and active lifestyle post 50.

Preventive Health Measures

Preventive health measures (such as regular check-ups, screenings, and discussions with healthcare professionals), are essential for spotting health issues early.

In addition, keeping up to date with vaccines is also important. For example, the Shingles vaccine is recommended for all adults over 65 and those over 50 with weakened immunity. The Shingles vaccine can can reduce the risk of developing Shingles, and/or lessen the symptoms and complications, NHS UK.

Over half of adults in the UK aged 55 or over develop some form of depression or anxiety (AGE UK). Therefore, it is crucial for overall well being to have open discussions about mental health.

Implementing these preventive measures can ultimately lead to early disease detection and therefore increased longevity.

 

Nutritional Choices for Longevity

As we age, our bodies need different nutrients to maintain optimal functioning. Eating a well balanced diet is always the best choice,

Healthy nutritional choices are:

1. 1. Whole Grains: Whole grains help keep blood sugar steady and provide sustained energy. Options such as oats, quinoa and brown rice offer fibre and essential nutrients.

1. 1. Healthy Fats: Support heart health and brain function. Include sources of Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds into your diet. For instance, studies suggest that eating fish at least twice a week lowers heart disease risk by up to 36%.

1. 1. Colours: Incorporate a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables into your meals. A portion of at least 5 different fruits and vegetables per day can significantly lower your risk of chronic diseases. Research shows that it is vitally important that we consume a variety of antioxidant-rich foods, to help maintain optimal health and prevent chronic disease.

1. 1. Adequate Hydration: Staying hydrated is essential for energy, digestion, and skin health. Aim for at least 8 cups of water daily, as dehydration can impair cognitive function and lead to fatigue.

Making informed choices about our diet significantly contributes to our overall well-being and longevity. Various factors can make receiving the daily recommended amounts of nutrients difficult. These include, busy lifestyles, the increased cost of living, and age related gastrointestinal issues, . Nutritional supplements can be used to bridge this gap.

As well as the above, age related hormonal issues can cause many health problems. These include, menopausal symptoms, prostate problems, urinary and sexual health problems, and bone and joint issues. These age related problems can all benefit from additional herbals and supplements. We have inadequate daylight levels in the UK, and this has prompted the UK Government to recommend a daily vitamin D supplement for all in the UK during the winter months.

In addition, studies show our Vitamin D levels can be up to half of those of a 20 year old by the time we are 70, making vitamin D supplementation even more important for this age group.

Physical Activity

It is vital we undertake regular exercise to maintain muscle tone, strength, mobility and balance, as we age. Chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and some Cancer’s can all be improved by engaging in moderate exercise. 150 minutes per week is recommended.

Various physical activities can include:

1. 1. Aerobic Exercises: Activities like walking, cycling, or swimming improve cardiovascular health. This can be difficult if the weather is bad. However, there are alternatives, such as compact devices that can be used at home .

1. 1. Strength Training: Bone density and muscle mass can decrease as we age. Adding weight or resistance training to your routine can help with this. Seen as traditionally male orientated, strength training is becoming increasingly popular for women over 50. According to the National Institute on Aging, engaging in strength training twice a week can decrease falls risk by 40%.

1. 1. Flexibility and Balance: Practices like Yoga and Pilates offer benefits for body and mind. These practices improve flexibility, and enhance balance. They can also help promote a calm mindset. Staying active can help you to feel better, sleep better and therefore function better. It can help keep thinking sharp and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression as we age.

UK Government Health Agency information showing the percentage reduction for chronic disease in physically active people

Stress Management

Attention to mental health is as important as physical health in terms of holistic prevention. One way to achieve this is by practising mindfulness which can greatly enhance emotional well-being.

Strategies that may help:

1. 1. Meditation: Daily meditation, even for a few minutes, has been shown to significantly lower stress levels plus enhance mental clarity. The NHS Campaign Every Mind Matters has some great Meditation advice for beginners.

1. 1. Deep Breathing Exercises: Practicing slow, deep breaths can reduce stress hormone levels. Try to practice these for 5 minutes a day. Again, NHS UK online has some really easy to follow techniques that you can try at home.

1. 1. Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings, to begin to address and process hidden emotions, and negative thoughts. This can lead to reduced anxiety.

1. 1. Social Connections: Strong relationships are vital for mental health. Strong Social Connections have even been linked to living longer!

Conclusion

In summary, by the time we reach 50, our health begins to become more of a priority. We begin to seek out new ways of coping with the symptoms of aging. Holistic wellness is a conscious lifestyle choice that focuses on prevention over cure.

When adopting a holistic approach to healing, it is important to remember that each element plays an essential role. By embracing the power of prevention over cure as we age, we really can enhance our lives.

Use the text links above for further information. Please look out for the next article in this series focusing on holistic wellness and prevention over cure.

 

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