According to the National Institute on Aging (NIH), as a person ages, they become more prone to chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, dementia, and various kinds of cancer.
Luckily, all of these conditions become less likely when you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle as a senior in Arizona comes with its own set of challenges, but ultimately, it’s well worth it to live a longer and happier life well into your golden years. Keep reading for tips on healthy lifestyles for seniors living in Arizona.
Good Mental Health Is Crucial for a Healthy Body
It can be difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle if your mind isn’t up to the challenge. That’s why it’s so important to maintain optimal mental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), your mental health has the potential to negatively affect your overall health. Unfortunately, seniors face unique challenges that have the potential to negatively affect their mental health.
Issues such as:
- Mixed feelings about retirement
- Potential health issues (some that can be serious)
- Stress over a new diagnosis
- Grief from losing a partner or friend becomes more likely
All of these issues can lead to loneliness, isolation, depression, and anxiety. According to the NIH, older adults who experience loneliness and social isolation are more likely to experience depression, heart disease, and cognitive decline. Older adults are also more likely to experience depression, which puts them at an even higher risk of heart disease and dementia.
As you can see, mental health issues tend to put you more at risk for physical health issues. Luckily, studies suggest that maintaining a positive outlook, finding a hobby you enjoy, and finding a social outlet are all linked to decreased risk of dementia and better moods.
Tips for Improving and Maintaining a Positive Outlook
Find Something Fun You Enjoy
The NIH notes that studies suggest that those who participate in leisurely activities that they enjoy display improved quality of life and overall well-being. Therefore, consider a new hobby, find a book series you enjoy, or find a new project to allow you to be creative and feel relaxed.
Find Mental Stimulation
Engaging in puzzles, writing, reading, playing games, and learning a new skill can all positively impact cognitive health.
Maintaining Positive Social Connections
Joining a social club and staying in touch with family and friends can help reduce loneliness and social isolation.
Managing Stress
The NIH notes that studies suggest that cortisol (the stress hormone) levels in the body begin to rise after middle age. Managing this by talking to your doctor about your options, meditating, and getting regular exercise can all help you manage this increase in stress.
Get Good Quality Sleep
Studies suggest that those in their 50s and 60s who get six hours or less of sleep per night have an increased risk of developing dementia and depression. If you struggle with sleep, discuss your options with your doctor.
Maintaining Your Physical Health
Taking care of your mind is crucial, but caring for your body is as well. Especially considering that these things tend to go hand in hand. If you’re struggling with your mental health, you’re more likely to struggle with your physical health and vice versa.
A healthy lifestyle for seniors should include the following:
Getting Regular Exercise
The NIH explains that people who get regular physical activity live longer and more comfortable lives. Regular exercise not only makes you feel better, but it can be especially important as we age to focus on maintaining the strength and balance necessary to avoid potential falls.
Caution: Arizona seniors in particular should be mindful of excessive heat when exercising, as those over 65 are more likely to experience heat-related illnesses.
Some of the Benefits of Regular Exercise Include
- Reduced anxiety, stress, and depression
- Prevents disability and pain
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Helps maintain a healthy weight
- Increases flexibility, balance, and overall strength
- Reduces fall risk
- May improve sleep
Eat a Balanced Diet
According to the National Library of Medicine, older adults may sometimes require fewer calories as they begin to slow down. However, this doesn’t mean they require any less nutrients. This is why a healthy diet for seniors should consist of nutrient-dense foods such as:
- Lots of fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean meat
- Low-fat dairy
- Nuts and seeds
Maintaining a healthy diet can also assist seniors in maintaining a healthy weight, which reduces the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. To get enough nutrients, seniors should also avoid filling up on foods with “empty calories,” such as:
- Potato chips
- Candy
- Baked goods
- Soda and other sweetened beverages
- Alcohol
Bonus tip! Stay hydrated: Seniors in Arizona should opt for drinking plenty of water, as those in warmer climates require more water to stay properly hydrated.
Avoid Unhealthy Habits
The NIH notes that smoking increases the risk of several diseases, such as certain types of cancer, certain lung diseases, and heart disease. Therefore, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health.
Regularly See Your Doctor and Heed Their Advice
Seeing your doctor regularly is the best way to catch issues before they begin to cause you discomfort or become more complicated to treat. Making an appointment at least once a year (more if any issues arise), and getting their medical advice on recommended tests, cancer screenings, and lifestyle suggestions is the best way to stay on top of your health. Doctors can assist you in the best ways to take your medication as directed and live comfortably as you age.
The Benefits of Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
- Reduces your risk of chronic diseases
- Reduces your risk of cancer
- Reduces your risk of mental decline
- Reduces your risk of depression
- Helps you live longer
- Helps you feel better
Haven Health Is Here To Help
Whether you or your loved one is looking for physical therapy services, occupational therapy services, or assisted living services, Haven Health has options to assist all patients live a healthy lifestyle for seniors. At Haven Health, we understand that every patient is unique and therefore, every patient’s treatment should also be unique to their needs. Here, you can expect customizable treatment plans from caring and professional staff.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle as a senior living in the Arizona desert isn’t super easy. It is, however, always worth it. By making the effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle and taking advantage of the support systems available to you, you’re more likely to live happily and more comfortably into advanced age.
Are you looking for a skilled nursing facility or an assisted living facility in Arizona? Contact Haven Health today to learn more about their extended list of inpatient and outpatient services.
Sources:
About Mental Health. (2025).
Healthy Aging. (n.d.).
Healthy Aging Tips for the Older Adults in Your Life. (2022).
Heat and Older Adults (Aged 65+). (2024).
What Do We Know About Healthy Aging? (2022).