Age is meant to slow us down. As our bodies go through changes, we start to have decreasing levels of energy – this is totally normal. The problem is when low energy stops seniors from completing their normal everyday tasks and is impacting elderly health. Give your energy levels a quick reboot with the following checklist:
Get Active. It may sound counterintuitive when energy is low to go out and do exercise, but a bit of activity really invigorates the body and promotes energy. Try walking, yoga, going to the pool, or even physical tasks such as gardening.
Nutrition. The saying goes you are what you eat, so it’s no surprise that the energy stored in your food correlates the energy you have throughout the day. Avoid foods with ‘cheap’ energy like sugars and starches, and head for more long-lasting and nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. If you’re feeling particularly low on energy, avoid alcohol and sweets, and drink plenty of water.
Sleep. Of course, sleep is very important to how much energy we have. If you’re not resting well, try sticking to a strict bedtime regime, which means turning off bright lights and TV/computer screens a couple of hours before bed, avoiding stimulants like caffeine, and always going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day. After a few nights of sticking to this schedule, you should start to get back on track.
Stress Management. Stress can literally attack us from the inside out. If stress is contributing to your low energy levels, create a strategy for managing it.
Reach out to Serenity Home Care, the leading provider of elder care in Victoria and the surrounding areas, for additional tips to improve senior health and to learn more about our customized in-home care for older adults.