5 Positive Ways Older Adults Can Enjoy a Balanced Lifestyle

(BPT) – As you age, it may be challenging to keep your life feeling both balanced and positive. For example, keeping up with your own health and nutrition, changes to your professional career, and spending time with friends and family can all lead to stress, which may have a negative impact on your overall feeling of well-being. Fortunately, you can help support a well-balanced lifestyle by making more positive choices around nutrition and daily activity.

Here are five things you can try to improve the balance in your daily life.

1. Sneak in more protein throughout your day

Protein is considered to be one of the most important nutrients as you get older, yet up to 44% of adults over 60 do not meet minimum protein requirements, according to The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging. You can increase your daily protein intake with snacks like nuts, seeds and Greek yogurt, but it can still be challenging to get enough protein through normal diet.

One easy and delicious way to add more protein to your day is the new BOOST High Protein Cinnabon Bakery Inspired Flavored Nutritional Drink, which contains 20 grams of high-quality protein to help maintain muscle, plus 27 vitamins and minerals to help meet your daily nutritional needs — with no artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors. Protein plays an important role in muscle health, bone health, and immune function, so stock up on these drinks and enjoy them daily.

2. Try new recipes

Visit your local grocery store or farmers market regularly to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables, which provide vitamins, fiber, and other nutrients that your body needs. Have fun experimenting with new recipes using these fresh ingredients, and you may discover all kinds of interesting new textures and flavors.

3. Explore the outdoors

Fresh air can feel invigorating, and getting exposure to even a small amount of sunshine every day gives you vitamin D, which is known to help boost your mood and energy. A simple way to enjoy the outdoors is to take a daily walk, but if you want more variety, consider new hobbies that bring you out into Mother Nature.

Taking part in outdoor activities can make a real difference when it comes to finding balance and enjoyment each day. Swimming, biking, hiking, yoga, gardening, and more — whatever pastimes that get you moving outdoors, bring you joy, and put a smile on your face are worth spending time doing.

4. Plan social times

Having strong social ties and meaningful relationships increases the quality of life and adds balance and meaning to your days. It’s not about the number of connections, it’s about quality. Make time to socialize with friends, families, and people in your community.

Some ideas include joining a book club or game group, planning weekly phone chats with friends, meeting for monthly lunches with family, and signing up for continuing education classes in subjects of interest or groups at your local community center or church.

5. Prioritize rest

A balanced day isn’t just about eating well and moving your body. You need to make rest a top priority, especially as you age, so your mind and body can properly recover. This means getting at least seven hours of sleep a night, as well as taking breaks during the day if needed. There’s nothing wrong with a quick nap, so listen to your body.

Using these tips, you can start finding a better balance in your life and supporting your wellness journey by taking positive steps that help you feel your best, every day.