Swimming is a great exercise for older adults as it is cardiovascular, but does not put extra strain on your joints. (Phovoir (123rf.com))
What is aging? A multifaceted process consisting of a decrease in functions of the human physiology and a higher risk of morbidity and mortality, with an increase of disease incidence.
The importance of the concept that “prevention is better than curing,” could not be more appropriate when talking about human aging. Could we treat aging as if it were a “disease” by itself? And isn’t it better to try and take the most appropriate measures that act as disease-modifying agents in order to have better quality of life and increased life expectancy? The answer is “yes” to both questions.
Diet, exercise, mental health and prevention exams are definitely the easiest, yet most effective, measures that we can all take to improve our quality of life and decrease disease burden.
Having a Mediterranean diet rich in poly-unsaturated fats, healthy proteins and fibers coming from sources like extra-virgin olive oil, wild fish and vegetables is an easy and productive way to get the daily intake of vitamins, anti-oxidants and macro/micro-nutrients necessary for the proper functioning of the human body.
A good exercise routine consisting of mostly isotonic and cardiovascular exercise, such as swimming, which doesn’t put strain on your joints, is perfect for cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health.
Let us not forget about mental health. There is a need for proper care and love towards our mental health, which, through several mechanisms like the stress-responses of the neuro-endocrine axis, affects overall health.
We take our cars to routine checkups, so why would we not do the same for our bodies? Prevention exams are recommended for proper routine screenings of the body. Prevention campaigns and regular medical checkups to adjust medical therapies and take action to prevent disease or worsening of existing conditions are also recommended.
