We have recently published a new book about health and the over 50s.
It’s called ”How To Stay Healthy, Active And Sharp In Retirement” and it’s available on our web site at www.mylifechange.com.au. It’s quite different from most of the health books you’ll find in book shops because it focusses on the health issues that people in their 50s, 60s and 70s generally have to manage.
The book was written by 15 leading health experts and it’s most encouraging to find that it’s possible to delay the ageing process and be healthy and active in our 60s and 70s. We just have to follow the advice from the authors and have a good, positive attitude.
Following is an extract from an article about the importance of having an active immune system. It was written by a professor from Monash University and explains what we need to do to keep our immune system in good shape.
The Top Ten Tips for an Efficient Immune System:
- Minimise stress: The immune system is affected as much by mental and emotional factors as it is by physical ones. Keep up an active social life with friends and family.
- Try new things: An active mind interested in the world helps to stave off loneliness, stress and depression.
- Get good quality sleep: Adults needs seven to eight hours of quality sleep every night to support healthy immune function.
- Try not to oversleep: Too much sleep can be detrimental, and can be a sign of depression.
- Exercise regularly: Keeping the body active helps to prevent illness.
- Don’t overexercise: If you have a day where you do much more than usual, for example, when travelling, make sure that you factor in time to rest and take it easy. Without that down time, your body can easily become overworked.
- Get outside: Vitamin D from sunshine and fresh air help to keep you healthy.
- Eat a balanced diet: Try to eat a variety of fruit and vegetables, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates. Don’t forget to add in the occasional treat!
- Try to limit alcohol: Have at least two alcohol free days per week.
- As always, if you have any health concerns, see your GP. Recurrent illnesses or infections can be indicative of an immune system that isn’t doing what it should. Everyone should have a check-up at least once a year.
To order a copy of the book, go to our web site at www.mylifechange.com.au. You’ll see a picture of the book on our home page.