New Year’s Resolutions for Healthy Aging Living well is a great goal at any age!

Pubished in All About Seniors of the Upstate Winter/Spring 2021 

By Dr. Erica L. Savage-Jeter, Regional Medical Director, Partners in Primary Care

Here’s a quick overview of some healthy goals you can set for 2021:

Choose to Eat Well

Aging slows down your metabolism, which means you actually need to consume fewer calories. You also need more of certain nutrients to maintain your health, such as calcium, fiber, and vitamins D and B12. Healthy eating after 65 starts with understanding what your body needs and then preparing nutritious meals.

Talk to your physician about your unique health and dietary needs so that together you can make a plan. Giving your body the right nutrients will help you stay active and independent. If you need a good motivator to stick to your New Year’s eating plan, remember that healthy eating is one of the best ways to combat chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.

Choose to Exercise

Few things contribute to rapid aging and loss of mobility like not using our bodies. Along with a good diet, staying active is the key to aging well. Your fitness routine can be as basic as a brisk walk through the neighborhood or as robust as group exercise classes designed for seniors. But remember: How you exercise isn’t nearly as important as simply getting active on a daily basis. Here’s a little insight to stay motivated: according to the CDC, exercise can help seniors stay independent, lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and depression, and even combat arthritis.

Choose to Sleep Better

As we age, we often get tired earlier, wake up earlier and experience less deep sleep, but a full, restful night of sleep is part of a healthy lifestyle. It’s your body’s time to repair and rejuvenate. If you feel like you’re not sleeping well enough, a few things can help. White noise machines and reducing daytime naps are a good start. Also, exercising during the day can help you sleep better, and when it’s time to go to bed, swap bright screens for a good book and soft lighting.

Choose to Get a Checkup

Finally, the best thing you can do after 65 is get a yearly checkup with your doctor. Depending on your health, you might even benefit from seeing your primary care physician more often. Please keep in mind that tele-health appointments may be an option for those who prefer to consult with their doctor from the comfort and safety of their home. A checkup is your chance to understand the state of your health and work with your doctor on any lifestyle adjustments that you need to make in order to keep aging well.

Hopefully these tips will help you enjoy a happy, healthy year. Partners in Primary Care specializes in senior-focused care, including for seniors 65 and older. For more information about Partners in Primary Care, call 864-523-8827 or visit SeniorFocusedUpstate.com.

Dr. Erica Savage-Jeter attended Wofford College and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. She earned a Master degree in Business Administration from Auburn University and her degree of fellow from the American Academy of Family Physicians. Her career has centered around the care for people with chronic illnesses including diabetes, congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation.  In 2013, Dr. Savage-Jeter was recognized for her commitment to provide evidence-based measures and excellent care to patients with diabetes by the National Committee of Quality Assurance. Dr. Savage-Jeter is Regional Medical Director with Partners in Primary Care  864-651-9026    PartnersinPrimaryCare.com