Culturally, when we talk about losing weight, we usually do so with an eye toward how we look. However, reducing the amount of fat on your body also offers a number of other benefits, like better sleep quality and better general health. If it’s time for you to shed some excess weight, here’s how to do it without going through too much work or too much expense.   Work in a Workout Chances are, you’re well aware that one of the keys to weight loss can be exercising. Many people don’t exercise though because they think of it as something they don’t enjoy. They see it as too much work, too much discomfort, or just plain ineffective. Yet, Live Science notes that even short workouts can be effective in your weight-loss program — and you can do something you enjoy! If traditional options like jogging, cycling, or yoga don’t appeal to you, think about martial arts, volleyball, or indoor climbing. There are plenty of ways to get your workout in without investing in a costly gym membership; for example, put on a playlist and work on your dance moves, do some yard work for exercise, or download some free fitness apps that coach you on good choices and workout routines. To keep yourself comfortable, you should always dress appropriately for whatever activity you choose. For instance, for most sports, you’ll want supportive, good-fitting athletic shoes, stretchy outer clothing, and appropriate undergarments. If you need to invest in some new pieces, you don’t need to spend a bundle there, either. Retailers like Old Navy offer activewear, you can shop online for their sales, and you can even pick up an Old Navy coupon or promo code to help you save even more money on your purchases.   Examine Eating Habits The other obvious key to dropping unwanted pounds and inches is consuming fewer calories. Keep in mind, however, that we aren’t suggesting you should eat less food; that’s not the same thing as consuming fewer calories. In fact, if you play your cards right, you might even be able to eat more on your weight-loss journey — or eat less and feel satisfied. As Woman’s Day explains, there are some foods that work as appetite suppressants. Eggs, beans, avocados, and Greek yogurt are just a few foods that make you feel full, so you’ll need less food to be satisfied. There are several reasons for this. Foods with the right types of fat, protein, and/or fiber are the key, and with some foods, like avocados, you get more than one of those magical nutritional components. Since they are more nutrition-dense and lower calorie than unhealthier options like processed or fast food, you can often consume larger quantities. Another way to produce that fantastic full feeling is with soups. By making soups with healthy sources of fat, protein, and fiber, you get the whole package, all in your bowl. On top of that, soups are ultra-convenient. You [...]

Age is the primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, and a variety of other illnesses. However, just because you are getting older doesn't mean you can't take steps to stay as healthy as possible. With preventive care, technology, and healthy habits, you can increase longevity, improve immunity, and lower the risks of contracting a number of diseases.   Preventive Care As you age, annual physicals and preventive screenings become more and more important. You need to catch cancer and other diseases early for the best chances of recovery. When it's time to renew your health insurance, compare Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage plans to figure out the best choice for you. The Medicare Open Enrollment period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During this time period, you can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan (and vice versa). You can also change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, as well as add or switch your Medicare Part D plan (prescription drug coverage). Medicare Advantage plans are legally required to cover everything covered by Original Medicare, plus many offer other benefits such as dental, hearing, and vision care, as well as prescription drug coverage, wellness programs, and gym memberships. Compare the premiums, copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles of various plans, as well as the list of benefits, to determine which plan will meet your needs.   Daily Exercise Exercise is vital for people of all ages since it can benefit your blood pressure, sleep habits, and all other areas of life. One way to track your physical activity level is by using smartphone apps. If you'd like to upgrade your current phone, look for a new phone that has the capacity to run a variety of apps. The Samsung Galaxy S10 is a top choice with its high processing speed, durable Gorilla Glass, and super quick wireless charging capability. If you are more of an Apple fan, then check out the new iPhone 11 Pro Max, which has an amazing triple camera system and fingerprint-resistant glass. In addition to having a great smartphone, you should also look into getting an unlimited data plan so you can use your new phone as much as you’d like. Some of our favorite exercise apps for seniors include: Johnson & Johnson's 7 Minute Workout - This app is great if you are on a time crunch and want to get in a quick but effective Runkeeper - This app tracks your speed, distance, and routes with GPS, whether you are hiking, biking, or training for a marathon. Instant Heart Rate - This app allows you to monitor your heart rate accurately and easily by putting the tip of your finger on the camera lens.   Healthy Eating Exercise isn’t enough to stay healthy. You also need to eat well. According to reports by the World Health Organization (WHO), a majority of the diseases that older people suffer from are the result [...]

Falls are Deadly for Seniors While heart disease is the number one killer in the world, falls are the leading cause of death and injury for older adults in the United States. When a senior falls, they risk lacerations, bone fractures, and head traumas. Once they have a serious injury like that, it doesn’t take long for other health issues to snowball and leave lasting damage on the person’s body. Even if the fall doesn’t take their life, it can lead to mobility issues and continued care needs that can significantly impact a senior’s mental health. The best course of action is to do whatever is possible to prevent falls for older adults. Vertigo from medications can often play a roll, so always review your medicine’s side effects, and have your doctor replace ones that cause dizziness or drowsiness. Evaluate your environment. It may behoove you to remove trip hazards like rugs, ottomans, and coffee tables in rooms with a lot of traffic. Open up curtains and let more natural light in, and consider adding more lamps and lights to rooms without windows. Seniors should have their vision tested at least once a year and report to their optometrists if they find their eyesight growing weaker or often experience blurry vision. Dress comfortably and choose shoes that are supportive and provide good friction.   Exercise as Fall Prevention One fall prevention method that often gets overlooked is regular exercise. Many people assume that because the body is less mobile than when it was young, they can’t participate in sports or work out at the gym. The truth is, exercise has a whole slew of benefits for seniors. Working out regularly helps reduce the risk of developing certain diseases. Combined with a healthy diet,  it is a great way to control weight. Exercise is also really beneficial for mental health. It relieves stress and reduces anxiety. When you exercise, your brain also gets a surge of feel-good neurotransmitters that promote feelings of positivity. Working out can also help prevent overall cognitive decline -- something seniors can really benefit from. When it comes to exercises for seniors, it’s important not to push the limits too much. The best exercises are low impact for a reduced risk of injury. Keeping the workouts indoors is also a good idea. While there are benefits to exercising outdoors, when limiting oneself to the indoors, seniors have easier and quicker access to medical help if needed.   Cardio Exercises for Seniors Cardio exercises improve respiration, heart health, and immunity. An easy cardio workout for seniors to pick up is swimming. Swimming is gentle on the joints and very soothing. It doesn’t have to be done at any certain speed, and most seniors have access to a pool within their community. You can also use cardio equipment like treadmills, stationary bikes, or elliptical trainers that allow you to control the intensity of your workout while tracking progress.   Balance Exercises for Seniors Balance [...]