COVID-19 has, unfortunately, created challenges to healthy living amongst Americans, especially for older adults. Whether its dieting, exercise, or mental health, the pandemic has posed new roadblocks for those who wish to keep up a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. Here’s the research and tips to help you.
According to a recent Healthy Living survey conducted by the AARP, findings suggest that social distancing, among other lifestyle changes, have had varied impacts on older adults. For instance, many have resorted to staying home to cook and eat alone, self-reporting that this has positively affected their attitudes toward cooking healthier for themselves.
Negatively impacting mental health, however, stress levels have spiked during the pandemic and caused these healthy eating efforts to go astray. Those older adults who are exhibiting increased levels of stress are more inclined to report this negative change in their eating habits. Nonetheless, this can be offset by actively participating in routine exercise, regardless of the exercise level (as measured by minutes per week of exercise). The study found that older adults who keep steady or increase the amount of time they exercise tend to experience reduced levels of stress as well as a decrease in negative feelings such as loneliness and depression.
So if you’re feeling down and out of shape during this pandemic, just look to this study to show you that even the simplest changes in habit can change your whole body for the better. And remember what has long been known to us:
“Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it.” – Plato
Stay well and we’ll see you on the trail,
Lisa
LMA Newsletter of 8-17-20
