10 Tips for a Happy Healthy Life10 Tips for a Happy Healthy Life

A healthy lifestyle is just as important as a healthy diet to seniors. Nutrition and lifestyle go hand and hand as they work together to achieve optimal health. Alongside, a diet rich in fresh, unprocessed and nutrient-dense food, seniors should feed their soul with any or all of these 10 lifestyle tips:

1. Soak up sunshine

Step outside and let the warm sunshine hit your skin within reason (be sure to use sun protection for extended time periods). Even 10-15 minutes can be incredibly beneficial as sunlight is needed to produce Vitamin D, which helps fight off disease. Also, natural, bright sunlight can ignite feelings of happiness and help with depression, such as SAD (seasonal affective disorder), often caused by lack of sunlight .

2. Take a walk

A simple walk can help improve circulation and boost your mood. A walk can potentially lead to a new, joyful interaction, experience or observation. Even better, walking can reduce aging and increase lifespan!

3. Spend time with nature

Slow down and smell the roses, seriously. Watch it rain, listen to birds sing and let the wind hit your hair. Spend time with nature, appreciate it and take a moment to feel connected with it. Become present and let nature deliver happiness.

4. Listen to music

Music can change your state of mind. It can get you on your feet. And, it can take you to new and old places. Check out our Bob Seger Guide to Creating Amazing Playlists.

5. Read a book

Escape into a new world through a good book. Relax and enjoy time alone with a book and find ways to learn and grow from it.

6. Socialize with others

Spend quality time with other people to listen to their experiences, share your own experiences with them and enjoy experiences together. Laugh, love, and learn from others and embrace the company.

7. Express Gratitude

Each day, take a moment to think of something you’re grateful for. Acknowledge, welcome and don’t take for granted the positive aspects of life that make you happy.

8. Try something new

A new hobby, restaurant, book, TV show or song can open the door to a new world of possibilities. Personal growth and increased happiness can result from exploring new things.

9. Spend time with someone younger

Whether it’s a baby or a young adult, youth can ignite nostalgic feelings, offer new experiences and teach you about new ways of life. Younger people can also bring out your youthful side.  Feel young again by hanging out with someone young…

10. Spend time with an animal

Animals can be furry anti-depressants that provide unconditional love, entertainment and happiness. Spend time with an animal and relish all the benefits!

Don’t underestimate the power of a healthy and rewarding lifestyle. The smallest positive addition can make a significant impact on health and happiness.

Natalie Drugan is a nutrition and lifestyle health coach. Natalie is dedicated to helping others make healthy choices centered on clean food, toxic-free environments and happy living. Natalie received her nutrition health coaching certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in NYC, the world’s largest nutrition school. As a Certified Nutrition Health Coach, she studied over 100 dietary theories and learned from world-renowned experts and doctors including Andrew Weil, MD, Walter Willet, MD, Mark Hyman, MD and Deepak Chopra, MD. Natalie is board certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP). Additionally, Natalie received her BBA in Marketing from Texas A&M University.

11 Comments

  1. Rachel August 18, 2016 Reply

    Spending time with animals is a good tip. Whether this is volunteering at your local animal shelter or even adopting a senior furry friend, it will definitely boost your mood! Thanks for sharing the tips.

  2. Sofia Cano October 6, 2016 Reply

    Hey Natalie,
    Great tips you’ve shared with us! I believe myself #3 is the best practice to get the better result. Because nature teach us to become happy in the life. Thanks for your great post and hopefully it enjoy everybody.

  3. Elie November 11, 2017 Reply

    Hi Natalie, I love whatever points you have mentioned here out in your article, no doubt listening to musics is great for me. Yes it is very interesting to spend some time with animal and more importantly being socialize which keeps you away from all the stresses and tensions.
    Thanks for sharing.

  4. Robert James April 24, 2018 Reply

    We must have to follow these tips like drinking more water, eat fresh fruits and vegetables and do exercise regularly for the healthy living lifestyle. Do not drink alcohol, smoking cigarettes and eat junk foods. many thanks for sharing your lovely experience with us. I love your writing.

  5. Stella Mary July 11, 2018 Reply

    Great suggestions to lead a happy and healthy life. Each suggestion is so valuable. Searching for new things in life, being grateful for what we have are great to be followed. Thank you for sharing the advice.

  6. Living well therapy August 13, 2018 Reply

    Loving the tips literally! They sure works. I myself when return home after working all day it’s super relaxing to read with a warm cup of tea. Washes all the tiredness off of you.

  7. Mariamartinez August 17, 2018 Reply

    Loved this tips and whole article

  8. Christine W. Neumann September 7, 2018 Reply

    I love spending time with Nature, it helps me calm and relax the mind and soul..

  9. Ram Kadam January 31, 2019 Reply

    Nice tips! Optimism has immense power and optimistic people tend to commit to their goals more often than their counterparts.

  10. Ashley Johnson July 9, 2019 Reply

    I liked that you said that one thing to consider when trying to live a healthier lifestyle is to utilize socialization to listen to other people’s experiences and find people who you relate with. I would imagine that making friendships and connections with people who are going through similar life situations would help you to feel comfort and peace. I would be sure to consider connecting through an online healthy living community to help me to feel less alone and to get me going on the right path with support.

  11. Kate Hansen August 7, 2019 Reply

    I like how you included that even 10-15 minutes of sun exposure can be beneficial with vitamin D. My sister feels as if she doesn’t live a healthy life and wanted to know how she can become healthier. I’ll make sure to pass this information along to her as she tries to have a healthier lifestyle.

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