When it comes to our well-being, most of us tend to think of the here and now. How can I avoid getting sick now? How can I get my joints to feel better today? It’s all with well-intentions, but what we often find is good habits take some time and commitment to stick to. With the onset of a global pandemic, many of us are looking to an uncertain future. There are, however, simple steps we can put in place now that will help us cultivate the healthy and happy lifestyle we yearn for no matter what challenges may lay ahead of us as a society. Read on to find out which choices will help protect you now and in the future.

Improved Dietary Habits

Nourishing your body doesn’t have to be complicated or restrictive. In fact, one of the most important tips for good health involves adding to your diet. That’s right, just by adding a few glasses of water to your daily intake of fluids you could dramatically improve your health. Nutritionists claim water can help lubricate joints, help maintain blood pressure, prevent kidney damage, and offer a whole host of other benefits.

When it comes to eating well, the guidelines are pretty simple here too. Science has shown eating a plant-rich diet is key to maintaining long term health. You don’t necessarily have to cut out all meats and poultry, but rather add in more fruits and vegetables as well as limit dairy, processed foods, and most alcohol. And in return, you lower your risk for heart disease, dementia, cancer, metabolic disease, overweight and obesity, and diabetes.

Starting or Increasing Physical Activity

Study after study proves the critical health benefits associated with physical activity. Things like walking the mall or swimming can be excellent choices for those with joint issues. For seniors to reap the benefits — such as improved balance, reduced coronary disease, and hypertension — they’ll need at least 20 to 30 minutes of daily activity. Trying a new physical endeavor can also help your future self create social connections, which is a key aspect of healthy aging.

Making Sure You Have Long Term Health Benefits Covered

For a lot of us, money matters are to be dealt with here and now. We’re busy figuring out important transitions such as when to retire, what our long-term care options look like, and how much we should have in savings to live comfortably in this next phase of our lives. But to give our future selves the best chance at succeeding, we also need to plan for the long run in financial terms. Beyond savings, investing in something as simple as prescription drug coverage can save you from financial ruin. Given that brand name drug prices have skyrocketed in past the decade, if you’re left without prescription drug coverage, these increases could spell monetary disaster. Medicare Part D offers financial assistance for drug costs as well as low or no monthly premiums, depending on your select plan.

Plan Now For Your Future Wellness

The road to a happy and healthy life is, of course, made up of your daily health habits such as eating better, keeping social connections, and maintaining a regular exercise routine, but it also requires some thoughtful long-term planning as well. Healthy aging should include thinking ahead to the financial and medical issues you’ll have to face in the future.

Have you started longevity planning yet?

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