Is your father taking care of himself?
"It's only when you grow up and step back from your father - or leave him for your own home - it's only then that you can measure his greatness and fully appreciate it." - Margaret Truman
You may agree that the hardest part of growing up is seeing our parents aging. And it absolutely breaks our hearts when our dads, who have always seemed indomitable, start suffering from health issues. It's because they prioritize us more than themselves, and forget to take care of their health while striving to make us happy. However, now that we have become adults, not to mention responsible, we must ensure our dads' well-being. Of course, they are still the 'superheroes' who would “never fall ill no matter what”. So, it's our job to monitor their health and make sure that they are following all the strategies for staying fit.
However, you need not worry much. In this article, we will discuss some easy yet healthy habits that you may encourage your dad to adopt. This Father's Day, June 16, ensure fitness and good health for your dad.
While everyone regardless of age should exercise every day, it's more important for our dads as they are aging. It helps burn calories and reduce body fats, thus aiding in weight management and further reducing a number of issues. On the other hand, it helps keep the heart healthy, reducing the risk of various cardiovascular diseases. And it (especially strength training) also helps build muscle mass and bone density, thus reducing the risk of arthritis and osteoporosis.
Even if your dad seems fit, it is important for him to work out regularly. So, encourage him to take at least 30 minutes out of their schedule every day for exercise.
As people grow older, their digestive functions become weak, making it harder for them to digest junk food (loaded with empty calories). And it's not just about digestion as older people need more nutrition as well. Hence, it's imperative that your dad focuses on eating healthy, nutritious food every day. Fill his plate with loads of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and lean proteins, and limit his intake of salt, sugar, and naked carbs. This will not only help increase his metabolism but also improve his cardiovascular health, bone health, cognitive functions, and more.
Sleep is a medicine for overall health, and its importance is even more for older people. Especially our dads, who work hard the entire day, need to get at least 7 hours of quality sleep daily to stay fit and healthy.
The body goes into repair mode during the sleep. And it helps improve cognitive functions, cardiovascular health, digestive health, and more. Several reports suggest that quality sleep can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline which is a common issue among older adults. Also, with sound sleep regularly, people can manage their mental health better.
Health is wealth, and so, the best gift that you can give your dad this Father's Day is his health. By encouraging him to adopt these healthy habits, you can surely make his life better, happier, and more active. And make sure to monitor his overall well-being frequently.
