Staying Healthy as a Grandma

For the past several years, my husband, Mark and I have both shed significant amounts of weight and begun living a healthier lifestyle. I’m not sure what might have been our past motivation, but crossing the half-century barrier, becoming empty nesters, and hearing “grandma” and “grandpa” for the first time may have had something to do with it!

The shock of all this occurring in a short period of time must have been more than our complacent, sedentary bodies could handle. Along with changing our eating habits, we started bike riding — something like 10 to 12 miles total on Saturday mornings. That was pretty fun, but definitely challenging. I didn’t remember bike riding as a tiring activity from when I was a youth! Since my job involves working from home, I started adding a ride or two to my mornings, or with Mark when he got home from work. And from there, it grew. Now, when the weather is warmer, we ride about 60 to 70 miles per week along the bike paths in town. It’s my therapy, or rather one of my therapies.

We’ve also taken up scuba diving — my other therapy — and it has become something that I absolutely love! Lest you think I’m just out looking for adventure, let me tell you how that started. I had no desire at all to learn how to dive. I was afraid of sharks and jellyfish, and I feared feeling claustrophobic. My daughter and her husband got certified to scuba dive so they could dive on their honeymoon, so my husband decided he should too. He needed a “buddy” to dive with and that’s where I came in. Of course, who else, right?

Well, I wasn’t exactly happy about it. I was actually terrified and my terror translated as complaints. However, being somewhat competitive, I went along with it. I went through with the classroom time and the pool time all the while seriously doubting I would ever really use this. An unplanned back surgery for my husband delayed our final “open water” testing. So I, Ms. Whine-and-Complain, suggested we do our final test in the ocean with the dive group in sunny St. Lucia. Naturally, I expected Mark to shut that down making that the end of it — wrong!

In addition to healthy activities such as biking and scuba diving, there are plenty of ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle during grandparenthood. Follow CapitalMOM’s tips to staying healthy at any age:

Get Preventive Screenings

Catching a problem before it develops into something more serious is key to a healthy lifestyle at any age. Make sure to schedule routine examinations for your: cholesterol, blood pressure, Pap smear, mammogram, bone mass measurement, risk of diabetes, dental health and skin health. Click for a list of preventative screenings at each stage of your life.

Reduce Stress

Chronic stress is a slow, but steady danger to mental and physical health. Find ways to manage stress through hobbies, exercise, friends and family or anything else that is a healthy form of stress relief. Avoid dependencies on tobacco and alcohol products as these contribute to poor health. Click here to take a free, confidential mental health screening.

Lower Life-Threatening Risks

Heart disease and stroke become more prominent risks as you get older. High blood pressure and cholesterol are common causes of both heart attacks and strokes. Pay attention to your stress level and maintain a diet low in sodium.

Get Necessary Nutrients

Bone loss happens with age, which is why it’s important to include calcium in your diet. Keep in mind that you’ll want healthy fats like omega 3s as well as whole grains, fruits, vegetables and fiber-enriched foods for a healthy diet.

Invest in Sleep

Rest is vital for longevity and healthy living. It’s important to ensure you’re getting the sleep you need. Too little sleep can increase your risk for health issues and too much sleep could be a symptom of something serious like anxiety or depression. Click to take a free online sleep screening.