Aging is unfortunately an unavoidable process that comes with a number of aches, pains and general discomfort. Whether it’s back pain that never seems to go away or aching joints that just don’t bend the same as they used to, you can expect to deal with something similar as you enter your senior years.
However, there are a number of things that can be done in order to ease these aches and pains and make the ageing process a little more bearable. These hacks against ageing don’t need to cost an arm and a leg, but they can make a world of difference. So, if you’re looking for ways to make the ageing process a little more comfortable, here’s what you can do:
Consider Taking Supplements
As you age, your body starts to go through a number of changes. Your metabolism slows down and you don’t absorb nutrients from food as well as you used to. Because of this, you might want to consider taking supplements in order to make up for any deficiencies.
Some good supplements to take as you age include vitamin D, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids. You can get all of these nutrients from food, but it can be difficult to get enough through diet alone.
Taking supplements can help to ensure that your body is getting all the nutrients it needs in order to function properly. This is particularly helpful if you’re not able to get out and about as much as you used to and are eating fewer fresh foods as a result.
Stay Active
It’s important to stay active as you age in order to keep your joints and muscles healthy. Even if you can’t do the same type of strenuous exercise that you did when you were younger, there are still plenty of ways to stay active.
Taking a brisk walk around the block, going for a swim or taking a yoga class are all great ways to stay active without putting too much strain on your body. Staying active will help to keep your joints and muscles healthy, which can in turn help to ease any pain that you might be experiencing.
Use Heat or Cold Therapy
If you’re dealing with pain in a specific area, you might want to try using heat or cold therapy. Applying a heating pad to aching muscles can help to ease pain and stiffness, while applying an ice pack to a joint can help to reduce inflammation.
You can buy reusable hot and cold packs, or you can simply use a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel. Experiment with both heat and cold to see what provides the most relief.
Another great way to use heat or cold therapy is by taking a bath. Adding some Epsom salts to a warm bath can help to ease muscle pain, while adding some ice cubes to a cold bath can help to reduce inflammation. If you find getting in and out of the bath is difficult, then research the best walk-in tubs and choose the one that suits your needs.
Stretch Regularly
Stretching is another great way to ease any pain that you might be experiencing. If you’re dealing with back pain, for example, doing some simple stretches can help to ease the tension and pain.
If you’re not sure how to stretch properly, there are plenty of resources available online or you can ask your doctor or physical therapist for advice. Stretching regularly can help to keep your muscles and joints healthy, which can in turn help to reduce pain.
Get a Massage
If you’re really struggling with pain, you might want to consider getting a massage. Massages can help to ease muscle tension and pain, and they can also be incredibly relaxing.
If you can’t afford to go to a professional masseuse, there are plenty of ways to give yourself a massage at home. You can use a foam roller, a tennis ball or even your own hands. Just make sure not to massage an area that is already painful as this could make the pain worse.
Try Acupuncture
Acupuncture is another great option for those who are struggling with pain. This ancient Chinese practice involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points. This is said to help to ease pain and improve overall health.
Acupuncture is generally considered to be safe, but it’s always best to consult with your doctor before trying it. If you decide to give it a try, make sure to find a qualified practitioner who uses sterile needles.
Adjust Your Diet
What you eat can have a big impact on the amount of pain that you’re in. Eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
On the other hand, eating a diet that is high in sugar, refined carbs and unhealthy fats can actually make pain worse. So, if you’re struggling with pain, it might be time to take a closer look at your diet.
Quit Smoking
If you’re a smoker, quitting is one of the best things that you can do for your health. Not only can smoking lead to a number of health problems, but it can also make pain worse.
Smoking causes inflammation throughout the body, which can make pain worse. Quitting smoking can help to reduce inflammation and pain, and it’s also one of the best things that you can do for your overall health.
Get Plenty of Sleep
When you don’t get enough sleep, your body goes into a stress response. This can actually make pain worse. So, if you’re struggling with pain, it’s important to get plenty of rest.
Aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. If you have trouble sleeping, there are a number of things that you can do to improve your sleep quality. These include avoiding caffeine in the afternoon, establishing a regular sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine.
While ageing is an inevitable process, there are a number of things that you can do to make it more bearable. These hacks can help to ease the aches and pains that come with ageing, and they can also improve your overall health. So, if you’re looking for ways to make the ageing process a little more comfortable, give these hacks a try.