Headlines were made this week when it was announced that ‘millennials look set to be the fattest generation.’ While the internet might show a growing focus on healthy eating and living, it seems that this isn’t necessarily the case. With obesity being linked to several health problems, including diabetes and cancer — it’s important that young people do their part to maintain a healthy weight.
In contrast, older people show a much lower rate of obesity compared to millennials — particularly those coming from the post-war ‘baby boomer’ generation. Is there something to be learned from the way older people live their lifestyles? Give some thought to the following.
Starting the day off right
The way you start your day can make a big difference to your health. Getting a good night’s sleep is a good start — something which isn’t always likely after a night of partying and drinking. Older generations were less likely to spend their evenings out on the town, making a good sleeping routine simple. Remember to start the day off with a healthy breakfast, something that was standard for the older generation. This will stop you from snacking throughout the day or overindulging during your lunch break. Eating a good breakfast becomes even more important as you get older, so make sure that you start the day off right.
Get outdoors
Being outdoors is good for your health. While millennials might be the Netflix generation, it’s important to make an effort to be outside and get some much-needed vitamin D. The town of Acciaroli in southern Italy has recently become the focus of a study of why residents are more likely to live to 100, and it seems a hearty Mediterranean diet and plenty of time outdoors could be the key to healthy living. Instead of lunching at your desk every day, make an effort to venture outside — you’ll be surprised at the difference it can make.
Walk more
Older generations were around way before Uber became a thing. While they might have owned and driven cars, there was a greater emphasis on walking that was ideal for keeping the weight off. Walking is a great form of cardio, as well as giving you time to listen to podcasts or tick some things off your to-do list, so making an effort to walk more could offer you many benefits. Walking 10,000 steps a day could help you burn up to 500 extra calories — something which could help you lose a pound a week. Making simple lifestyle changes can make you more attractive, while also benefiting your health — so why not make some positive changes to your diet and fitness routine?
Helping older people learn from us
While there’s a lot that we can learn from older people about healthy living, there’s also a lot they can learn from us. Spending time with older people in your life can help them learn about technology and computers, while also helping you to notice when they might need extra help. They might not know their rights to an attorney for nursing home abuse or what benefits they’re able to claim, so make sure to offer a helping hand when you can. This type of knowledge sharing could benefit the both of you when it comes to health and knowledge.
Maintaining a healthy weight is important, and it could be our habits that inform the next generation. So do your bit by taking charge of your weight and look to your elders for lessons in how to stay healthy.
